Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Chong-Hsiang Liang, an obstetrician employed by the United States, attended to Flor Guzman after she was admitted to Glen Oaks Hospital in labor. Guzman experienced a spontaneous rupture of membranes, and meconium staining was noted. Liang ordered oxytocin, which was administered at the time the fetal heart tracings demonstrated a non-reactive fetal heart rate. Liang then used a vacuum extractor to deliver Guzman’s son, who was born with a nuchal cord. He was later diagnosed as having suffered a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Now 8, he suffers from cognitive delays.

Guzman and the baby’s father, individually and on his behalf, sued the United States and the hospital, alleging Liang had negligently ordered the oxytocin despite the baby’s nonreassuring heart rate patterns. Suit also alleged the physician had negligently used forceps to deliver the baby, failed to timely deliver him, and failed to perform adequate assessments of fetal well-being during labor.

The parties settled for $2 million.

Citation: Guzman v. United States, No. 1:16-cv-05151 (N.D. Ill. Jan. 13, 2021).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Thomas G. Siracusa, Chicago.