Professional Negligence Law Reporter

During the 35th week of her pregnancy with twins, Doe went to a hospital following the premature rupture of her membranes. The twins were delivered successfully via cesarean section. Several hours later, Doe developed hypotension, tachycardia, and other symptoms, which did not resolve despite alleged intervention by hospital staff. Approximately two hours later, Doe’s treating obstetrician returned to the hospital and after approximately another two hours ordered emergency surgery.

Within 30 minutes of the surgery, Doe became unresponsive. Despite chest compressions and intubation following her cardiac arrest, Doe died. She is survived by her children, including her newborn twins. The cause of death reportedly was exsanguination from internal bleeding caused by suture dehiscence.

Suit alleged failure to timely return Doe to surgery in light of her symptoms over a four-hour period, which indicated internal bleeding and hypovolemic shock.

The parties settled for $1.5 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Confidential Jxn., Ct., & Date).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Brewster S. Rawls, Richmond, Va.