Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Lavanya Vennapureddy was admitted to a hospital for a planned induction of labor. The fetal heart rate monitor revealed continuing distress, including decelerations. Treating providers allegedly placed an internal monitor on the baby’s scalp and performed maneuvers to increase fetal perfusion. These measures did not reduce the fetal heart rate. Almost three hours later, the fetal heart rate allegedly changed from tachycardia to bradycardia. The attending midwife or nurses allegedly notified Vennapureddy’s treating gynecologist, who performed an emergency cesarean section.

Vennapureddy’s daughter was born in a significantly depressed condition and was diagnosed as having suffered hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. She was transferred to a children’s hospital but died a few days later.

Vennapureddy and her husband sued the gynecologist, a medical practice, the hospital, and others, alleging claims for wrongful death and survival. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendants failed to perform an earlier delivery in light of the fetal distress. The defense disputed the plaintiffs’ claims.

The parties settled for $1.8 million.

Citation: Gade v. Shah-Parikh, No. 2020-13491 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Montgomery Cnty. Sept. 14, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member James E. Beasley Jr., Philadelphia.