Professional Negligence Law Reporter

During the 40th week of her pregnancy, 32-year-old Elizabeth Tigani’s water broke, and she was admitted to Greenwich Hospital to deliver her first child. During the second stage of labor, which lasted for approximately nine hours, she requested a cesarean section and allegedly was assured that her baby could be delivered vaginally. Early the next morning, however, Tigani was taken to the operating suite for a cesarean delivery.

Although her child was uninjured during the delivery, Tigani suffered serious and permanent injuries to her uterus, vagina, and bladder, among other problems. She has experienced fistulas, incontinence, and sexual pain and dysfunction, and is unable to have more children.

Tigani sued Westchester Medical Group, P.C., and a treating obstetrician, alleging that surgical negligence and the doctor’s delay in ordering a cesarean section led to her injuries. The plaintiff also claimed that the obstetrician failed to engage in shared decision-making and allowed her to endure a prolonged second stage of labor.

The jury awarded approximately $30 million.

Citation: Tigani v. Westchester Med. Grp., P.C., No. FST CV-16-6029906 S (Conn. Jud. Dist. Stamford Oct. 11, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members David Golub, Sean McElligott, and Sydney Geer, all of Stamford, Conn.