Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Hernandez v. Cook Cnty., No. 15 L 011937 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. June 7, 2019).

Leticia Lara, 38, experienced vaginal bleeding in the last trimester of her third pregnancy. She went to a hospital, where she underwent blood work, fetal monitoring, and an ultrasound before being released. She continued to experience bleeding. Five days later, she was admitted to a county hospital, where she delivered her child. During the delivery, she developed an increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure; however, she was instructed to continue with her vaginal delivery. After the child’s birth, Lara experienced massive bleeding for more than an hour and required a blood transfusion. She was then transferred to the facility’s intensive care unit but died the following day.

Lara is survived by her husband and three children, including her newborn child.

Lara’s husband, on behalf of her estate, sued the first hospital and the county, alleging failure to timely diagnose and treat placental abruption. The plaintiff claimed that the fetal monitoring strips from the first hospital showed frequent contractions, which warranted an admission, and that staff at the county hospital should have discontinued the vaginal delivery in light of Lara’s condition. Additionally, suit claimed that the county hospital failed to provide timely and sufficient blood products to treat Lara’s massive bleeding, including fresh frozen plasma and platelets. The plaintiff did not claim lost income. 

The parties settled at mediation for $8.5 million. The county paid $7 million, and the first hospital paid the rest.

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Keith A. Hebeisen and Sarah F. King, both of Chicago.