Legally Speaking: Postpartum atony results in hysterectomy

The defense claimed that the patient's uterus did not contract in spite of uterine massage, uterine compression, and administration of medications, including carboprost tromethamine, oxytocin, and methylergonovine. They argued that there was not sufficient time to perform uterine artery ligation, given the profuse life-threatening bleeding and the patient's unstable condition.

A defense verdict was returned in 2005, but a new trial was granted and resulted in a $5 million verdict. The matter ultimately was settled posttrial for $2 million.