Legally Speaking: Postpartum atony results in hysterectomy

Article

An Illinois woman delivered her first child in 1999 by cesarean delivery and minutes thereafter experienced uterine atony with severe blood loss.

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.

Recent Videos
Empowering women to take charge of their health | Image Credit: © piecesofi.com - © piecesofi.com - stock.adobe.com.
Supporting women through menopause with knowledge and care | Image Credit: © SHOTPRIME STUDIO - © SHOTPRIME STUDIO - stock.adobe.com.
How fezolinetant revolutionizes non-hormonal menopause therapy | Image Credit: imsociety.org
Gulf War exposures linked to early menopause in women veterans | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Vanessa Muñiz discusses benefits of clinical hypnosis against hot flashes | Image Credit: mindbodymedicine.artsandsciences.baylor.edu
Elinzanetant displays positive phase 3 safety and efficacy data against VMS | Image Credit: © toeytoey - © toeytoey - stock.adobe.com.
Lauren Streicher, MD
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.