$3 Million Settlement for Ignoring Signs of Fetal Distress

A 17-year-old was admitted to Jersey City Medical Center in early stages of labor with her first child. Since she was a clinic patient, she was attended by residents and nurses, employees of the Jersey City Medical Center, who examined her and attached an electric fetal monitor. Her labor continued for over 24 hours.

Blume Goldfaden principal John Blume says that toward the latter stages of labor, there were clear signs of fetal distress which were not recognized or acted upon by the nurses or resident physicians. By the time the child was delivered, she had suffered profound permanent brain damage, resulting in spastic quadriplegia, psychomotor retardation, and cognitive impairment. Mr. Blume obtained $3 million for the child and her guardians.