Parents Win $74 Million in Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

A San Luis Obispo couple won more than $74 million medical malpractice lawsuit against a local doctor that delivered their baby.

Andrew and Jennifer Blunt sued Dr. Kurt Haupt for a botched delivery of their daughter on April 19, 2003 at Siena Vista Regional Medical Center. The mishandled delivery lead their daughter Sofia Blunt to develop cerebral palsy. After two days deliberation, the jury awarded the Blunts a total of $74,225,000 after finding the doctor negligent during the delivery of their baby girl. The jury, composed of eight women and four men, was deeply affected by the case and evidence drove their decision to find the physician to be responsible for the botched delivery.

The awarded money will mostly cover the medical expenses that the family will have during the course of Sofia's lifetime. Some members of the jury hugged the family outside the courtroom after the verdict as the now three-year old Sofia is on a stroller with a harness.

“Damage to this little girl happened, and the evidence showed us that, more likely than not, the doctor was negligent,” said Melody Eltrich, the jury foreperson. “Nobody wants to make someone pay for no reason. This was a life-changing event.”

The Blunt's lawyer presented evidence that shows the baby's heart rate fluctuating wildly, but the doctor did not examine the cord blood properly or made efforts to finish the delivery quicker. Defense lawyers argued that a blockage of mucus on the baby's airway that caused loss of oxygen to the brain was the reason for the development of the cerebral palsy.

It is up to Judge Charles S. Crandall whether the compensation can be lessened or not, but both camps believe a reduction is very likely.

Medical malpractice is a common personal injury case in San Luis Obispo. If you think you are a victim of a malpractice, you should contact a personal injury lawyer in San Luis Obispo right away. Lawyers in San Luis Obispo can help you build your case and seek justice. Find a San Luis Obispo attorney expert in medical malpractice. Attorneys from San Luis Obispo can be consulted for free, so you can consult as many as you want before settling with one.

Source: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2012/04/20/2037565/blunt-malpractice-lawsuit-haupt.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy