$25.4 Million Jury Verdict for Overuse of Pitocin During Labor and Failure to Properly Supervise Resident

Rachel Harris was admitted to Truman Medical Center to deliver her child. She was given Pitocin over the course of approximately 6 hours. She was attended by a family practice physician, Dr. Kelly Sandri, and a resident-physician. Harris’s baby suffered hypoxic-ischemic brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy.

Harris, on her daughter’s behalf, sued the hospital and Dr. Sandri, alleging excessive administration of Pitocin, which led to the child’s brain damage and birth injury.

Harris also alleged that Dr. Sandri had not properly supervised the resident who also chose not to respond to signs of Pitocin overdose evident on the fetal monitor.

Before trial, the Harris family settled with the hospital for an undisclosed amount. With the case proceeding through trial, the jury signed a verdict in favor of the Harris family for $25.4 million.

The attorneys successfully handling this tragic case were Joseph P. Cullan and Patrick J. Cullan, both of Omaha, Neb., as well as Ryan G. Terril of Kansas City, Mo.

Harris v. Sandri, No. 1816-CV-28721 (Mo. Cir. Ct. Jackson County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling labor and delivery negligence lawsuits, cerebral palsy injury lawsuits, birth injury lawsuits, obstetrician negligence cases, hospital negligence lawsuits, misdiagnosis, and wrongful death cases for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 45 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Palos Hills, Worth, Waukegan, Aurora, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Wheaton, Carol Stream, Willowbrook, Countyside, Hickory Hills, Orland Park, Chicago (North Park, West Ridge, Avondale, Lakeview, Old Town, Little Italy, Hyde Park, Calumet Heights, East Side, Washington Heights, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, Ukrainian Village, West Side, Bucktown, Lincoln Park), Oak Park, River Forest, Melrose Park, and Franklin Park, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.