Facts

A minor plaintiff, who is now seven-years-old, brought an action through his guardian ad litem, Alicia Telles-Hernandez, claiming that the management of his birth caused him injuries.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The minor contended that defendant's delivery of him did not meet the standard of care because defendant permitted the mother to labor for an excessive amount of time, following the breaking of her membranes. The minor alleged that this caused an ascending infection. The minor also asserted that defendant should have performed an emergency C-section and that available information showed that such a procedure was needed.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant averred that the delivery of the minor was proper and that the minor's injuries were inevitable. Further, defendant alleged that the minor's final condition following birth fell within the ordinary risks and problems associated with labor.

Settlement Discussions

The minor demanded $3 million and the defense offered $100,000.

Damages

The minor sought the entire PCV of defendant Sutter Medical Center for the projected life expectancy and $250,000.

Injuries

The minor suffered brain injury, cerebral palsy, and a reduced life expectancy of over 60 years.

Result

The court awarded the minor $5,000,000.