Facts

On Sept. 6, 2010, Ashley Hodson was in labor at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center. She was under the care of Dr. Jeffrey Cowan, who delivered her baby. However, while giving birth, Hodson suffered from a uterine inversion and required emergency surgery.

Hodson later sued Cowan and Torrance Memorial, alleging that they negligently performed the delivery and negligently inflicted emotional distress. They argued that the defendants actions constituted medical malpractice.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Hodson argued that Cowan did not meet the standard of care during the delivery, because he negligently supplied excessive traction to the umbilical cord.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Cowan claimed he was within the standard of care, and that uterine inversion was a recognized risk of vaginal delivery.

Damages

Hodson sought $5,000 for past medical costs and $250,000 for her pain and suffering.

Result

The jury returned a defense verdict.

Deliberation

1.5 hours

Poll

9-3

Length

four days