The case

An Illinois couple's child was born disabled due to the negligence of the delivering physician who delayed an unexpected Caesarean-section surgery for 45 minutes which deprived the child of oxygen and caused his disability. The child, now seven years old, has no control over his limbs, requires a feeding tube and must use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Although the couple negotiated a separate settlement with the hospital where the surgery occurred, their lawsuit against their physician went to trial and resulted in the large verdict. According to reports, $10.5 million of the award will go toward the future care of the child.

Medical malpractice doesn't always involve doctors

Medical malpractice occurs every day. In fact, between five and ten percent of hospital patients report being a victim of medical malpractice every year. Unfortunately, not all victims get the relief they are entitled to. Although a doctor was found guilty of medical malpractice in this case, medical malpractice can also result from non-doctor related routine procedures that result in injury or death.

Common medical malpractice claims include cancer misdiagnosis, nursing home abuse, plastic surgery errors, prescriptions errors, birth and Cesarean complications and anesthesia accidents.

If you think that you may be the victim of medical malpractice in any form, consult a medical malpractice attorney who focuses his or her practice in that area to find out if you have a case.