Brain damaged twins receive $13.2 million in malpractice lawsuit

By Daniel Hawn

Published on May 05, 2006

According to the lawsuit, the twins' mother, Lisa Lindstrom, was 26 weeks pregnant when on Nov. 2, 1995 she developed a fever of 102 degrees. She called her doctors to inform them and she also told them that she believed she was suffering from a urinary tract infection, the suit alleges.

Later that night Lindstrom was taken to the emergency room after her temperature increased to 104 degrees and she began to undergo contractions, the lawsuit states.

Doctors initially administered muscles relaxants to prevent Lindstrom's labor; however, approximately a day and a half after Lindstrom was admitted, Dr. Morgan T. Smith Jr. delivered the babies via Caesarian section.

The twins were born with severe brain damage, and weighed less than two pounds at birth.

Two medical experts who reviewed the matter concluded that Lindstrom did suffer from an infection that increased her babies' risk of brain damage. One expert said the infection could have been diagnosed if amniocentesis had been performed. The same expert said that the twins will never be able to care for themselves and will require treatment for various conditions for the remainder of their lives.

The jury held Smith negligent in the matter.

Smith's attorney was unavailable for comment.

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