A Miami teenager died shortly following child birth at a major hospital as the result of unrecognized complications. The teenager had entered the Miami hospital after having a normal pregnancy and delivered the child without any significant problems. Shortly following childbirth, the young girl developed shortness of breath and other symptoms of heart failure. The treating obstetrician failed to recognize the significance of the symptoms and failed to provide treatment. As a result, over the next 12 to 18 hours the teenager got worse and eventually died. She is survived by her parents and infant son.
At the time of the incident, the involved doctor did not have any medical malpractice coverage. The settlement funds were obtained from the hospital for nursing negligence.