A recent lawsuit filed by Arteisha Betts and Travis Ammonette says a doctor went to grotesque lengths to cover up the accidental death of their newborn son in the delivery room.
The lawsuit claims that the doctor pulled too hard on the infant’s head during delivery, causing the head to detach from the body. To cover up the mistake, they say he then forced the baby back inside Betts and ordered an emergency cesarean section, or C-section.
Prior Warnings
At an earlier appointment, a physician told the couple that due to the baby’s size, Betts would likely need to give birth via C-section. When it came time to deliver, however, Dr. Gilbert Webb of St. John’s Mercy Medical Center would only perform a C-section after attempting a vaginal birth. He also allegedly would not allow the couple to leave and go to another hospital. Reluctantly, the couple agreed.
Birth Gone Wrong
During labor, the newborn’s (Kaden Travis Ammonette) head emerged from the birth canal. He was reportedly still alive at the time. The doctor attempted to pull the baby out and severed the cervical spine. Parents say blood splattered from the neck. The parents say this is when Webb attempted to push Kaden’s “head and body back into” Betts’ birth canal and ordered an emergency C-section. The doctor allegedly began the operation before the anesthetic took hold, causing Betts significant pain. During the C-section, the doctor “completely removed” Kaden’s head “from his neck and torso.”
Assigning Blame
The parents are suing Webb for wrongful death, medical negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
We have no words to describe the horror of this complaint. Patients trust doctors to proceed with honest, professional care, and this doctor’s alleged actions are truly beyond the pale.
If you believe that your child suffered unnecessary injury or death during delivery, you can seek justice against the doctor and hospital to discourage future wrongdoing. You can also claim damages for your pain, suffering, medical bills or funeral costs. Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about birth injuries.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – birth trauma lawyers
