Aug 22, 2024 in News Legal News

Legal News: A Needle Was Left in This Woman's Spine During Childbirth

During a routine childbirth procedure, Giovanna Ippolito experienced something no one should ever have to endure: a needle was inadvertently left in her spine. When exactly this occurred is uncertain as she had needles inserted during the birth of her two children, one in 2002 and the other in 2004. 

Despite the discovery of the needle fragment via an X-ray years later, the exact moment the error occurred remains a mystery, as it was never documented in her medical records.

This birth injury has left Ippolito in constant pain, affecting her shoulders and right leg. This four-centimeter fragment, now surrounded by scar tissue, poses significant risks and cannot be safely removed. 

Birthing Injuries Such as This Are Far Too Common in Canada

Though the circumstances surrounding Ippolito’s case are unique, the incidence of birthing injuries in Canada unfortunately isn’t. Canada ranks last in a group of 24 high-income countries, seeing the highest rate of maternal trauma. 

The impact is more than physical. 51% of women who have had an operative vaginal delivery (OVD) and 42% of those who had a cesarean delivery avoid further pregnancies due to a fear of childbirth.

The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons and the hospital involved have conducted multiple investigations into Ippolito’s complaints. However, these efforts have yielded neither any answers nor pinpointed accountability from the medical professionals involved. 

The situation is yet another drop in a growing trend: documentation failures and inadequate investigations leaving patients without recourse.

Here’s What Medical Malpractice Lawyers Say You Can Take Away from This

It is vitally important for all birth parents to vigilantly track their medical records, pay close attention to post-childbirth symptoms, and consult with medical malpractice lawyers who specialize in birth injuries promptly, should they suspect medical negligence. 

If the birth mother or your child exhibits physical injuries or indications of pain, you should contact a doctor immediately. This will ensure prompt medical intervention, preventing a situation such as Ippolito’s where the injury cannot be corrected. Moreover, the existence and extent of the injury will have been recorded formally.

Serious maternal and neonatal injuries have the potential to hinder life plans and livelihoods, which is why you need to assert your rights. Speaking to a birthing injury lawyer will help you understand your options for minimizing your financial burden and receiving the damages you are entitled to. 

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries during childbirth, schedule a complimentary consultation with our birth injury lawyers today.