Jury Says Doctor Negligent In Cerebral Palsy Case

A California jury says a couple should get $74 million for a doctor’s botched delivery of their daughter that resulted in her developing cerebral palsy.

Lawyers say the San Luis Obispo County judge will determine the exact amount of damages, which will likely be reduced.

The San Luis Obispo County Tribune said Andrew and Jennifer Blunt sued Dr. Kurt Haupt for negligence during the delivery of their daughter Sofia three years ago.

Family attorney Nicholas Rowley says the girl’s heart rate was fluctuating wildly and the doctor didn’t hasten the birth or conduct a proper examination of cord blood.

Defense lawyer Peter Bertling said a blockage of mucus in the airway caused the loss of oxygen to the girl’s brain and cerebral palsy.

The verdict was announced Friday.