A woman in Helena, Alabama was recently given the go ahead to proceed with a wrongful death claim following a miscarriage. The ruling was handed down from the state’s Supreme Court, overturning a previous ruling by Jefferson County court, which had dismissed the woman’s claim.
In Alabama, children are protected from the moment of conception. Justices of the high court used this as a basis for their ruling. According to the justices, the original judge was incorrect in ruling that the doctor in the case could not be held liable for the miscarriage because the child would not have been viable if born.
According to documents from the hearing, Kimberly Stinnett had been informed of her pregnancy on May 9, 2012. Two days after learning of her pregnancy, Stinnett experienced cramping and a fever. She called her doctor and was told to go to the emergency room. Stinnett advised doctors that she had had two prior miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy.
Stinnett was treated for a possible ectopic pregnancy by a Dr. Karla Kennedy who was filling in for Stinnett’s regular obstetrician. On May 14, Stinnett’s regular obstetrician took over the case, advising her that she was having a failing intrauterine pregnancy. The pregnancy was suspected to be failing due to injections administered by Dr. Kennedy. Stinnett suffered a miscarriage on June 8, 2012.
The couple will now move forward with their wrongful death claim against Dr. Kennedy.
If you have been treated irresponsibly or negligently by a doctor in New York, reach out to our team of experienced medical malpractice attorneys. We will review the details of your injury at no cost to you and advise you of the options available to you and your family. Call today to schedule your free consultation.