St. Louis County (Mo) Circuit Court
Several days after delivering a child by cesarean section, a woman began experiencing severe abdominal pain. Although no abnormality was noted on postoperative x-ray, a surgical sponge was later found in her abdomen, requiring surgical removal.
The woman claimed negligence was committed by the Ob/Gyn for not removing the sponge, the radiologist for not detecting its presence on x-ray, and the hospital team for inaccurately accounting for the sponges prior to surgical closure.
The Ob/Gyn testified that he relied on the surgical team to keep accurate track of the sponges used.
- The radiologist settled for an undisclosed sum. The jury awarded the plaintiff $175,000, with fault assigned at 20% to the Ob/Gyn, 20% to the radiologist, and 60% to the hospital.