Couple Sue St. B Hospital Over Injury To Left Arm During Birth

Aug 6, 2003 | Winnipeg Sun A Winnipeg couple is suing St. Boniface General Hospital, claiming their baby was born without the use of his left arm because of brain injuries suffered during delivery.

The baby's mother was called to hospital on Aug. 4, 2001, after her doctor realized she was five days overdue. While in labour the next day, the woman's husband was contacted to give his permission for doctors to perform a caesarian birth.

The caesarean was never performed, however, and now the parents are claiming their son suffered a mechanical injury caused by traction to the head during birth.

They claim their son hasn't been able to properly move his left arm since being brought home -- requiring them to travel to the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children for a diagnosis last year.

UNDUE FORCE

The parents claim doctors at St. Boniface Hospital used undue force while using forceps to deliver their son and should have used the caesarean method they were initially considering.

They're seeking unspecified damages.