Date: 12-21-2000

Case Style: Cantreall and Cantrell v. Williamson County Hospital District d/b/a Williamson Medical Center and Sue Crowley, R.N.

Case Number: II-98576

Judge: Russ Heldman

Court: Circuit Court, Williamson County, Tennessee

Plaintiff's Attorney: John A. Day and Kathryn Barnett of Branham & Day, P.C., Nashville, Tennessee

Defendant's Attorney: Robert Trentham of Miller & Martin, Nashville, Tennessee and Bob Burns of Howell & Fisher, Nashville, Tennessee

Description: Medical Malpractice - Still birth - Loss of love and earnings of a fetus - Parents claimed loss of their unborn child's love, society and affection. Tina Cantrell went into labor at 38 weeks of gestation on September 11, 1997 and presented at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee. A fetal heart monitor placed on Tina indicated that her unborn child was in distress. Plaintiff's claimed that an emergency Caesarian section should have been performed on an emergent basis. However, Mrs. Cantrell was sent home by the nurse after reviewing the fetal heart monitor strip and consulting with a physician. He fetus died in utero the next day.

Defendants admitted liability and the case was tried on the issue of damages only but called no witnesses.

Outcome: Judgment for the plaintiffs in the amount of $6 million including $1 million for the loss of the love and affection of the unborn fetus and $4 million for the fetus' lost future earnings and $1 million in prejudgment interest.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: None