Doctor, hospital sued over child's brain injury suffered at birth

Asphyxia during her birth led to permanent injuries suffered by Hayleigh Baum, according to a recently filed lawsuit.

Curshell Baum filed a lawsuit Oct. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, Dr. David Walters and Heartland Women’s Healthcare.

In her complaint, Curshell Baum claims she gave birth to her daughter, Hayleigh Baum, on Oct. 13, 2011. During the birth process, Walters failed to apply a fetal scalp electrode to Hayleigh Baum’s head throughout the entire labor, failed to recognize some disconcerting tracings on the fetal heart rate monitor and failed to timely deliver Hayleigh Baum, according to the complaint.

As a result, Hayleigh Baum was born with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, which is normally characterized by brain injury because of asphyxia, the suit states.

In turn, Hayleigh Baum suffered mental anguish and disfigurement, was prevented from attending to her usual duties and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Curshell Baum seeks a judgment of more than $675,000, plus costs.

She will be represented by Samantha S. Unsell of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-581.