Mother and infant daughter sue doctor for delivery malpractice

A mother and her infant daughter are suing a doctor, health care foundation and hospital for medical malpractice during vacuum-assisted delivery.

According to a lawsuit filed Feb. 20 in Madison County Circuit Court, Kyna Mitchell and her daughter, Daunyauh Mitchell, are suing Dr. Saji Jacob, Southern Illinois Health Care Foundation Inc. and Alton Memorial Hospital for medical malpractice.

On Feb. 20, 2007, Kyna Mitchell was admited to the hospital for labor induction due to pre-eclampsia at term. Jacob allegedly tried to perform at vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery on the plaintiff, which failed on several attempts, the lawsuit states. When the vacuum cup was released and the delivery completed, the shoulder to which the cup was attached exhibited weakness "suggestive of Erb's palsy."

The vacuum procedure, the lawsuit states, caused permanent nerve root damage and brachial plexus injury.

The plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $150,000, plus costs.

The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Ralph J. Mendelsohn of Godfrey.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-233.