Kaiser Blamed for Death in Utero

3-4-2014 16:44:00

     SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (CN) - A mom’s membranes ruptured during amniocentesis, Kaiser didn’t monitor the situation, and her baby died, she and her husband claim in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
     Laura and Benito Hernandez sued Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Southern Permanente Medical Group, Jerry Kun Yu, M.D. and Reinaldo V. Ruiz, M.D. for medical malpractice and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
     According to the couple’s complaint, Laura Hernandez had an amniocentesis on Jan. 8, 2013. The complaint doesn’t state whether or not Kaiser performed the amniocentesis, but her pregnancy “by all standards was a high risk pregnancy, due to ruptured membranes during the course of amniocentesis,” it states.
     During the next month, Mrs. Hernandez went to Kaiser’s Fontana, Calif. facility “on multiple occasions . . . with concern for her health and that of Baby Hernandez,” it continues. But Kaiser and its doctors “by their repeated negligent failures to monitor plaintiff failed to recognize the fetal distress of Baby Hernandez in a timely manner which directly caused plaintiff to suffer medical complications resulting in her injury and the death of Baby Hernandez,” the complaint states.
     Laura and Benito Hernandez seek general and economic damages, funeral and burial expenses and costs of suit.
     They are represented by Robert J. Reynolds of San Diego.