A New York jury recently awarded $510,000 to the family of 4-year-old Xzavier Hyman, who suffered brain injuries are a result of being deprived oxygen during his mother's labor. The family suit was against Staten Island University Hospital and Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Paul Heltzer.

According to the medical malpractice suit, Dr. Heltzer broke the mother's water when her labor was progressing too slowly and later administered Pitocin, a drug which is suppose to augment contractions. The doctor expressed that this was done because the labor process was moving too slowly and could endanger the baby. The mother had been in for some time and ultimately did not give birth to Xzavier until 19 hours after arriving at the hospital. The suit claims that the doctor kept the mother on the medicine too long which caused stress on the baby from relentless contractions. Due to these contractions, pressure on the baby's brain increased while flow of blood and oxygen to the brain decreased. His caused his heart to rapidly increase and later stop.

Ultimately, the jury found that the hospital and Dr. Heltzer deviated from standard medical practice due to the mother's extended length of time on Pitocin and while in second-stage labor. Experts believe that a caesarean operation should have been administered several hours before the mother gave natural birth. The jury found that during this time period, Xzavier suffered brain damage and brain injuries in the uterus.

Currently, Xzavier Hyman suffers from speech and motor skill deficiencies. Xzavier suffered three to four strokes and three seizes within the first 10 hours of his birth as a result of lack of oxygen to his brain. Additionally, the boy suffered from three brain lesions. The boy has made great strides to recovery but still faces many learning obstacles. Experts say that recent tests have shown that the gap is widening between the boy and his peers with regard to speech and general IQ. Additionally, due to his condition, experts say he has a diminished life expectance of 70 years.

Source: Staten Island Live "Staten Island jury awards 510G for birth injury sustained at University hospital" 07/21/2010