Ark. mother sues doctor, hospital for childbirth injuries

MARSHALL – An Arkansas mother is suing a physician and a medical center for alleged medical malpractice.

Billie Faust of Rosston, individually and as next friend for Ransom Faust, filed a lawsuit on April 10 against Brim Healthcare of Texas LLC, doing business as Wadley Regional Medical Center of Dallas; and Dr. Johnny Jones of Texarkana in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas, claiming liability in a health-care issue.

The plaintiff, age 27 at the time, was pregnant with her third child due on March 31, 2013. Faust, who had developed gestational diabetes, underwent an ultrasound estimating her baby’s weight to be 8 lbs., 11 oz. on Feb. 22, 2013, five days prior to delivery.

According to the complaint, medical records indicated that the fetus was macrosomic, which means it was significantly larger than average. She was admitted to labor and delivery at Wadley on Feb. 27, her water having broken; was administered Pitocin and an epidural; and made slow progress in her labor.

Delivery was complicated and the baby, who weighed 11 lbs., 1 oz., suffered cardiac arrest during the procedure. Despite intervention, his Apgar scores were extremely low; he then suffered respiratory failure, kidney failure and internal hemorrhaging, resulting in permanent brain damage and other complications, according to the grievance.

Alleging several counts of negligence against both the facility and the doctor, Faust cites past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, impairment and disfigurement, and loss of earning capacity for both herself and her infant son.

The plaintiff seeks: compensation in excess of $75,000 for medical expenses; special damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs. She is represented by Reid William Martin, John F. Walker III and Marisa Schouten of Martin, Walker in Tyler.

Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas case no. 2:15-cv-00476.