OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada has restored a finding against a British Columbia doctor after a botched delivery that left a newborn with permanent brain damage.
The justices ruled 7-0 against obstetrician William G. Johnston in an appeal on behalf of the child, Cassidy Ediger.
A trial judge awarded the Ediger family $3.2 million after determining the doctor failed to ensure that back-up surgical staff would be immediately available to deliver the baby by Caesarean section if a forceps procedure failed.
The British Columbia Court of Appeal overturned the ruling in favour of the doctor, but the Supreme Court has now reversed that decision.
Cross-appeals about the amount of damages were referred back to the B.C. appeal court for consideration.
Cassidy, now 15, is fed through a tube and confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak, and has a life expectancy of just 38 years.
- ‘A new beginning’: First Nation ravaged by B.C. wildfire unveils new subdivision
- B.C. teen’s killer says new TV show about Reena Virk’s murder ‘disrespectful’
- Man accused of Victoria carjackings arrested a third time in as many days
- ‘If we stay with it, they will come’: Canucks sticking to game plan with series tied 1-1
Comments