CHICAGO, IL – A Macon County jury has awarded a record $17.1 million to Colton and Hannah Bayless in connection with the brain damage and death of their infant son, Oliver, who suffered catastrophic injuries during childbirth on May 3, 2018 ultimately resulting in his death on February 14, 2019. The jury found Hannah’s obstetrician, Derin Rominger, M.D., was negligent in his care of Hannah Bayless during her pregnancy and labor and returned the verdict against Dr. Rominger and his practice group. The award is the highest reported wrongful death verdict or settlement in Macon County, Illinois, according to the Jury Verdict Reporter.
The family was represented by David Axelrod and Ted Jennings of Coplan + Crane. At trial, the Baylesses argued that despite a diagnosis of gestational hypertension, Dr. Rominger failed to have Oliver delivered within ACOG guidelines requiring delivery in the 37th or 38th weeks of gestation. Plaintiffs further showed that when Dr. Rominger did finally induce for delivery, he failed to timely deliver Oliver despite hours of concerning fetal heart tracings, and hours of delay on May 3, resulting in catastrophic brain injury and Oliver’s death 9 months later.
That night, Oliver was air lifted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois and ultimately endured 11 hospitalizations before he died at home on February 14, 2019, as a result of the injuries he suffered during delivery.
“After failing to deliver Oliver early because of gestational hypertension, Dr. Rominger again failed to deliver Oliver after he showed clear signs of fetal hypoxia during labor,” said David Axelrod of Coplan + Crane, lead trial attorney for the Bayless family. “His resulting suffering and death were the tragic and needless result of Dr. Rominger not doing his job.” Added Ted Jennings of Copan + Crane, “This verdict represents some measure of justice for Oliver, Hannah and Colton. It means the world to Hannah and Colton that the jury stood with them on behalf of Oliver.”
Coplan + Crane is a distinguished Illinois law firm specializing in personal injury cases, with offices in Chicago and Oak Park. Led by a team of dedicated attorneys, Coplan + Crane is committed to advocating for victims and holding institutions accountable for their actions.
Call us at 312-982-0588 or contact us online to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney.
