Illinois Mother Settles Malpractice Lawsuit for $15.35 Million

An Aurora, Ill. mother has settled a malpractice lawsuit for $15.35 million with a hospital and doctor after her son suffered brain damage at birth six years ago.

Vanessa Jenkins gave birth to her son, Cody Smithey, at Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich in October 2001.

Attorneys for Jenkins say the boy suffered cerebral palsy and mental retardation after the doctor unsuccessfully used a vacuum extractor device during his birth.

The lawsuit says Jenkins had an emergency Caesarean section when her son’s heart rate showed he was in distress.