In the News

Mom Settles With Obstetrician For $3.5 Million

The Herald Press

September 26, 1999

A mother received $3.5 million in an out-of-court settlement when she sued her former obstetrician for negligence.

Colette Martin of West Haven said that her son suffocated in her womb because of negligent prenatal care. Her son, now 9 years old, was born with a learning disability and developmental impairment.

Martin’s attorney, James Horwitz, said former obstetrician Lloyd Mitler misdiagnosed her condition and did not perform a timely Caesarean section. He said Mitler failed to detect signs of fetal distress, allowing the child to go without sufficient oxygen. The negligence led to respiratory distress and brain damage, the suit claimed.

Milford Hospital was additionally named as a defendant in the suit, but settled for an undisclosed amount before the case went to trial.