The case centers on alleged surgical injuries during a C-section, a shift change that plaintiffs argued disrupted continuity of care, and a claimed failure to recognize and respond to ongoing hemorrhage that ultimately required removal of Carlson’s reproductive organs…expertinstitute, $7.25M Cook County Verdict in C-Section Hysterectomy Case
According to the complaint, Carlson underwent a C-section on Oct. 20, 2019, with attending obstetrician Dr. Monique Sutherland and resident obstetrician Dr. Joanna Izewski performing the procedure. Plaintiffs alleged that during the surgery the team accidentally cut uterine blood vessels as well as the left ureter and bladder dome.
Obstetrician surgeon Dr. Gian Diaz Rodriguez assumed responsibility for closing the surgery, with registered nurse Iesha Waters serving as scrub nurse. The lawsuit alleges the outgoing clinicians did not adequately communicate the extent of intraoperative damage to the incoming team. Post-surgery, Rodriguez documented that Sutherland reported an “extension of the hysterotomy on the left side that was easily repaired,” but plaintiffs contended the underlying vascular injuries were not identified before closure, setting the stage for continued bleeding and progressive clinical deterioration.
Plaintiffs argued that the failure to escalate concerns and summon additional resources delayed diagnosis and treatment at a critical time.
As alleged, the delay resulted in worsening hemorrhage that could not be controlled with conservative measures, culminating in a hysterectomy and removal of Carlson’s ovaries and cervix.