Delayed C-Section Results in $17M Birth Injury Settlement

Jenna Doucette et al. vs. Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan et al

Case Overview

On July 8, 2022, plaintiff Jenna Doucette filed a medical malpractice and birth injury lawsuit in the Ocean County Superior Court, New Jersey (Case No. L00259121), with Judge Joseph P. Quinn presiding.

Cause

Shea Doucette, now four years old, was diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy due to an alleged birth injury. During her pregnancy, her mother, Jenna Doucette, was diagnosed with placenta percreta, a severe form of placenta accreta spectrum. She sought specialized care from Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan at The Center for Abnormal Placentation at Hackensack University Medical Center.

On March 8, 2020, just days before her scheduled cesarean section on March 11, Jenna suffered a massive uterine rupture and placental abruption. This emergency led to an urgent C-section, during which Shea was deprived of oxygen at birth, resulting in severe brain damage and lifelong cerebral palsy. Jenna also endured life-threatening complications, including massive internal bleeding, requiring multiple blood transfusions and intensive care in the ICU.

Damages

Shea Doucette’s birth injury resulted in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy, permanently impacting her motor function and cognitive abilities. Meanwhile, Jenna experienced severe medical complications, including extensive blood loss, multiple transfusions, and a prolonged ICU stay.

The Doucette family has faced immense emotional and financial challenges, requiring extensive medical care, specialized therapies, and long-term accommodations to support Shea’s condition.

Jury Verdict

On January 3, 2025, the parties reached a $17 million settlement in Shea Doucette’s birth injury lawsuit, securing financial support for her lifelong medical care, therapies, and necessary accommodations.