County pays $225,000 settlement in stillborn baby case
The cost to Clark County was $225,000 to help cover Roshunda Abney's attorney fees.
But it couldn't bring back Abney's baby girl, Angel.
Without much discussion, the County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a settlement with Abney. The agreement was dated Sept. 9.
The settlement ends her two-year battle with the county's only public hospital. Abney's attorney, Jacob Hafter, said his client settled with Valley Hospital Medical Center last week. Details of the settlement were not released.
The UMC settlement figure is the maximum allowed by law.
Two years ago, Abney, then 25, experienced paralyzing cramping in her abdomen, side and back. She had been taking over-the-counter painkillers, but the searing pain took her breath away. It was too strong to be the beginning of a menstrual period.
She didn't know she was pregnant.
Abney headed to the University Medical Center emergency room, where her blood pressure was taken. It was the only time any UMC staffer tried to evaluate her condition at the emergency room, Abney said.
Abney and her fiance, Raffinee Dewberry, pleaded for medical personnel to examine her. About six hours later, they left for nearby Valley Hospital Medical Center, where she tried unsuccessfully to get help.
The couple went to their North Las Vegas home, where Abney's water broke. After the couple called 911, paramedics made the breech birth delivery, in which the baby's legs come out first. The baby weighed 1 pound, 6 ounces. Abney was about six months into her pregnancy. Her baby girl was dead.
"We're very excited to get this over and concluded without having to go through the emotional heartache of a trial," Hafter said.
"It's just unfortunate that the county can hide behind statutory caps rather than having to face the full liability for their reckless disregard of people's care at UMC. ... We can't bring the baby back."
Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.
