Sierra View settles birth lawsuit for $4 million

Sierra View District Hospital on Wednesday agreed to pay $4 million to settle a malpractice suit.

The settlement does not constitute an admission of any kind, according to Ramona Contreras, hospital director of marketing and community relations.

“This is the compromise of a doubtful and disputed claim with no admission of liability on the part of Sierra View District Hospital,” Contreras said.

Jose Olegario Carrillo, the boy at the center of the suit, was born March 20, 2006, is now 2 1/2 years old.

According to court documents obtained by The Recorder, a Caesarean section delivery was performed on Gabriela Enriquez.

The lawsuit alleges that a delay between complications and the Caesarean delivery left the baby oxygen starved. Oxygen deprivation reportedly resulted in cerebral palsy, a form of permanent brain damage.

According to information obtained by The Recorder, the settlement money will be used to purchase a $15,000 a month annuity. An amount in addition to the $4 million was agreed upon by the hospital, but terms of that segment of the agreement remain confidential.

The lawsuit filed by Enriquez targets Sierra View District Hospital, and co-defendants Dr. Jose R. Salas and anesthesiologist Michelle Bailey.

Salas reportedly has been identified as co-defendent in five previous lawsuits against Sierra View District Hospital. Each of the previous five cases were disposed or a settlement was reached prior to trial.

Salas and Bailey are currently employed by the hospital, Contreras said, because the justice system entitles them to the due process of law.

“Physicians are regulated by the Medical Board of California separate of Sierra View District Hospital,” Contreras said. “This physician issue will be addressed by the Medical Board of California, and Sierra View District Hospital will abide by the findings of the medical board.”

-- Contact Anita Stackhouse-Hite at 784-5000, Ext. 1043, or astackhouse-hite@portervillerecorder.com.