The estate of a woman who died shortly after labor is suing the hospital that performed the delivery.
Israel Gasca, as administrator of the estate of Karina Gasca, filed a complaint May 12 in Cook County Circuit Court against Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation.
On Feb. 7, 2012, until her death on Feb. 9, 2012, Gasca, 42, was under the care of the defendants for a complicated pregnancy.
The lawsuit states that the defendants are cited for failing to have a cell saver available for use before the deceased's delivery, advising the patient that albumin is pig's blood, and failing to explain the consequences of refusing blood and its alternatives, anticipate the risk of bleeding, and provide a working cell saver for the treatment of blood loss. As a result, Gasca suffered injuries that led to her death Feb. 9, 2012.
The plaintiff, citing wrongful death, seeks damages in excess of $100,000, plus costs. The plaintiff is represented by attorney Todd D. Carcelli in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case no. 2015L004855.