Woman sues Holy Cross Hospital, others over heart attack during child labor

A woman is suing a group of medical providers after she allegedly suffered a heart attack and stopped breathing during the delivery of her child.

Lorna Nickson filed suit Feb. 10 in Cook County Circuit Court against Holy Cross Hospital, Aishling Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drs. James Hawkins, Noel A. Alcantra and the late Juanito Dalisan, as well as his estate.

According to the complaint, Nickson was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 11, 2013, when doctors decided to put her under anesthesia and deliver her baby by Cesarean section on Feb. 12. It was during that delivery that Nickson alleges she suffered cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, causing permanent damage, including brain injury.

She accuses the defendants of failing to property monitor, treat and stabilize her during labor and delivery, among other alleged acts of malpractice.

Nickson seeks $50,000 in damages, as well as attorney fees, and is represented by attorney I. Peter Polansky of Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 15-L001403.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and represents only one side of the story.