Disabled Mother Battles For Visitation Rights

Medical Accident During Childbirth Leaves Mother Paralyzed

A mother injured while giving birth to triplets has become the centerpiece of a child custody battle that may have a lasting effect on California courtrooms.

According to court documents, three years ago the woman was a normal, happily married expectant mother. In 2008, she went to the hospital after going into labor, ready to give birth to triplets. The procedure went without any special occurrence as she delivered the first two children, but as the doctors worked to birth the third, one medical professional accidentally cut open the mother’s uterus. They were able to save the lives of the last child and the woman, but a malfunctioning medical apparatus failed to restart her heart in time to prevent permanent brain damage due to blood loss.

Doctors later determined that she was permanently paralyzed almost entirely, unable to move or speak. Her mental faculties are also severely impaired, though her parents are adamant that she is able to communicate in limited fashion by blinking eyes and certain facial expressions. Court documents show that a neurologist has testified that she is indeed capable of perceiving the world around her.

Battle For Visitation Rights Goes To Courtroom

After learning of the permanent damage done to his wife, the husband filed for divorce and sole custody of the three young children. As he has argued in court, he believed his children would be traumatized by exposure to their mother, preferring to keep them away until they are older.

Filing on behalf of their daughter, the parents of the woman took the father to court, insisting that she be granted visitation rights. In March of 2011, the judge presiding over the case ruled that she should be granted five consecutive days a year to see her children, as well as regular scheduled online meetings using video conferencing technology.

A Family Law Attorney Can Help

If you need legal help resolving a dispute over child custody matters, it is important that you speak with a qualified Glendale family law attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Thomas L. Simpson, we are dedicated to protecting the interests of our clients inside and outside the courtroom. We can help you pursue the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Please, contact a Glendale child custody lawyer today!