A Washington, Iowa, couple is suing the state of Iowa in a medical malpractice case involving the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Jody Schmitz and Steven Schmitz, parents of 4-year-old Aidan Schmitz, claim the state is liable for the negligence of UIHC staff in the handling of the birth of son Aidan in February 2008.

About eight hours after Jody arrived at UIHC in labor, she was taken to the operating room for a C-section delivery, in which a 3-centimeter laceration to her bladder occurred, according to the lawsuit.

A urogynecologist was required to repair the injury, and Schmitz also developed infection, bowel obstruction, and wound separation from the C-section. Skull imaging on Aidan showed a skull fracture and "several areas of subdural hemorrhage," the lawsuit lays.

The Schmitzs said UIHC staff did not provide degree of skill, care, and learning as possessed by other doctors. They are seeking damages for Aiden’s losses as a result of the negligence and also for damages sustained by Jody and Steven Schmitz, the lawsuit says.

— by Beth Bratsos