Infant meningitis and the LP: Did this ER physician exaggerate risks?

An 5-week old infant presents with a fever. The mother refuses the standard lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis. The ER doc called Child Protective Services, who took custody of the child, and the LP was performed. The physician was subsequently sued:

A recent Idaho federal court ruling shows doctors should tread carefully when considering whether to get the state involved to ensure that a child gets critical treatment despite the parent’s objections.