Day 4 of the Susanna Martens trial brings out an expert witness for the plaintiff

This case was initially discussed here. Some highlights from today’s proceedings:

An expert witness testified today that Susanna Martens and her baby would have survived if Martens were given antibiotics at her initial doctor visit on March 14, 2000.

Martens and her unborn baby died the next day.

Dr. Sebastian Farro also said the Terbutaline that Dr. Patricia Duletsky administered to Martens later that evening to stop her contractions was a factor in her death.

During the cross-examination, the defense pointed out the potential dangers of antibiotics to pregnant women. The defense also highlighted a portion of a medical journal edited by Farro that showed women and babies who are treated for Group A strep — the type of infection Martens had — don’t always survive.

Farro said he agreed that symptoms of the infection are similar to the stomach flu, the diagnosis Duletsky gave Martens seven hours before MartensÂ’ death.