A $6.4 million award to a Massachusetts woman will likely total upwards of $10 million after interest has been calculated, the woman’s medical lawyer estimated. The award is intended to pay for damages suffered by Kimberly Monson, who experienced a brain bleed as a result of medical malpractice.

The injury occurred during Monson’s pregnancy in 2002. She was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a generally treatable condition that some pregnant women develop and that can lead to high blood pressure. When Monson’s obstetrician failed to properly treat the condition, she suffered damage to her brain.

Errors made by obstetricians, nurses, midwives or anyone else responsible for pregnancy care can have devastating consequences for the mother, the child and sometimes both. Fortunately in this case, the baby did not suffer any damage.