Deaf woman sues hospital

The San Jose Mercury News reports that a deaf woman is suing a hospital for not providing an interpreter during childbirth.

The absence of a sign language interpreter made Webb's Caesarean section and subsequent stay at the hospital in December 2003 a fearful and frustrating experience because she did not understand what was happening to her or her newborn daughter, according to the law center.

Although the woman notified the hospital in advance of the labor that she was deaf and would need and interpreter, the hospital provided her with an interpreter for 15 minutes prior to her surgery but not during the operation or for the following three days.

Link: Deaf woman sues hospital for not providing interpreter