Preeclampsia is one of the most common pregnancy complications that can affect expectant mothers. Not only is this condition a major risk to the health of a mother, but it may also threaten the life of a baby. Doctors such as OBGYNs must be able to quickly recognize the signs of preeclampsia, develop a treatment plan, and oversee the implementation of that plan.
Sadly, injuries to a mother or child are common following the onset of preeclampsia. A doctor who fails to prevent these injuries because of a failure to adhere to commonly accepted treatment plans might have committed medical malpractice. As a trained birth injury attorney could explain, these actions leave the doctor liable for all resulting damage. An Albany preeclampsia lawyer could help if you or your child have suffered harm because of a doctor’s failure to properly diagnose or treat this common pregnancy complication.
Common Risks Associated with Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is one of the most dangerous conditions that affect pregnant women. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, preeclampsia causes a woman to experience heightened blood pressure and damage to internal organs, such as the kidneys or liver. As a result, common symptoms of preeclampsia can include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Severe headaches
- Impaired liver function
- Changes in vision
Doctors treating pregnant women must be on the lookout for these symptoms. They should then test for proper circulation of blood in the uterus, damage to the mother’s blood vessels, and the overall health of the child. These examinations should allow a doctor to take precautions against fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, placental abruption, or HELLP syndrome. Each of these conditions threatens the life of both a mother and a child. An Albany preeclampsia attorney could provide more information about how doctors should be able to recognize the symptoms of this condition and provide proper treatment.
Lawsuits Stemming from Preeclampsia Injuries
OBGYN doctors owe a duty of care to both a mother and a child. As a whole, they must take steps to provide treatment as a reasonably skilled peer would do under similar circumstances. As applied to cases of preeclampsia, doctors must recognize the risk factors, identify symptoms, and provide all necessary care to protect the health of mothers and children.
Failures in any of these areas that result in injury or death can justify a medical malpractice lawsuit. An Albany preeclampsia lawyer could help patients better understand the concept of these lawsuits and what they need to prove in order to succeed.
People who have suffered harm because of poor treatment related to preeclampsia need to act quickly to protect their legal rights. New York Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 214-A establishes a statute of limitations of two-and-a-half years from the date of poor care to demand compensation. Because preeclampsia cases can be extremely complex, reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible maximizes the chances for success.
Contact an Albany Preeclampsia Attorney for Guidance
People who suffer injuries because of poor treatment for preeclampsia have the right to demand compensation under the law. This applies to both mothers and children. OBGYN doctors must be able to recognize risk factors that lead to preeclampsia, as well as diagnose the condition after the onset of symptoms. Furthermore, they must take reasonable steps to protect the health of both child and mother.
An Albany preeclampsia lawyer might be able to help if you suspect that a doctor’s error resulted in an injury or death. They could provide an initial case evaluation, hire experts needed to pursue your case, and demand appropriate compensation needed to set things right.