(845) 802-0047Over the past several decades, there have been numerous advancements in medical science, technology, and general practices that have dramatically reduced maternal and infant mortality during childbirth. However, all the best practices in the world can only be useful in protecting pregnant mothers from harm if doctors actually adhere to them—which, unfortunately, not every obstetrician can be trusted to do in every situation, especially when it comes to identifying potentially serious pregnancy complications.
If you or your child suffered serious harm because your doctors failed to properly diagnose and treat high blood pressure before or immediately after you gave birth, you should strongly consider reaching out to a Troy preeclampsia lawyer for assistance. While civil compensation may not be able to completely erase the trauma you have unfairly experienced, demanding the restitution you deserve with a skilled birth injury attorney’s help can still be vital to protecting your family’s best interests in the months and years to come.
What Is Preeclampsia and How Can Medical Negligence Worsen It?
Preeclampsia is the medical term for high blood pressure experienced by some pregnant mothers between the 20th week of pregnancy to about six weeks after giving birth. This condition is characterized by increased protein in the urine as well as more mundane symptoms like nausea, upper abdominal or lower back pain, and swelling in the face and hands. If left untreated, it may cause seizures, hemorrhaging, placental detachment, and—if it progresses into eclampsia—potentially fatal brain damage.
It is worth emphasizing that it is fairly rare for preeclampsia to develop into eclampsia or have any other type of life-altering effects, and many women who experience it end up having completely normal and safe births without any additional treatment. That said, obstetricians are still expected to know the early warning signs of preeclampsia and closely monitor patients who develop it in order to prevent further harm, and a failure to do so may result in injuries, which a Troy preeclampsia attorney could help take legal action over.
Recovering Fairly for Short-Term and Long-Term Losses
Unlike some other states, New York does not artificially “cap” civil recovery for people injured by medical malpractice. This means that someone who can prove their doctors failed to properly address preeclampsia before it caused them serious harm can seek compensation for the full value of all economic and non-economic damages stemming from that harm, including:
- Costs of additional medical care, including things like prescription medications and rehabilitative therapy
- Lost work income and/or working ability
- Emotional trauma and suffering
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Lost enjoyment of life
In the event untreated preeclampsia directly results in the premature death of a pregnant woman and/or her baby, a Troy lawyer could alternatively help surviving family members seek reimbursement for their own ensuing losses through a “wrongful death” claim.
Contact a Troy Preeclampsia Attorney for Help
There is no shortage of potential risks and complications that can come as a package deal with pregnancy, but the vast majority of them can be more or less eliminated with proper medical care. If you did not receive treatment in line with the “standard of care” owed to you, though, you may have grounds to take legal action over any preventable injuries you or your baby suffered as a result.
Assistance is available with your unique claim from a compassionate Troy preeclampsia lawyer. Call today to learn how a dedicated attorney could work to protect your rights.