In addition to the various complications that can occur while a woman is pregnant and in labor, issues can also arise during the postpartum period after giving birth. One of the most dangerous conditions is something called a “postpartum hemorrhage,” which can occur immediately after birth or as late as 12 weeks out. This condition involves uncontrolled bleeding in the uterus, which can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
While even the most dedicated obstetricians cannot always prevent postpartum hemorrhages from occurring, they do have a duty to quickly identify and address this condition reasonably soon after it occurs. If you have been hurt because your doctor failed to do just that, you may have legal options. A Connecticut postpartum hemorrhage malpractice lawyer from Berkowitz and Hanna, LLC can help you pursue justice after a birth injury.
Most postpartum hemorrhages occur when postpartum uterine contractions are not strong enough to keep blood vessels from leaking in places where the placenta was previously attached to the uterine wall. Hemorrhaging can also stem from trauma to the reproductive organs or from a portion of the placenta not detaching properly after birth. Regardless of exactly how or why it happens, a postpartum hemorrhage is a pregnancy complication that experienced doctors should know common risk factors for, be able to identify symptoms of, and proactively treat before it has a chance to cause serious harm.
These expectations are what is known in legal terms as a “standard of care” that obstetricians owe to their patients. A violation occurs if a doctor causes preventable harm by acting in a way that no other equally qualified physician would under the same circumstances. To succeed in a Connecticut malpractice claim for postpartum hemorrhage, it must be proven that this breach directly caused specific injuries and financial or personal losses. A knowledgeable attorney can provide further clarification during a private consultation.
Medical malpractice lawsuits differ from standard personal injury cases in many ways. One of the most significant differences is that courts will not take an injured person’s word that their doctor(s) acted unprofessionally to an extent that constitutes a legally actionable breach in their standard of care. Instead, the prospective plaintiff must have support from at least one medical expert with relevant knowledge and experience. This support is obtained through a “reasonable inquiry” process detailed in Connecticut General Statutes §52-190a.
The plaintiff will also need to have substantial medical documentation of the care they received prior to suffering a postpartum hemorrhage, including symptoms they reported while experiencing the hemorrhage and care they received to address the condition and its effects. A postpartum hemorrhage malpractice lawyer in Connecticut can provide vital help with finding, preserving, and making effective use of this information. Additionally, an attorney can present evidence demonstrating the existence and financial value of losses such as missed work wages, additional medical bills, and non-economic forms of harm like physical pain and psychological suffering.
While postpartum hemorrhages can be treated effectively if they are caught and addressed quickly, they are still very dangerous complications with the potential to cause life-altering harm. Unfortunately, this means that medical malpractice leading to a doctor improperly handling this particular condition can often have dire consequences.
The team at Berkowitz and Hanna, LLC has recovered more than $400 million in court verdicts and settlements on behalf of people like you injured under circumstances like yours. Call today to learn how a Connecticut postpartum hemorrhage lawyer from a Top-3 medical malpractice firm in the state can help you with your unique claim.
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