Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous medical condition that occurs in about eight percent of pregnancies. It is characterized by maternal high blood pressure and usually (though not always) a high level of protein in the expecting mother’s urine. Preeclampsia presents risks for both the mother and the fetus; and, if not treated promptly, it can lead to HELLP syndrome and eclampsia, both of which have the potential to result in severe complications.
Diagnosing preeclampsia is fairly straightforward; and, due to the combination of a relatively high prevalence and the risk of severe negative outcomes, doctors should carefully monitor for signs of preeclampsia during the later stages of an expecting mother’s pregnancy. Failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice, and it may support a claim for significant financial compensation. Seek immediate help from a trusted Connecticut preeclampsia lawyer at Berkowitz Hanna.
Doctors do not yet know the precise cause of preeclampsia. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, preeclampsia is thought to be related to placenta health and blood supply to the placenta. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the cause of preeclampsia, there are several known risk factors. One of the main risk factors is high blood pressure (hypertension). While it was previously believed that protein in the urine was a necessary component of preeclampsia, this is no longer the case.
In addition to hypertension, the other primary risk factors for preeclampsia include:
Whether or not these risk factors are present, it is important for doctors to monitor for symptoms of preeclampsia during the later stages of pregnancy (preeclampsia is most common after the 20th week of pregnancy). These symptoms include, but may not be limited to, headaches, blurred vision, seeing dark spots and other visual disturbances, abdominal pain, impaired liver function, unexplained weight gain, shortness of breath, and swelling.
Preeclampsia can lead to a number of different complications for both the expecting mother and the fetus. In order to mitigate the risk of these complications, doctors will generally recommend that mothers avoid strenuous activity, and they may recommend bed rest if the risk of complications appears to be significant. In some cases, induced labor or a cesarean section (C-section) delivery may be necessary in order to protect against complications including:
Preeclampsia also presents risks for HELLP syndrome and eclampsia. Both of these are potentially-serious conditions, and prompt medical intervention will often be necessary:
If you, or your spouse or partner, have been diagnosed with preeclampsia, and if you, your spouse or partner, or your child has experienced any complications related to preeclampsia, you should discuss your legal rights with a birth injury attorney. We have decades of experience representing families throughout Connecticut, and our Connecticut Preeclampsia lawyers can help make sure your family receives the financial compensation it deserves.
When you contact us, the first step is to sit down and speak with one of our Connecticut preeclampsia attorneys. You can do this virtually or in person. The purpose of this meeting is to get your questions answered and allow our attorneys to conduct a preliminary assessment of your legal rights. If it appears that you may have a claim, then the next step will be for our attorneys to conduct a thorough investigation.
We work with specialists throughout Connecticut who can assess the sufficiency or insufficiency of your doctor’s care based on their medical expertise. We can also help you obtain appropriate treatment for you and your child. Based on our investigation, if it appears that your doctor committed malpractice, we will work with you to calculate your losses and then file a medical malpractice claim on your behalf.
Healthcare providers carry insurance covering medical malpractice claims, and most successful claims are resolved via insurance settlements. With decades of experience, our attorneys will present compelling arguments for just compensation, and they will do everything they can to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.
For more information about seeking financial compensation following a preeclampsia diagnosis, please call or contact us online. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, and we do not charge anything unless we win. Get in touch with a Connecticut preeclampsia lawyer today.
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