As a pregnant person, you put your health and safety and that of your baby into the hands of trusted medical professionals. You expect that your obstetrician, midwife, and healthcare team will put their best efforts into caring for you so that you deliver a healthy baby. But what happens when something that is supposed to be a joyful and celebrated occasion turns into a scary medical nightmare?
When a medical team fails to recognize or treat preeclampsia, they jeopardize the health of both the mother and baby. A seasoned Stamford preeclampsia lawyer can provide your family with legal guidance during this time. Our birth injury attorneys at Berkowitz Hanna are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Preeclampsia is a relatively common condition of pregnancy that is characterized by high maternal blood pressure and often high protein levels in the mother’s urine. It occurs most frequently towards the end of a pregnancy, after the 34th week, but it can also happen at any point following the 20th week of gestation or even up to six weeks after the delivery of a baby. Preeclampsia is most common in first pregnancies, teen pregnancies, and pregnancies of people of advanced maternal age. Mothers with unrelated high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, who are obese, or who are carrying multiples are also more at risk of developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is also more common in people with other pre-existing medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Most people with preeclampsia exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
Most people with preeclampsia cannot recognize the symptoms on their own. As pregnancy progresses to the third trimester, many expectant mothers are uncomfortable. They might think a headache, weight gain, or swelling is typical.
While it might be normal for an expectant mother not to recognize the condition, trained medical professionals should be able to identify and treat preeclampsia before serious harm occurs. Doctors who do not properly handle preeclampsia in patients can generally be held legally accountable for complications that result. A Stamford preeclampsia attorney can take the lead in identifying a provider’s negligence and building a case for damages.
Both mothers and babies can face serious health consequences from preeclampsia. The condition can interfere with blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, which could result in brain injuries and even death. If the doctors do not treat the mother, the condition could turn into eclampsia, where the mother could suffer seizures and be at risk of a coma or death.
The aftereffects of preeclampsia could be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating to a family. A hardworking attorney can fight for a damages award that could help pay for treatments and compensate for lost wages. By examining the mother’s medical record and speaking with medical experts, a Stamford preeclampsia attorney can demonstrate that the medical team failed to treat the patient in accordance with the accepted standard of care.
Preeclampsia is a very serious condition, and it is relatively common. Physicians, midwives, and nurses should be able to examine their patients and look for signs of the illness. Doctors who fail to recognize the telltale symptoms of preeclampsia should be liable for the injuries suffered by an expectant mother or child.
Speak with a Stamford preeclampsia lawyer today about your case. Our team at Berkowitz Hanna is prepared to fight for you and your family. As one of the top three medical malpractice firms in the state, we have extensive experience handling cases just like yours, and we will not rest until we make things right for you. Call today to get started.
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