When an Ob/GYN makes a mistake, it may be in your best interest to seek out a medical malpractice lawyer who will be there to fight for the mother, child, and family.
The birth of a child should be a momentous occasion full of joyous memories. A mother expects her Ob/GYN to take care of her from the very first office visit, through labor, and delivery. These nine or so months should involve professional, honest, and ethical medical care; however, some doctors and staff fail to offer these basic medical standards of care. In other cases the hospital, nurses, technicians, assistants, or midwifes are negligent. Whomever the fault might lie upon, if harm happens to a mother or child because of an Ob/GYN error, you may have the right to hold those responsible accountable.
An Ob/GYN medical malpractice attorney should understand the care that is required for a healthy delivery for both the mother and child. They should have been aggressively fighting for mothers, children, and family members who suffered physical harm, birth defects, long term injuries, or death after a medical error. Guided by experience, skill and our reputation, they should — most importantly — have recovered millions in damages.
Common Types of Ob/GYN Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can occur in a number of ways, and cause harm for many reasons. Most medical malpractice lawyers have handled Ob/GYN claims that have involved:
Delay of Medical Treatment – Medical treatment during the delivery of a baby must be prompt. Most problems that could arise can be remedied, but only when the treatment is given in a timely manner – without delay. An Ob/GYN and staff should know what to expect, or anticipate problems that could occur. As soon as mother is showing signs of this problem, alternative treatments such as a c-section should be carried out.
Medication Error – When a doctor prescribes the wrong medication, orders a dosage that is too weak or strong, or prescribes a drug that has dangerous interactions or side effects, they could be held for medical malpractice.
Testing Error – Misreading an ultrasound test (not necessarily one related to identifying the gender), blood work or urine results, could have serious repercussions. This may be especially true when follow up tests were not ordered because the original tests were misread.
Failure to Diagnose – Failing to diagnose a placental abruption, placenta previa, or gestational diabetes,could result in blood loss, oxygen deprivation, respiratory disorders, and serious health problems for the mother and child.
Failure to Diagnose Preeclampsia – Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 30% of women, and is usually treated with bedrest. Complications can arise and include placental abruption, seizures, and oxygen loss. In around 1-2% of preeclampsia patients, HELLP syndrome can occur. This is a life threatening condition that must be treated immediately to prevent complications or death of the mother or baby.
Midwife Negligence – A midwife is a trained professional who assists in childbirth. Some work out of a hospital, but most have their own clinic and help with at home births. It the midwife is not adequately trained or unequipped to handle a medical emergency, complications like cerebral palsy and postpartum bleeding could occur.
There are many other types of medical malpractice that could occur throughout a woman’s pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum treatment. If you believe the harm that occured to your or your child could have been prevented, you should speak with an Ob/GYN medical malpractice lawyer who has the resources and skills to fight for you.