Pregnancy and childbirth while natural are also quite complicated. There are a number of things that can go wrong and endangering the well-being of both the mother and the baby. While a doctor cannot always with certainty predict a life-threatening conditions or take steps to avoid them, when a serious condition does arise it is important for your doctor to diagnose and properly treat the condition to avoid a serious birth injury, such as a respiratory problem, broken bones, or a spinal cord injury. One common yet dangerous condition is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication during which the pregnant woman experiences high blood pressure. Preeclampsia is not only dangerous to the mother, but also to the baby. Like other serious conditions if not diagnosed, monitored and properly treated, preeclampsia can lead to a serious personal injury and even lead to death. However, with an early diagnosis and proper treatment the affects of preeclampsia can be minimized. If you or your baby suffered a serious injury as a result of a misdiagnosis or failure to properly treat preeclampsia, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Brooklyn Preeclampsia Injury Lawyer who will help you pursue compensation for your injuries and your child’s injuries through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Symptoms of PreeclampsiaDoctors and other medical professionals should be on the lookout for symptoms of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. While any pregnant woman may develop preeclampsia, women who are at a higher risk of this complication include women who are pregnant for the first time, women carrying 2 or more babies, women who are under 20 or over 40, women who are obese, women with diabetes, women who have a personal or family history of preeclampsia, and women with a history of certain conditions such as chronic high blood pressure, migraine headaches, kidney disease, or lupus. Common symptoms of preeclampsia include:
Obstetricians and other medical professionals should understand the risks for and signs of preeclampsia and take measures to minimize the effects on both the mother and the baby. If they fail to do so and as a result the mother or baby suffers a serious injury, then the medical professional responsible may have committed medical malpractice.
Preeclampsia ComplicationsPreeclampsia is a serious and potentially dangerous condition. With preeclampsia, the mother’s blood vessels become very sensitive to hormones, causing her arteries to contract. This is called vasospasm. Vasopasm can lead to problems with the kidneys, liver, heart and brain. As was noted in the case of Duverger v. State, 2007 NY Slip Op 50763 (N.Y.Ct.Cl., 2007), a problem with any of these organs may be a symptom of preeclampsia. For example, the presence of protein in the urine may indicate a kidney problem. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include blurred vision, edema, and abdominal pain.
If not properly diagnosed or treated preeclampsia can cause damage to the placenta which can lead to seizures and death. Furthermore, preeclampsia puts the mother at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Preeclampsia can also put the baby at risk. Common complications for the baby related to preeclampsia include:
If your doctor failed to properly diagnose and treat preeclampsia and as a result you or your baby suffered an injury, New York law allows you to hold that doctor and other medical professionals liable through a medical malpractice claim.
Both you and your child may pursue compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity and pain and suffering. In addition, if your child has permanent disabilities, he or she may also be entitled to receive social security disability benefits.
Brooklyn Preeclampsia Injury LawyerBirth injuries can leave a family emotionally and financially devastated. Learning that the injury was preventable and caused by the errors of healthcare workers only adds to the emotional pain. If you are concerned that you or your child’s injury was caused by the failure of a medical professional to diagnose or treat preeclampsia, do not hesitate to immediately contact an experienced birth injury attorney. Contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims from people injured due to the mistake of a healthcare worker. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.