Nassau County Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition characterized by a rise in blood pressure, edema and compromised kidney function. Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition that often leads to a serious birth injury to the baby. It is also the leading cause of death among pregnant women. However, if preeclampsia is diagnosed, treated and properly monitored, the risk of personal injury to the baby or mother can be minimized. Unfortunately, on far too many occasions doctors do not recognize the signs of preeclampsia. Just like other pregnancy-related injuries and birth injuries such as a brain injury, cerebral Palsy, Erbs Palsy, brachial plexus, and a spinal cord injury, serious complications related to preeclampsia often result from the negligence of a medical professional. In other words, such injuries often could have been avoided. 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 Nassau County Preeclampsia Injury Lawyer who will help you pursue compensation for your injuries and your child’s injuries through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Doctors and other medical professionals should be on the lookout for symptoms of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. While any pregnant woman may develop preeclampsia, certain women are more likely to develop preeclampsia than others. Such women include those who:

• Have a history of high blood pressure
• Have had preeclampsia in previous pregnancies
• Are pregnant for the first time
• Have a family history of preeclampsia
• Are obese
• Are pregnant with multiple babies
• Having a history of autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Having a history of kidney disease or diabetes
• Are over 40
• Are under 20

Common symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• High blood pressure
• Nausea
• Swelling of hands and face
• Excessive protein in the urine
• Sudden weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Severe headaches
• Little or no urine output
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Death

Obstetricians and other medical professionals should understand the risks 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 is a serious and potentially dangerous condition to both mother and baby. Preeclampsia can lead to reduced blood flow to the placenta. As a result, the baby could suffer:

• Developmental disabilities
• Epilepsy
• Hearing and vision problems
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth

The “cure” for preeclampsia is the delivery of the baby. Thus, oftentimes when the case of preeclampsia is severe labor is induced or an emergency cesarean is performed. If, however, the pregnancy is not far enough along for delivery and the preeclampsia is not severe, then other treatments are available such as bedrest, antihypertensive medication, fetal monitoring, magnesium injections, and anti-seizure medications.

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.

If your baby or your loved one passed away as a result of a medical mistake, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

If you are your baby was injured because your doctor failed to diagnose or properly 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 doctors, nurses, midwives, hospitals, and other healthcare workers. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.