Maternal Injury & Death
What is Maternal Injury and Death?
Maternal injury refers to harm suffered by a mother during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period that results from negligence, medical errors, or improper care. Maternal death refers to the death of a mother that occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after delivery due to complications, such as preeclampsia, hemorrhaging, infections, or other preventable causes.
Click on each sub-area below to learn more about your case.
Failure to Diagnose, delayed diagnosis, & misdiagnosis
What is Failure to Diagnose, Delayed Diagnosis, and Misdiagnosis in Maternal Health?
Failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis, or misdiagnosis during pregnancy or childbirth can lead to catastrophic consequences for the mother. If doctors fail to recognize warning signs of complications such as preeclampsia, hemorrhage, or infection, it can result in severe injuries or even death.
- Common Causes of Diagnosis Issues:
- Failure to monitor vital signs during pregnancy or delivery
- Missed signs of complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
- Failure to order necessary tests or ultrasounds
- Liability Types:
- Medical Malpractice: Healthcare providers may be liable if their failure to diagnose, or misdiagnosis, led to harm or death.
- Hospital Liability: Hospitals may be responsible if they failed to provide adequate care, monitor the patient properly, or ensure timely treatment.
- Types of Compensation:
- Medical expenses for treatment related to the injury or death
- Pain and suffering for the mother or the family
- Loss of income or financial support if the mother was unable to work
- What to Do After Maternal Health Negligence:
- Seek immediate medical care to address the effects of any missed diagnosis or complications.
- Keep a detailed record of all prenatal visits and medical reports.
- Consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to assess the viability of your case.
Spinal Cord Injuries
What are Spinal Cord Injuries in Maternal Health?
Spinal cord injuries during childbirth are serious and can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other permanent disabilities. These injuries may be caused by improper handling during delivery or failure to act in time during complications.
- Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries During Childbirth:
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Failure to perform a timely cesarean section in complicated births
- Trauma during the delivery process
- Liability Types:
- Medical Malpractice: Doctors and nurses can be held liable if their negligence led to spinal cord injury.
- Hospital Liability: The hospital can be held accountable for failing to provide adequate care, staff, or equipment.
- Types of Compensation:
- Compensation for medical expenses related to the injury and rehabilitation
- Long-term care and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress damages
- What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury During Childbirth:
- Seek immediate medical care for any spinal injuries.
- Document all medical records, including delivery and post-delivery notes.
- Consult with an attorney who specializes in maternal injury cases to explore your legal options.
