Placental Abruption And Medical Malpractice
is the premature separation of the placenta from the site of uterine implantation before delivery of the fetus. The placenta is an organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy to provide nourishment and oxygen to the baby. The excessive loss of blood that can result from a placental abruption may lead to shock and possible fetal death. Placental abruption resulting in fetal death occurs in about 1 out of 500 to 750 deliveries. In the United States, as many as 22 children are born still every day as a result of placental abruption. If the baby survives, he or she may suffer from brain damage. If the site of placental attachment starts to hemorrhage after the delivery and the loss of blood cannot be controlled by other means, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may become necessary. Although maternal mortality is uncommon as a result of placental abruption, a delayed diagnosis and treatment are unfavorable factors that may increase the risk of maternal or fetal death.
There are several factors that place the mother and fetus at risk of placental abruption. These risk factors include:
Among the symptoms and warning signs of the occurrence of placental abruption are:
In the presence of risk factors, symptoms, or warning signs, a physician can conduct a number of tests to rule out placental abruption. These include a physical examination of the mother to determine whether uterine tenderness and/or increased uterine tone. Hemorrhage or heavy bleeding in pregnancy may be visible. In addition, certain tests can be performed, such as:
The treatment of placental abruption includes IV (intravenous) fluid replacement, blood transfusion, and careful monitoring of the mother for signs/symptoms of shock and for signs of fetal distress (a condition in which the fetal heart rate becomes too high or too low, or in which there are abnormal fetal heart rate changes in relation to contractions). An emergency C-section may be necessary for fetal distress or maternal bleeding. In the event of an immature fetus and evidence of only a small placental separation, the mother may be hospitalized for observation and released after several days if no evidence of progressing abruptio occurs. If the fetus is mature, vaginal delivery may be chosen if maternal and fetal distress is minimal; otherwise, a cesarean section may be the preferred choice to protect the mother and the child.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
If a physician or other health care provider failed to monitor for a placental abruption or failed to take appropriate measures following a placental abruption, resulting in injury or death to the child and/or mother, you should immediately contact a competent lawyer. The lawyer will be able to help you understand whether the injury to the child or mother was the result of a health care provider's negligence, in which case the lawyer will also be able to assist you in exploring possible legal action.
Waiting May Bar Your Claims?
Victims of medical malpractice only has a limited amount of time within which to file a medical malpractice claim in court or they are forever barred from succeeding on their claim and from recovering. There may also be notice requirements that apply as well. Given the complexities of medical malpractice cases and the need for a thorough medical and legal analysis before it can be determined that a claim should be filed, you must contact an attorney about your case with sufficient time to allow the attorney to complete a review of the case in a timely fashion. Anyone who suspects they may be a victim of medical malpractice should thus immediately contact a qualified attorney.
Our law firm, together with the network of other law firms that we work with, helps victims of Placental Abruption medical malpractice nationally.
Law Office of Joseph A. Hernandez, P.C.
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