Can you sue a doctor for failing to diagnose preeclampsia? Yes. When there is substantial evidence and resulting damages. However, these malpractice cases involve many challenges that typically cause the need for a qualified Baltimore preeclampsia lawyer to get the best results. After discovering the circumstances of your case, they can advise you on what legal action to take to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Schedule a free consultation to determine what you can do to secure justice and protect your legal right to recover a settlement for your financial and intangible losses.
What Is Preeclampsia and Why Is It Dangerous?
Toxemia of pregnancy, also known as preeclampsia, is a serious medical condition that can occur during pregnancy, usually after the 20-week mark. It is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. One of the primary dangers of preeclampsia is its potential to lead to complications for both the mother and the baby.
For the mother, preeclampsia can result in severe complications such as seizures, stroke, and organ failure. It can also increase the risk of premature birth and placental abruption, a condition where the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth. Premature birth can result in a range of health problems for the baby, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term disabilities.
Can You Sue a Doctor for Failing to Diagnose Preeclampsia?
Negligence or medical malpractice in diagnosing and managing preeclampsia can have devastating consequences for the mother and the baby. If you or a loved one have experienced the devastating effects of undiagnosed preeclampsia, a preeclampsia attorney can help. You can sue a medical professional or midwife for failing to diagnose preeclampsia. Healthcare professionals have a legal duty to provide a standard level of care and take appropriate measures to diagnose and treat their patients.
A timely and accurate diagnosis of preeclampsia is vital to ensuring proper medical interventions are taken to protect the health of both the mother and the baby. A doctor failing to diagnose or adequately manage preeclampsia may be held accountable for medical negligence. A medical malpractice lawyer investigates all potential parties of liability to ensure total accountability and maximum settlements.
Compensation You May Recover for Failure to Diagnose Preeclampsia
Actual damages in a medical malpractice case are broken down into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses you have sustained due to the medical professional's negligence. Non-economic damages are the intangible losses that impact your quality of life. Actual damages you can recover in a failure to diagnose preeclampsia case are as follows:
- Healthcare Costs: Preeclampsia can require extensive medical treatment, including hospital stays, medications, and specialized care. The cost of these treatments can quickly add up, and you can recover these expenses in your lawsuit.
- Long-Term Care: In severe cases, long-term care may be necessary for the mother or the baby, including ongoing medical treatments, therapy, and assistance with daily activities. The expenses associated with long-term care can be substantial, and seeking compensation can help alleviate the financial burden from impacting your later in life.
- Lost Earnings: If you or your partner had to take time off work to deal with the consequences of preeclampsia, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. These include the income you lost during your recovery period, such as income, tips, overtime, bonuses, and paid time off.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: In some cases, preeclampsia can lead to long-term health complications that affect your ability to work and earn a living. When you can no longer perform your previous job or are limited in the types of work you can do, you can have your diminished earning capacity assessed and valued.
- Domestic Services: Preeclampsia can make performing household chores and responsibilities physically impossible. If you had to hire help or rely on others to take care of these tasks, you can recover the cost of these services.
- Pain and Suffering: There can be a great deal of physical and emotional pain and suffering for the mother regarding preeclampsia. Severe headaches, high blood pressure, organ damage, and other complications can make the pregnancy and delivery process incredibly difficult. Victims of a failure to diagnose preeclampsia can recover compensation for the pain and suffering they have endured as a result of the negligence.
- Decreased Quality of Life: Preeclampsia can have long-term consequences for both the mother and the baby. It can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, developmental issues, and other complications that can affect the child's quality of life. Additionally, mothers may experience ongoing health problems as a result of preeclampsia. Lawyers may determine these damages when you or your baby experience a decreased quality of life.
Preeclampsia comprises 2 percent to 8 percent of pregnancy-related complications, with more than 50,000 maternal deaths and over 500,000 fetal deaths globally. If a failure to diagnose preeclampsia results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss of a loved one, as well as any financial losses incurred as a result.
Benefits of Hiring a Preeclampsia Lawyer
Hiring a preeclampsia lawyer can provide a range of benefits that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. First and foremost, they deeply understand the complex legal system surrounding these types of medical malpractice cases. They also provide you with a sense of support and guidance during this challenging time. Baltimore preeclampsia lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options, ensuring that you make informed decisions about your case. They will serve as your advocate, fighting for your best interests and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Contingent Fee Arrangements
Many victims may be concerned about the cost of hiring a medical malpractice attorney when facing the financial burden of medical expenses and the emotional toll of a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose. Fortunately, most work within contingent fee arrangements to avoid further burden. These ensure no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. Contingent fee arrangements guarantee that clients don't pay unless their lawyer wins their preeclampsia case. There's no risk in hiring a legal professional to represent your case.
Free and Confidential Case Consultations
During a free consultation with a trusted preeclampsia malpractice attorney, you can discuss your situation and determine if you have a viable medical malpractice case. Your initial meeting allows you to share the details of your experience with a knowledgeable Baltimore personal injury attorney who can advise you on legal recourse. Anything you share during free consultations is strictly confidential, allowing you to openly discuss your concerns and ask questions without fear of judgment or consequences.
Schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney to get started on your claim right away.