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Preeclampsia and eclampsia each present complications that can injure a mother or baby. The two conditions are related and most commonly occur in adults who already are battling with high blood pressure. The side effects are easily recognizable by a doctor and if noticed on time, are easily treatable. If your doctor fails to monitor you properly and diagnose your condition, you and your child run the risk of serious injury.
Nobody deserves to pay the physical, emotional, or financial price of a professional’s recklessness. Your doctor’s duty is to take care of you and monitor your child to the best of their ability. If you or your loved one has been harmed because of a doctor’s failure to recognize the onset of preeclampsia or eclampsia and you need competent legal representation to fight for the justice you deserve, you’re in the right place. Contact a Houston, Texas preeclampsia & eclampsia lawyer from Davis & Davis today. Our Houston, Texas preeclampsia & eclampsia are here to fight for you.
Understanding Preeclampsia & Eclampsia
Preeclampsia occurs most often late in pregnancy, although it can start in the immediate post-delivery time period. The hallmark signs are abnormally high blood pressure, protein in your urine, and swelling in the legs. If not addressed early, it can result in damage to the mother’s kidneys and liver and can progress to eclampsia, seizures, stroke, and death.
Recognizing it early is often life-saving, although it may require inducing the early delivery of your child. There are defined and effective ways to treat preeclampsia and eclampsia, and if the obstetrician or labor and delivery staff (nurses, midwives, or nurse practitioners) don’t implement appropriate treatments on time, injury to the mother or the baby can result.
Eclampsia occurs once out of every several thousand pregnancies and is characterized by seizures in a pregnant woman unrelated to preexisting brain conditions. It follows preeclampsia, but it is difficult to tell when it will progress from preeclampsia. When it progresses unchecked, it can result in seizures, brain injuries, neurological damage to a mother, and cerebral palsy or death to the child.
Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome
HELLP syndrome, an acronym for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, is a more advanced and serious complication of preeclampsia. It can lead to a range of health issues, including liver failure, blood clotting disorders, and in extreme cases, maternal and fetal death. Early detection and management of these conditions are critical to prevent these severe outcomes.
When medical professionals fail to diagnose or adequately treat preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, it can lead to tragic consequences, warranting legal action. Houston, Texas preeclampsia & eclampsia attorneys specializing in medical malpractice can provide essential support to families affected by these conditions. They work to establish the negligence of healthcare providers and seek justice and compensation for the harm caused. Their role is to navigate the complexities of medical malpractice law, ensuring that families receive the compensation they need for medical expenses, ongoing care, and the emotional trauma resulting from such medical oversights.
How an Attorney Can Help
Unfortunately, and often devastatingly, not every pregnancy goes as planned. However, when this happens, it’s paramount that competent doctors are present who can adapt and work to remedy the issue at hand. Sometimes, doctors fall below the medical standard of care, and mothers or their babies are harmed as a result. If this has happened to you, our Harris County, Texas medical malpractice lawyer is on your side. While you focus on the healing process with your family and friends, our team is prepared to conduct an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding your case. This will primarily include the collection and assessment of any potentially relevant information to be used as evidence of negligence.
From here, we will handle the filing of your claim with adherence to the statute of limitations. In Texas, this date is two years from the date of the birth injury or two years from the date of reasonable discovery. We will ensure all of the proper documentation is included and that your child’s injuries are fully documented. All communications with the insurance company will be handled by us, including all negotiations for your settlement offer. Our preeclampsia & eclampsia lawyers in Houston, TX understand how big of an impact a worthy settlement offer can make, which is why we fight diligently for you to recover the most possible economic and non-economic damages available for your case. This includes all future expenses as well.
Preeclampsia Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of preeclampsia can have life-altering consequences for both mother and child. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that requires timely medical intervention to prevent severe complications such as eclampsia, stroke, organ failure, and even death. When medical professionals fail to recognize the symptoms, dismiss concerns, or neglect necessary testing, their oversight can lead to catastrophic results.
Failure to diagnose preeclampsia early can mean that the mother does not receive the necessary medications to manage high blood pressure or prevent seizures. Without proper intervention, preeclampsia can quickly escalate into eclampsia, leading to seizures that endanger both the mother and the baby. Additionally, the placenta may not receive sufficient blood flow, which can result in fetal growth restriction, premature birth, or stillbirth.
Even when doctors do recognize preeclampsia, failing to properly monitor the condition can also constitute medical negligence. A mother with preeclampsia must be closely watched to prevent further complications, including HELLP syndrome—a severe condition that can cause liver failure and blood clotting disorders. If a doctor fails to conduct routine urine tests, monitor blood pressure, or order necessary blood work, they may miss crucial warning signs that could have prevented serious harm.
Common Errors Leading to Preeclampsia Misdiagnosis
Several medical errors can contribute to a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of preeclampsia, including:
Failure to Recognize Symptoms
Preeclampsia symptoms such as swelling, high blood pressure, headaches, and protein in the urine should prompt immediate concern. A doctor who dismisses these warning signs or attributes them to normal pregnancy changes may put the mother and baby at serious risk.
Lack of Proper Testing
Routine urine and blood tests are essential for identifying preeclampsia early. Failing to order these tests or misinterpreting the results can lead to an undiagnosed case.
Delayed Treatment
Even when diagnosed, preeclampsia must be managed effectively. Failure to administer medication, hospitalize the patient, or recommend an early delivery when necessary can lead to severe complications.
Ignoring Patient Complaints
Many women report feeling unwell before a preeclampsia diagnosis, but their concerns may be disregarded by medical professionals. If a doctor dismisses symptoms without a thorough evaluation, it can lead to a missed or delayed diagnosis.
When doctors or hospital staff fail to diagnose and treat preeclampsia properly, families may face devastating consequences, including permanent health complications or loss of life.
Other Potential Effects of Preeclampsia Misdiagnosis
In addition to the physical consequences, a misdiagnosis of preeclampsia can have lasting emotional and financial effects on families. Mothers who experience severe complications may require extensive medical treatment, prolonged hospital stays, or even long-term care. Babies born prematurely due to undiagnosed preeclampsia may face developmental delays, breathing difficulties, or other lifelong health challenges.
The financial burden of ongoing medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation can be overwhelming. A medical malpractice claim can help families recover compensation for these losses, holding negligent medical professionals accountable and ensuring affected mothers and children receive the care and support they deserve.
Contact Our Houston Lawyers Today
If your family has struggled with preeclampsia misdiagnosis as a result of medical negligence, Davis & Davis is here to stand by your side. Our trial-tested legal team has the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to handle these complex cases. We understand the devastating impact preeclampsia can have on your child and your entire family, and we are committed to helping you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
With our exclusive focus on medical malpractice cases and over 70 years of combined experience, we have the specialized knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of litigation. Don’t face this challenge alone. Call us at (888) 522-9444 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate Houston birth injury lawyers.
