Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania
Should i seek legal assitance
On july 27, 2005 my wife was seen for her normanl prenatel visit. because her blood pressure was high {188/104} the hospital admitted her for 24 hour observation. after the 24 obser she was release blood work came back neg. blood pressure sligtly high was order to return on 1 aug upon returning for a 9 15am appoint she had server adominal pains and vommiting bp 190/120 +4 protein she was told to leave the waiting room and sit in docs lounge until she was seen by a doctor. docter noted she was dialated 1cm and was told to walk approx 100 yards to the hospital for evaluation of blood work and high blood pressure. 11:15am she reach the hospital where she was still in server pain again noted to the nurse approx 12:30 nurse recognize the baby heart was decreasing for the half hour with increasing pain. dr. order breathine for wife at 12:42 breathine was give 12:45 baby heart rate drop to zero. pefromed a emergency C section my son died 13:01 pm. result pre-clampsia abruption. she was high risk because of our first baby born pre-mature at 36 week {a healthy baby Girl as a result of pre-clampsia but at a different hospital} I have all medical Records stating facts from hospital and obgyn office. I also have autopsy.The ignored all signs.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Should i seek legal assitance
From what you have described, it sounds like the Standard of Care may not have been met, although an attorney would need more details. There are treatments for pre-eclampsia, and, depending on how late in the pregnancy this occurred, there may have been indications for more close monitoring possibly medications or earlier caesarian section.
Mr. Meyers correctly observes that the benefits of interventions for Pre-eclampsia treatment are far better proven for the mother than the fetus. Nonetheless, there are indications that in certain circumstances: Severe intrauterine growth restriction, Nonreassuring fetal surveillance, Oligohydramnios., the baby would likely benefit from early delivery.
It is impossible to tell from the facts you have presented, whether or not anything the doctor had done could have altered the outcome - this will depend on a number factors, the most important being how late in the pregnancy this occurred.
If you are interested in investigating a possible medical malpractice lawsuit, you should discuss this case with an attorney as soon as possible.
Re: Should i seek legal assitance
You certainly should seek legal assistance. The facts you describe raise serious questions about the care and attention given to your wife and unborn child.
I'm glad you asked the question that way, instead of "do I have a case". With a medical negligence claim, it takes a detailed review of the records, consultations with experts, and so forth, to evaluate the potential claim. But firms like ours do this type of review on a contingent basis, so it won't cost you anything to meet with an attorney, and will help answer questions you may have, in addition to a possible claim.
I ran your posting by the attorneys here who handle OB cases and they would like to meet with you, no obligation. Please feel free to call or email me to make an appointment.
Re: Should i seek legal assitance
You do not present sufficient facts to determine whether a legal claim is justified.
In general pre-eclampsia poses a greater risk to mother than child. You do not state the gestational age. You do not describe signs of abruption other than abdominal pain. Was there evidence of uterine irritability, blood?
If death was due to abruption what evidence was there to suggest the need for diagnosis and early intervention.
Please call my office if you wish to share further details.
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