Justice for Preeclampsia Mismanagement

In some cases, failing to diagnose or treat preeclampsia is medical malpractice. If you believe that your healthcare provider missed signs of preeclampsia or did not properly treat it, you should talk to a preeclampsia lawyer in Columbus, OH, right away. At Beausay & Nichols Law Firm, we have a strong focus on medical malpractice cases and know how to get our clients the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

The Impact of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia has the potential to damage your body, such as the kidney, liver, and brain, as well as other serious side effects. The CDC estimates that preeclampsia affects approximately five to seven percent of pregnancies, making it one of the top causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Due to these risks, your healthcare provider will need to keep a close eye on your pregnancy and suggest immediate treatment as necessary. They should keep an eye out for symptoms of preeclampsia, such as:

  • High blood pressure 
  • Protein in the urine
  • Severe headaches
  • Vision disturbances, such as sensitivity to light or blurred vision
  • Painful upper abdomen, typically under the ribs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Decreased urine output
  • Difficulty breathing as a result of build up of fluid in the lungs
  • Weight gain or unexplained swelling in the hands, feet, or face

Symptoms of preeclampsia differ in severity and may overlap with normal pregnancy discomforts. If medical providers fail to recognize or act on these warning signs, the results can be devastating, including premature birth, placental abruption, or long-term health problems for both the mother and child.

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What Causes Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia remains a complex condition with no single known cause. However, research identifies several contributing factors, including:

  • Inadequate blood flow to the placenta 
  • Pre-existing high blood pressure
  • Abnormal immune reactions
  • A family history of preeclampsia can heighten the likelihood
  • Women pregnant for the first time are at greater risk
  • Carrying twins or triplets increases susceptibility
  • Some health conditions are linked to higher preeclampsia risk, such as kidney disease and autoimmune disorders
  • Being overweight or obese 

Importantly, if you have any of these conditions, healthcare professionals should be on the lookout for issues like preeclampsia. In other words, having been at risk for preeclampsia may make your malpractice claim easier to prove.

Common Forms of Malpractice that Can Lead to Undiagnosed or Untreated Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that requires careful monitoring and prompt treatment. When healthcare providers fail to properly diagnose and treat this condition, both mother and baby can suffer severe, life-threatening consequences. Medical professionals must follow established standards of care to protect their patients. Unfortunately, we often see the following forms of negligence in preeclampsia cases:

Medical Histories

Failing to obtain complete medical histories during prenatal visits, including family history of preeclampsia, previous pregnancy complications, and risk factors like chronic hypertension or diabetes.

Blood Pressure

Inadequate blood pressure monitoring throughout pregnancy, especially during the critical third trimester when preeclampsia risk increases significantly.

Reported Symptoms

Dismissing or downplaying reported symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, or sudden swelling - all potential warning signs of preeclampsia.

Urine Tests

Not ordering appropriate urine tests to check for protein levels, a key indicator of preeclampsia, during routine prenatal visits.

Delayed Referral

Delayed referral to specialists when patients show signs of developing preeclampsia, particularly in high-risk pregnancies.

Documentation

Poor documentation and communication between healthcare providers about patient symptoms, test results, and treatment plans, leading to gaps in care.

Education

Failure to properly educate patients about preeclampsia warning signs and when to seek immediate medical attention.

Our skilled team of attorneys can review your medical records and determine whether these or any other forms of malpractice played a role in your case.

Team at Beausay & Nichols Law Firm

Contact the Columbus, OH, Preeclampsia Attorneys at Beausay & Nichols Law Firm

If you have had an adverse health outcome related to undiagnosed or untreated preeclampsia, you should contact an attorney immediately. Beausay & Nichols Law Firm has the resources and experience to hold negligent medical providers accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a preeclampsia attorney in Columbus, OH.

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