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Representation When Birth Injuries Result From Eclampsia And Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and excessive protein in the urine. Eclampsia, or uncontrolled preeclampsia, is an even more serious condition resulting in maternal seizures. Preeclampsia typically begins in the second or third trimester of pregnancy or shortly after delivery. It is one of the most common causes of death and illness among pregnant women and fetuses. Delivering the baby is the only cure for preeclampsia, so the condition can be particularly risky for women in the early and middle stages of pregnancy. This condition requires careful medical monitoring to protect the life of both the mother and her child. At The Law Office of Robert H. Kleinschmidt, P.C., in Scottsdale, we work hard to help hold negligent medical professionals accountable and to help you recover the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

Failure To Diagnose Or Monitor Preeclampsia And Eclampsia

Preeclampsia can decrease blood flow to the placenta. Because this blood flow provides the unborn child with nutrients and oxygen, preeclampsia and eclampsia can have serious effects on a fetus, especially if the mother goes undiagnosed or is improperly monitored by her physician during pregnancy, labor or delivery.

In the most severe cases, preeclampsia and eclampsia can result in stillbirths or fetal death. While early delivery commonly contributes to infant mortality in some cases, full-term infants may also experience the lethal effects of preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Risk For Placental Abruption

Separation of the placenta from the inner wall, or placental abruption, is a common cause of fatal preeclampsia and eclampsia in viable infants. This placental abruption often stems from HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count). Since doctors can detect preeclampsia with relative ease, medical negligence can also lead to fatal outcomes.

Signs And Treatment Of Preeclampsia/Eclampsia

In the fetus, abnormal fetal breathing and irregular heart rate can indicate preeclampsia or eclampsia. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the two major indicators of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Thus, doctors should monitor women for even minor changes in blood pressure during pregnancy.

Protein in the urine is the second significant sign of preeclampsia. This protein can be monitored through regular urine tests. Women with preeclampsia and eclampsia might also experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, changes in vision, swelling and abdominal pain.

Contact Us For Help With The Injury Or Wrongful Death Of A Child

If you suffered from high blood pressure, preeclampsia or eclampsia and your child was injured at birth or died as a result of inadequate prenatal testing or improper fetal monitoring, you should talk to an Arizona lawyer within the statutory time limits to file a claim.

Because of the high financial and emotional cost of a birth injury to your child, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your child’s current and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. Please call attorney Robert H. Kleinschmidt at 480-951-3949 or contact us online to discuss your legal options. We provide representation to families throughout the greater Phoenix area.