Placenta previa can be harmful to the baby in some cases. Although many babies that experience this condition are delivered safely, placenta previa can have damaging side effects on the child if not identified and properly monitored. Placenta previa may also cause bleeding and require a premature or cesarean section delivery that can cause birth injuries.
If doctor negligence caused or contributed to complications or birth injuries for a pregnancy with placenta previa, they may be liable in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Understanding Placenta Previa
In a normal pregnancy, the placenta is located in the upper part of the uterus. Placenta previa, the placenta instead completely or partly covers the mother’s cervix. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, placenta previa occurs in roughly 1 in 200 pregnancies.
Sometimes this condition can go away on its own. Other times, a doctor and a mother can manage placenta previa with rest, close monitoring, and a cesarean section delivery. However, if significant bleeding occurs, it can lead to issues for the mother and child.
Placenta previa can be more common in women who have had children before, women over the age of 35, and women who have had placenta previa in an earlier pregnancy. Women who are carrying multiple babies may be at a higher risk of developing this condition as well.
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How Placenta Previa Can Cause Complications
Placenta previa can be harmful to the baby and the mother if it causes excessive bleeding in the mother. If the bleeding is excessive or threatens the mother’s wellbeing, the baby may need to be delivered preterm via a cesarean section.
Placenta Previa and Medical Malpractice
If a negligent doctor fails to perform routine screenings on a mother and recognize placenta previa when it occurs, they may be liable for resultant damages.
This may include injuries to the mother or baby due to bleeding or injury to the baby that occurs during delivery. A child with birth injuries may be diagnosed with new conditions, such as Cerebral palsy or various cognitive or developmental disorders.
If you were diagnosed with placenta previa and believe that doctor negligence caused or contributed to the severity of your or your child’s outcome, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the responsible party.
Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Medical Malpractice Case
If you or your child suffered harm due to the improper management of placenta previa by medical professionals, you may be entitled to damages. Depending on the nature of your case and your or your child’s injuries, the recoverable damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit may include:
- Medical costs: this may include the costs of any negligent medical care received, as well as additional care required to heal.
- Long term care: the future treatment of any new injuries or issues a child has due to a birth injury may also be covered in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
- Loss of income: if the mother must stop working to recover from her injuries or if either parent stops working to care for their child’s injuries.
- Non-economic damages: parents and children may suffer non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or disability due to birth injuries.
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How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Medical Malpractice Case
You can pursue damages in a medical malpractice case on your own, but a lawyer can help by handling most parts of your case for you. In general, a lawyer may be able to:
Handle All Communications
Your lawyer can communicate with all of the involved parties on your behalf, including insurance companies and their lawyers.
Handle All Paperwork
A lawyer can file your insurance claim or lawsuit and manage all other legal paperwork in your case.
Collect Evidence
A lawyer can identify the liable parties in your case and gather evidence to show how their negligence has adversely affected you or your child. A lawyer can also hire a medical expert to testify that malpractice occurred in your case.
Argue Your Case
A lawyer can argue your case with the responsible party’s insurance company and show why you may deserve compensation for what you have experienced. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can take your case to trial.
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Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for a Free Consultation
If you have experienced injuries or birth complications due to placenta previa, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to help you. We represent families nationwide in medical malpractice lawsuits.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529.
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