NOTE: Our law firm does not handle medical malpractice cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute as formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.
Pregnancy is one of the most physically demanding and emotionally vulnerable periods in a woman’s life. While every expectant mother hopes for a healthy outcome, serious medical complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia can arise and endanger both mother and child.
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What Is Preeclampsia and How Does It Harm Mothers and Babies?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition that typically emerges after the 20th week of gestation. It is characterized by high blood pressure and elevated protein levels in the urine. If not addressed quickly, preeclampsia can progress into eclampsia, which includes seizures and poses a life-threatening risk to both mother and baby.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe headaches
- Swelling of hands, feet, and face
- Blurred vision or seeing spots
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Nausea or vomiting
If a doctor fails to monitor these symptoms, order the proper tests, or recommend immediate intervention, they may be liable for medical malpractice. The stakes are high. Delayed diagnosis or treatment can result in liver or kidney failure, premature delivery, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, or stillbirth.
The only definitive solution to preeclampsia is delivery. In mild cases, close monitoring may allow the pregnancy to continue until it is safer to deliver. But when a patient’s health is deteriorating, immediate delivery may be necessary regardless of the baby’s gestational age.
What Medical Errors Can Lead to Preeclampsia or Eclampsia Claims?
Many preeclampsia malpractice cases involve a breakdown in basic clinical responsibilities.
Doctors, nurses, and hospitals may be liable for:
- Failing to monitor blood pressure during prenatal visits
- Ignoring or minimizing patient-reported symptoms
- Not ordering urine tests or other diagnostic screenings
- Delaying hospitalization for monitoring and treatment
- Delaying delivery even after clear signs of maternal or fetal distress
- Failing to consult or refer to specialists when appropriate
How Long Do You Have to File a Maryland Preeclampsia Malpractice Lawsuit?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally three years from the date the injury was discovered, but no more than five years from the date the malpractice occurred. Determining when the clock starts can be complicated, especially in cases involving birth injuries where symptoms might not be immediately obvious.
Why Experience Matters in Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Claims
When you trust medical professionals with your care during pregnancy, you expect them to act quickly and competently. If they fail to diagnose or treat preeclampsia or eclampsia in time, they should be held responsible for the damage they cause.
If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, call us. We can refer you to a lawyer who handles these cases.