Chicago is home to many hospitals and medical schools, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, the University of Chicago Hospitals, Rush University Medical Center and Advocate facilities including Lutheran General Hospital and Christ Hospital. However, medical mistakes—such as a missed preeclampsia diagnosis–can occur anywhere, at any time. When preeclampsia occurs, the swift response of the hospital’s medical team is necessary to protect both mother and child.
Preeclampsia is a condition often characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, most often the liver or kidneys. Left undiagnosed and untreated, preeclampsia can lead to severe and permanent birth injuries for the child or death for the mother.
Most women with preeclampsia will deliver healthy babies and fully recover. However, some women will experience complications, several of which may be life-threatening to the mother or her baby.
Preeclampsia can become severe very quickly. The rate of preeclampsia in the US has increased 25% in the last two decades, and is a leading cause of illness and death to mothers and their babies.
Preeclampsia can be a devastating condition. Delays in diagnosis or delivery of the baby can have severe consequences. For mothers at 36 weeks in their pregnancy or later, the standard of care for treatment is immediate cesarean section of the baby.
If an obstetrician, emergency physician or other hospital employee fails to promptly diagnose and treat preeclampsia, serious injury or death to the mother or child may occur. The baby may also suffer severe cognitive trauma, including brain damage and cerebral palsy.
How Do I Know If I Have a Possible Claim?
If you or a woman you love suffered preeclampsia in an Illinois hospital that resulted in death or severe injury to the mother or child, the injured parties or their surviving families may have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.
If properly diagnosed and treated, preeclampsia should never result in a pregnant woman’s death or injury to the child. In the unfortunate event the mother passes, or the child suffers an injury, an experienced trial lawyer should be contacted immediately to investigate if negligence occurred.
A qualified medical malpractice attorney will gather facts about your case and help determine whether your preeclampsia complications were the fault of your medical provider.
Experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Hurley McKenna and Mertz has represented many victims of medical malpractice, securing more than $500,000,000 on behalf of our clients, and can help identify if the medical staff was negligent in their actions.
Our extensive network of medical experts, both in the Chicago area and across the country, can examine your case and testify on your behalf.
Contact us today and learn how we can help you receive the compensation and justice for this emotionally trying episode for your family.
