While it is fairly common knowledge that developing countries still struggle with infant and maternal mortality in childbirth, many wrongly assume that such tragedies are not an issue in developed nations. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, statistics indicate that maternal mortality has doubled over the last 20 years. If someone you love has suffered the same fate, and you believe medical negligence may have been a factor, the following information can help you better understand your rights, including your right to compensation.
Understanding Maternal Mortality in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600 women die from childbirth complications per year. Complications related to the puerperium (the reproductive system’s return to its pre-pregnancy state, which continues over the course of about six weeks after childbirth), eclampsia, preeclampsia, hemorrhaging of the pregnancy, placenta previa, and pregnancy with an abortive outcome are some of the most common causes. Many of these complications, if caught early, could be prevented or managed prior to, during, and after delivery. In such instances, medical negligence may have occurred.
Non-Fatal Complications Also Common
Not every maternal injury results in death. In fact, there are many other types of injuries that can significantly alter the mother’s life without causing mortality. For example, a mother from West Yorkshire suffered permanent brain damage after doctors gave the wrong type of anesthetic during surgery to stop a massive hemorrhage. While, ultimately, the surgery did save her life, it also resulted in a condition that will require lifelong treatment. Further, it is unlikely that she will ever be able to care for her daughter, who she was excited to meet, because she, herself, needs assistance with basic daily living activities. In short, her quality of life has been greatly diminished by the medical error.
Understanding Your Rights after Maternal Birth Injury
Whether the injury results in death, or simply diminishes a mother’s quality of life, victims who experience maternal birth injuries caused by medical negligence have the right to pursue compensation. Unfortunately, such cases are highly complex, especially for a family already struggling with grief at what should have been one of the happiest moments of their lives.
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we fight for the rights of medical negligence victims and their families. Dedicated to your best interests, we aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome possible for every situation. Schedule your consultation with our Chicago, Illinois medical negligence attorneys to learn more.
Sources:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3917552/Mother-25-left-unable-walk-talk-suffering-catastrophic-brain-injury-childbirth-lifelong-care-NHS-agrees-payout.html
http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-relatedmortality.htm
http://mchb.hrsa.gov/chusa11/hstat/hsi/pages/208mm.html
