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Failure To Diagnose Or Treat Placental Abruption

Experienced Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys Who Get Results

During labor and delivery, the life of the mother and child should take priority over everything else. The doctors and hospital staff are responsible for properly caring for and evaluating the health of the fetus and pregnant mother. One of the events they should watch out for is placental abruption. Placental abruption is the event where the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus wall prematurely. Because the placenta provides the fetus with key nutrients, this event can leave the baby without nourishment or oxygen.

When Does Placental Abruption Happen?

According to research, an estimated 6.5 pregnancies out of every 1,000 will be affected by placental abruption. It usually occurs in the third trimester but can really happen any time after the 20-week mark. About 50% of placental abruptions happen after 30 weeks and before labor. If the doctors fail to diagnose or treat placental abruption, they can potentially cause injuries and death to the mother or baby.

Power Rogers is a premier birth injury law firm in Chicago. Call our experienced team for a free consultation if you or your loved one suffered placental abruption injuries.

Symptoms, Causes And Risks Of Placental Abruption

Doctors and nurses must always be prepared to deal with placental abruption. Because it is such a sensitive matter, doctors should constantly examine expectant mothers to look for symptoms that may indicate the placenta has detached from the uterus.

Common symptoms of placental abruption include:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Tender uterus with a “woody” feeling to the abdomen
  • Cramping and abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Frequent contractions
  • Low blood count

If doctors notice these symptoms, it is imperative that they test for placental abruption. Unfortunately, many physicians overlook such traits. If not immediately treated, the separation can cause extensive damage to both mother and child. It can even lead to death.

Some dangers caused by placental abruption are:

  • Fetal hypoxia
  • Hemorrhaging
  • Adverse effect on baby’s growth
  • Premature birth
  • Stillbirth

Cases of hypertension and trauma can cause placental abruption. If doctors know that their patient suffers from high blood pressure, they need to monitor the fetus and position of the placenta. Similarly, if an expectant mother is involved in a car accident or similar trauma, they are also at higher risk for placental abruption. If the placenta detaches from the uterus wall, immediate attention is required. Often, if a mother is close to her due date, she may need to go into early labor to save the baby. However, if the doctor does not diagnose the condition in time, it may be too late to save the baby or the mother.

Allow Our Birth Injury Attorneys To Represent Your Case

At Power Rogers, we have extensive knowledge and experience dealing with failure to treat and diagnose placental abruption cases. We understand the grief and frustration that comes when a doctor or nurse is negligent and fails to do their job appropriately. Our legal team has helped birth injury victims for decades and has collectively recovered over $5 billion for our clients in settlements and verdicts. We have been #1 in recoveries for seven consecutive years. Our clients are like family to us. We prepare each case as if it were going to trial, with thorough attention to detail. If your doctor failed to diagnose or treat placental abruption, contact our Chicago birth attorneys today at 312-500-1792.