Baltimore Placental Abruption Lawyer
Placental abruption, also known as accidental hemorrhage or abruptio placentae, occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely. Sometimes, a partial placental abruption occurs, which is when only part of the placenta separates from the uterus. Placental abruptions start when bleeding occurs under the placenta, although it is challenging to determine why the bleeding occurs in the first place. If you have suffered from placental abruption during a pregnancy and have suffered losses as a result, it is crucial that you speak to a Baltimore placental abruption lawyer that can help you claim compensation for any harm incurred.
Why is Placental Abruption So Dangerous?
Most commonly, placental abruption occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, but it can happen as early as 20 weeks. The placenta is very important for a fetus. It carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the unborn child, and also protects them against infection while acting as a waste disposal system. Due to the importance of the placenta, when it ruptures, it can result in distress for the mother and can cause birth injuries and even death for the unborn child.
Causes of Placental Abruption
It is not always difficult to identify the cause of placental abruption. For example, abdominal trauma is a very common cause. Smoking cigarettes or using illicit drugs such as cocaine have also been linked to placental abruption. Some underlying medical conditions can also place a woman at higher risk of suffering placental abruption. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases are just a few of these.
When mothers suffer from these conditions, they should speak to their healthcare provider about them. If the doctor then does not have a heightened concern and tries to prevent an abruption, they could be considered negligent and held liable for any harm that results.
Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Placental Abruption
Medical malpractice claims filed in relation to a placental abruption typically focus on the doctor’s failure to notice the warning signs of the abruption and taking the necessary action. The standard of care in these cases requires doctors to observe the relevant risk factors early in the pregnancy, and then to follow up on those risk factors.
Doctors should order the appropriate tests or treatment, such as bed rest, and then monitor the situation, regularly assessing the risk. When a doctor does not properly diagnose and treat placental abruption and it causes harm to the mother or her unborn child, this could form the basis for a valid medical malpractice claim.
Our Birth Injury Lawyers in Baltimore Can Help Your Family
Placental abruption has the potential to be devastating for the mother, unborn child, and the entire family. If any of your loved ones have been hurt by this pregnancy condition, our Baltimore birth injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, can assist with your claim. Our skilled attorneys know how to hold doctors accountable for their actions or inactions, and we will put our experience to work for you. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.