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When you have experienced a placental abruption, which is a serious pregnancy complication, it is crucial to speak with a knowledgeable birth injury attorney to understand your options for pursuing justice. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta is completely or partially detached from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born. Due to the disruption, the baby may be deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen.
Our dedicated Philadelphia placental abruption lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams assist mothers and infants who have sustained an injury due to medical negligence or malpractice. We offer zealous representation against healthcare providers, doctors, nurses, and hospitals for failing to diagnose, treat, or monitor placental abruption properly.
When Does Placental Abruption Occur?
Placental abruption can occur at any point during a pregnancy, but it is most common in the later stages. Most cases occur at term, which means from 37 weeks of pregnancy until delivery.
Regardless of when the placental abruption occurs, it is always considered a medical emergency because it deprives the baby of nutrients and oxygen. This can cause a variety of different complications, from stillbirth to maternal hemorrhaging and preterm birth. Our compassionate attorneys can examine a case’s facts to understand if malpractice or negligence was involved in a Philadelphia placental abruption injury.
What Causes Placental Abruption
A Philadelphia attorney can consult a team of professionals to understand all the factors surrounding a claim, as there are various reasons why placental abruption can occur. Some of them are:
- Maternal age
- Prior abruption
- Multiple pregnancies
- Hypertensive disorders
- Trauma to the abdomen
When the mother has a hypertensive disorder such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and chronic hypertension, there can be an increased risk of placental abruption. Smoking and secondhand smoke during pregnancy can both be risk factors. The usage of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, can also raise the chance of placental abruption. Additionally, when a mother is carrying twins or triplets, there is an increased likelihood of stretching the uterus. A short umbilical cord can also inhibit fetal movement and growth.
Medical Malpractice and Placental Abruption
A medical malpractice lawsuit is based on the theory of negligence. A healthcare provider did not provide treatment in accordance with the accepted standards of care, which resulted in direct injury to the injured patient. Although accidents may occur, a medical professional must adequately diagnose and treat certain conditions, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, as failure to manage these conditions can quickly lead to placental abruption. Not correctly assessing known risk factors, such as trauma, cocaine use, previous abruption, or maternal age, is also a breach of duty to the patient.
The improper management of labor and delivery can cause abruption. Improper fetal monitoring, failure to perform a necessary C-section, and incorrect use of labor induction methods can all potentially cause or exacerbate a placental abruption. Healthcare professionals can also negligently carry out these procedures and cause blunt trauma to the abdomen.
Caring for the Baby
Proper natal care is also vital for a healthy baby and mother. In cases where placental abruption occurs due to the negligent actions of hospital staff, families may have grounds to pursue a malpractice claim against the responsible healthcare providers or facility. Our Philadelphia lawyers can advocate for an injured party for a placental abruption claim during this difficult time.
Consequences of a Placental Abruption
In placental abruption cases, our Philadelphia attorneys understand that both the mother and child can sustain lasting injuries. For the mother, a placental abruption can lead to blood loss and complications such as hemorrhagic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and sometimes even a hysterectomy. The trauma and blood loss may even be fatal.
Babies are at high risk of injuries, such as brain damage from oxygen deprivation, seizure disorders, cerebral palsy, cognitive impairments, and developmental delays. A placental abruption can also cause stillbirth or neonatal death. If the abruption is not fatal, it can raise the risk of preterm birth and associated long-term health issues for the baby. It is crucial to contact our team so that justice can be served.
Reach Out to a Philadelphia Placental Abruption Attorney Today
An experienced Philadelphia placental abruption lawyer will investigate all the facts surrounding a claim, gather relevant medical records, and determine if negligence occurred on your behalf.
We understand the devastating injuries that can occur, and we will fight to help your family obtain justice and fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future healthcare needs, and other damages. Contact our experienced legal team today to schedule an initial consultation.
