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Obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) focus on women’s reproductive health needs. An OBGYN doctor focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system, such as fertility, menopause, and certain types of cancer. This doctor often becomes one of your most important health care providers, whether or not you plan to have children. Unfortunately, when your doctor makes a mistake, it can put your health at serious risk.
A Philadelphia OBGYN lawyer at Lowenthal & Abrams can help you recover financial compensation for injuries your doctor’s error caused. Whether the issue involves your pregnancy or your overall health, a compassionate medical malpractice attorney will guide you through the process, offer advice, and provide support.
Defining OBGYN Malpractice
Accidents and mistakes happen, but we can usually prevent harm by acting as a reasonable person would in the same situation. Conduct is considered negligence when someone behaves unreasonably or ignores accepted standards. If a doctor’s negligence causes an injury, the patient may have grounds for a malpractice claim if the evidence connects that negligence to the injury.
Medicine requires years of training, skill, and precision, so the law holds doctors and other health care professionals to a high standard of care. When an OBGYN in Philadelphia provides treatment that falls below this standard and causes you harm, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim and should speak with an attorney.
When Is an OB-GYN Error Medical Malpractice?
An OB-GYN error may be medical malpractice when the provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes an injury or makes an existing condition worse. A poor outcome alone does not establish malpractice. The key question is whether a reasonably careful OB-GYN would have acted differently under similar circumstances.
Malpractice concerns may arise when an OB-GYN fails to investigate concerning symptoms, misses or delays a diagnosis, does not follow up on abnormal test results, prescribes an unsafe medication, or makes a preventable error during a procedure.
For example, abnormal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or other concerning symptoms may require further evaluation depending on the circumstances. An OB-GYN’s failure to order appropriate testing, imaging, a biopsy, or a referral may support a malpractice claim if the delay allows a condition to worsen or causes additional harm.
Medical records, test results, imaging, pathology reports, medication histories, referral records, and follow-up instructions may help determine what happened. A medical malpractice attorney can review the treatment timeline and work with appropriate medical professionals to assess whether the provider met the applicable standard of care.
Examples of Negligence in Women’s Health
Mistakes in obstetrics and gynecology can cause serious injuries to both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Since the field deals with pregnancies, errors can also harm a mother, an unborn child, or a newborn. Common examples of OBGYN negligence include:
- Missing a cancer diagnosis
- Prescribing the wrong medication
- Making errors during an invasive procedure
- Using forceps improperly during childbirth
- Failing to recognize fetal distress
- Failing to follow up on abnormal Pap tests, HPV results, imaging, or other diagnostic findings
- Failing to investigate persistent or worsening gynecological symptoms
For women, these mistakes can lead to untreated cancer, unnecessary surgeries, or even the loss of fertility. A delayed diagnosis can also allow a gynecological condition to progress, potentially limiting treatment options or requiring more invasive care than may have been necessary with an earlier diagnosis. For infants, errors during childbirth can cause birth injuries such as cerebral palsy.
In these situations, you can take action to hold negligent parties accountable. An experienced lawyer handling obstetrics and gynecology malpractice claims in Philadelphia will help you and your child pursue financial compensation when your gynecologist provides substandard care.
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive in Your Claim?
Every malpractice case differs based on the circumstances and severity of the harm. In general, you can recover compensation for:
- Future medical treatment to correct the mistake
- Lost income if you cannot work
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Children can also qualify for compensation, including lost earning capacity and personal assistance for disabilities. A knowledgeable attorney can explain what your women’s health malpractice claim in Philadelphia may be worth and guide you through the process.
Contact a Philadelphia Attorney To Pursue Justice Against a Negligent OBGYN
Dealing with negligent health care creates enormous stress, especially when it affects your child. A Philadelphia OBGYN lawyer at Lowenthal & Abrams can help relieve you of the stress by handling the legal process so you can focus on yourself and your family.
An attorney will listen to your situation, design a strategy, and help you achieve your goals so you can proceed with assurance. Call Lowenthal & Abrams to schedule a free consultation about your case.
