Negligent Care During Pregnancy Can Have Serious Consequences
The care a woman receives during her pregnancy can affect her health and the health of her fetus. The obstetrician needs to monitor a woman’s condition throughout pregnancy so that any pregnancy complications can be dealt with quickly and appropriately.
When pregnancy complications are not diagnosed and treated, when they cause serious injury to the mother or baby, call The Law Office of Salazar, Sullivan & Jasionowski. Discuss the situation with an experienced Albuquerque pregnancy complications lawyer.
Proper Management Of Pregnancy Complications
It is an obstetrician’s responsibility to monitor patients, notice any red flags that would indicate pregnancy complications, and take the appropriate steps to keep a complication from causing serious injury or death to the mother or baby.
If a woman has gestational diabetes, for example, her own health may be at risk and the fetus may grow too big in the womb, distressing the fetus. That can increase the risk of birth defects and complicate the birth process.
Our law firm concentrates almost exclusively on medical malpractice matters. Our attorneys understand the medical science of pregnancy complications as well as recommended testing procedures that are sometimes done improperly or not at all. Our attorneys take on pregnancy complication cases due to:
- Gestational diabetes
- Pre-eclampsia
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
- Group B streptococcus (Group B strep)
- Misread ultrasounds
- Genetic testing
- Mistakes in amniocentesis
Frequently Asked Questions On Pregnancy Complications
Below, we have answered some commonly asked questions patients ask about pregnancy complications and medical malpractice.
What pregnancy complications often lead to malpractice claims?
Certain pregnancy complications are more likely to result in medical malpractice claims because they require timely diagnosis and careful monitoring. When providers fail to act quickly, the consequences can be severe for the parent and baby. The most commonly cited complications include:
- Preeclampsia, a dangerous condition marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage that can worsen rapidly if untreated.
- HELLP syndrome, a related but more severe condition involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet counts.
- Gestational infections or undiagnosed fetal distress that lead to preventable injury during pregnancy or delivery.
These complications form the basis of pregnancy malpractice claims and birth injury lawsuits when warning signs were missed or ignored.
How do I know if my doctor mishandled preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia requires close monitoring and prompt intervention. Concerns about mishandling arise when symptoms are present but not taken seriously. Common red flags may include:
- Delayed diagnosis
- Failure to order appropriate lab work
- Not escalating care when symptoms worsened
If blood pressure readings, swelling, headaches or abnormal labs were documented but not addressed, this may indicate negligent pregnancy care. Reviewing medical records with a medical malpractice lawyer can help determine whether preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome was improperly managed.
What should I do if I suspect my pregnancy complications were mishandled?
If you believe your pregnancy complications were mishandled, taking early action is important. The first step is to preserve information and understand your legal options. Helpful steps include:
- Requesting complete medical records from all providers involved in your care.
- Writing down symptoms, timelines and conversations while they are still fresh.
- Speaking with a lawyer who handles pregnancy complications and medical malpractice cases.
An attorney can assess whether the care fell below accepted standards and explain whether a claim may be possible. Acting promptly helps protect your rights and preserves critical evidence.
What is the statute of limitations for pregnancy- or birth-related malpractice in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, most pregnancy- or birth-related malpractice claims must be filed within three years from the date of the injury.
However, for claims involving qualified healthcare providers, the law applies an occurrence rule, meaning the deadline is three years from the date of the injury, rather than when the injury was discovered.
Failing to meet the statute of limitations can permanently bar a claim, making early legal guidance especially crucial.
Contact Our Firm To Learn Your Options
The failure to do tests (for example, when genetic testing is recommended or when a woman’s symptoms indicate a test is needed) can place a woman and her unborn fetus in a dangerous, life-threatening situation. If that has happened to you or someone in your family, contact The Law Office of Salazar, Sullivan & Jasionowski today to learn more about how our medical malpractice attorneys can help you.