Can a doctor fail to diagnose preeclampsia?

On Behalf of | Dec 23, 2020 | Failure To Diagnose

While modern medicine has made pregnancy easier for women in New Mexico and around the country, it still comes with its share of complications. Every year, thousands of women suffer from a complication known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is typically not hard to diagnose, and early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death for the mother and her child. But if a doctor fails to diagnose this condition, the mistake could have serious consequences.

Can a doctor fail to diagnose preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that causes the woman’s blood pressure to spike significantly. This disease can cause seizures, strokes, organ failure and death of the mother or child. While there’s no cure for preeclampsia, a doctor could monitor the woman’s condition and treat her symptoms as much as possible if it’s diagnosed early enough.

To diagnose preeclampsia, a doctor must perform two blood pressure tests at least four hours apart. If both readings are higher than 140/90, the doctor might diagnose the woman with preeclampsia. However, some doctors fail to diagnose this condition, which can lead to medical malpractice lawsuits.

A failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis can lead to debilitating symptoms for the pregnant woman. She might die, miscarry or give birth to a stillborn baby if the condition is severe enough. As a result, it’s important for doctors who don’t diagnose this condition in time to be held accountable.

Should you file a medical malpractice lawsuit?

Medical malpractice doesn’t just cover surgical injuries. A doctor’s failure to take action could be just as deadly as taking the wrong action. If you or a loved one suffered from a misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose or another medical issue, an attorney may help you seek compensation. They might be able to prove that you’ve suffered as a result of the doctor’s negligence.

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