Baltimore Maternal Death Lawyer
Fortunately, maternal death during childbirth is nowhere near as common as it once was. Tragically, that does not mean it never happens. For some women, childbirth is still fatal when things go wrong and negligent doctors do not respond appropriately. Below, our Baltimore maternal death lawyer explains the most common causes of maternal death and can help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve if you have lost someone.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that affects between five and seven percent of all pregnant women. Most women do not even know they suffer from it until a doctor becomes concerned about their high blood pressure or protein in the urine. No one knows what causes some women to develop preeclampsia, but a woman will suffer from many symptoms, including serious headaches, shortness of breath, and vomiting. The hands, feet, and face may also swell, which is difficult to detect as swelling is a natural part of pregnancy. Doctors must know how to identify preeclampsia and treat it, as this intervention could save the woman’s life.
Placenta Previa
In most cases, the placenta sits at the top of the uterus. When placenta previa occurs though, it moves toward the bottom and either partly or completely covers the opening of the cervix. Placenta previa can cause uncontrollable bleeding for the mother and the child, which could be fatal for both.
Uterine Rupture
A uterine rupture occurs when the wall of the uterus tears, typically at the site of a previous incision from a C-section. The early signs of uterine rupture include a bulge in the pelvic bone, excess vaginal bleeding, and sudden intense pain between labor contractions. A uterine rupture also has the potential to be fatal for the mother.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the wall of the uterus. The placenta is the baby’s lifeline and so, this condition always has the potential for the child to suffer dire consequences. However, placental abruption can also cause excess bleeding in the mother, which can also be fatal.
Placenta Accreta
Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta grows deep into the wall of the uterus. This is another very dangerous condition that can cause blood clots and excessive blood loss for the woman after delivery.
Heart Disease
A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and this includes changes to the cardiovascular system. Pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume, which can lead to decreased vascular resistance and eventually, a heart attack. Women who suffer from cardiac problems before becoming pregnant may have an increased risk of material death before, during, or after labor and delivery.
Our Maternal Death Lawyer in Baltimore Can Help After Your Loss
The birth of a child should be a joyous time, but the death of the mother will leave the entire family in mourning. If you have lost someone before, during, or after childbirth, our Baltimore maternal death lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC can advise you of your legal options. Call us today at 410.567.0800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
