Medical Malpractice and Pregnancy

 Posted on February 04, 2019 in Medical Malpractice

Pregnancy is an incredibly vulnerable time for the mother and the infant: Many things can go wrong, and the risk of medical complications for parent and child is high. Because this process is so sensitive, with many factors and variables, this is also a precarious time for doctors and other health care professionals. One OB-Gyn in Crystal Lake can attest to this first hand.

Throughout her long career, this doctor has had three medical malpractice claims against her. Unlike many of the cases in the media these days, most physicians believe that they have done nothing wrong. In fact, the New England Journal of Medicine reported in 2011 that in 78% of claims, there is no award or payment given to the patient.

Why So Many Malpractice Claims?

The doctor mentioned above attests that many of these instances can be blamed on miscommunications between doctor and patient. In her featured article, she states that patients expect no complications during pregnancies, but the medical reality is very different. Many times, physicians will order the right tests at the right times, but the tests will not be run for reasons unknown to the doctor. Other kinks in the system (hospital administrative errors, nursing errors, etc.) can also have a negative impact on the outcome of in-hospital medical procedures. This is particularly true during pregnancy.

Doctors who practice obstetrics are at 10% higher risk for malpractice claims than other fields of medicine (although there are specialty fields of medicine that are at higher risk). For patients the disheartening part is that most medical malpractice cases do not result in a payout, as discussed above in the New England Medical Journal. These meager awards have led medical malpractice attorneys to take on fewer clients.

Have You Been Injured by a Doctor's Negligence?

If you have been injured by your obstetrician, gynecologist, or other health care provider, and you need compensation to cover your financial damages, please contact our office and let us help. Our attorneys are well versed in medical malpractice claims and we know how to get you the compensation you deserve. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

Having adequate representation can oftentimes make or break a case. If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, the ramifications of your injuries can impact every area of your life. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can get back to your physical recovery.

(image courtesy of Hush Naidoo)