Minnesota Failure to Place a Cerclage
Cervical cerclage is an umbrella term that refers to not just one medical procedure but rather, a number of possible procedures. A cervical cerclage can be placed in a number of different ways but all of them will attempt to strengthen the cervix of a woman who is expecting a child. Women with short cervixes, also known medically as incompetent cervixes, require these procedures. In most cases, they are done vaginally but there are times when they are done abdominally. Placing a cervical cerclage requires a doctor to use sutures or synthetic tape to strengthen a woman’s cervix.
Doctors recommend a cervical cerclage when they suspect a woman’s cervix will open too early, or when the cervix has already started opening. When a cervix starts to open too early in pregnancy, it can result in preterm labor and premature delivery. Failure to place a cerclage can have devastating consequences and at times, it is also considered medical malpractice.
Who Needs a Cervical Cerclage?
Normally, a woman’s cervix is firm, long, and closed prior to pregnancy. Throughout a pregnancy, the cervix will begin to soften and become shorter as it starts to prepare to dilate during labor. When a woman has a short cervix, it may open too quickly, which can result in preterm labor, a premature birth, or even a loss of the pregnancy. Women who are at most risk for this and therefore require a cervical cerclage include those who have:
- A past history of a pregnancy loss due to a dilated cervix in the second trimester
- Had a cervical cerclage placed in the second trimester of a previous pregnancy due to a dilated cervix
- Been diagnosed with a dilated cervix during the second trimester
- A cervix that has a length of fewer than 25 millimeters before the 24th week in a single-birth pregnancy
Even when the above risk factors apply, a cervical cerclage is not appropriate for all women. Doctors should always speak to women about the procedure, if it is right for them, and any risks associated with it.
Proving Medical Malpractice After a Failure to Place a Cerclage
When a cervical cerclage is necessary but a doctor fails to place one or inform an expecting woman of the need for one, it can have devastating consequences. It can cause the newborn to suffer serious injuries, and can even result in the loss of the child’s life. In these cases, parents have the legal right to file a medical malpractice claim against the negligent healthcare professional. Those who are successful with their claim can then recover financial compensation for their losses.
Medical malpractice cases are some of the most difficult to prove. In Minnesota, individuals filing a claim must also present a certificate of merit. This is a statement from a healthcare professional in the same field who confirms the attending physician did not provide the same standard of care another doctor in the same position would have. A Minnesota birth injury lawyer can help parents obtain this certificate that is vital to proving their case.
Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Minnesota Have the Resources to Prove Your Claim
If a doctor failed to place a cerclage and you and your family have experienced loss as a result, our Minnesota medical malpractice lawyers are here to help. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our skilled attorneys have the necessary resources to prove your case, such as our network of experts. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.
