Minnesota Fetal Ultrasound Errors Lawyer
There are many tools used to monitor a pregnancy and assess certain situations. Of all of them, ultrasounds are some of the most important. Ultrasounds, sometimes referred to as sonograms, display images of the fetus as it develops, as well as the woman’s womb. These images can help doctors recognize when a serious condition is developing so it can be treated as quickly as possible.
The majority of times, ultrasounds are performed properly and no harm comes to the mother or child. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Fetal ultrasound errors do occur and when that is the case, it is sometimes the result of medical negligence. When medical malpractice is to blame for a fetal ultrasound error, parents can hold the negligent doctor liable for paying damages. A Minnesota birth injury lawyer can help them do it.
The Purpose of Ultrasound Use During Pregnancy
Ultrasounds are extremely helpful during pregnancy. Doctors will often order an ultrasound when:
- Confirming a pregnancy
- Determining the due date and the age of the fetus
- Examining a woman’s uterus and ovaries
- Determining whether a pregnancy is a single or multiple pregnancy
- Assessing the fetal heartbeat
- Monitoring the movement, muscle tone, and growth of the baby
- Identifying birth defects and health condition of the fetus
- Diagnosing pregnancy complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy
- Confirming the position of the baby prior to the birth
- Identifying the risks of birth injuries in order to prevent them
The above steps are necessary throughout a pregnancy so gynecological conditions and fetal problems can be identified as quickly as possible. Still, fetal ultrasound errors do happen and when they do, they can be very harmful to the mother and the unborn child.
Types of Fetal Ultrasound Errors that Occur During Pregnancy
The majority of fetal ultrasound errors that occur during pregnancy are a result of negligence. Negligence is another term for carelessness and when it results in an ultrasound error, technicians, doctors, and other medical personnel can be held liable. Some of the most common types of fetal ultrasound errors are as follows:
- Lack of training or education in how to perform ultrasounds
- Poor quality images
- Failing to identify an existing condition
- Misinterpretation of the ultrasound results
- Misdiagnosing maternal or fetal conditions
- Failure to properly maintain equipment
- Defective or damaged equipment
- Failure to notify other treatment providers or the mother of the sonogram results
- Failure to order additional tests, when necessary
There are many people involved in the proper execution and interpretation of an ultrasound. A Minnesota birth injury lawyer can determine which act of negligence caused an error and hold the responsible party liable.
Call Our Birth Injury Lawyer in Minnesota Today
If you or your child has suffered harm due to a fetal ultrasound error, our Minnesota birth injury lawyer can advise on your claim. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our seasoned attorneys have the necessary experience with medical malpractice claims to help you obtain the full settlement you are entitled to. Call us today or fill out our online form to request a free consultation with one of our attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.