Minnesota Maternal Death Lawyer
Historically, childbirth was very dangerous. A century ago, approximately 600 women in every 100,000 births died from the process. Today, that number has drastically been lowered to about 15 women in every 100,00 live births. Tragically though, it is clear that maternal death still happens. There are many reasons for these maternal deaths but often, it is the negligence of doctors and other medical personnel in the labor and delivery room. If you have lost someone during what should have been a joyous time, our Minnesota maternal death lawyer can help you claim the full and fair damages you are entitled to.
Placenta Previa
The placenta is also called the after birth, and it delivers essential nutrients, oxygen, and blood from the mother to the child through the umbilical cord. In most pregnancies and births, the placenta is located at the top of the uterus. When a woman suffers from placenta previa, it shifts towards the bottom of the uterus, either completely or partly covering the opening of the cervix. In the worst of cases, this can cause uncontrollable hemorrhaging, which could result in the death of both the mother and child.
Placental Abruption
It is vital that the placenta remains attached to the uterine wall so the mother is not harmed and the baby can continue receiving the essential components they need. When the placenta completely or even partially detaches from the uterine wall, it can have devastating consequences for the child, and the mother could also suffer from excessive bleeding.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and it affects between five and seven percent of all expectant women. Expecting women often do not know they are suffering from the condition until their doctor informs them that protein has been found in their urine. If doctors do not test for preeclampsia and it goes untreated, it will advance to the condition known as eclampsia, which is often fatal for women.
Uterine Ruptures
Uterine ruptures occur when the wall of the uterus perforates or tears. This condition is most common in women who have previous C-sections, as the scar tissue left behind is more susceptible to tearing than a solid uterine wall. Uterine ruptures have the potential to be fatal for women, so doctors must be able to identify the signs. These include intense and sudden pain between contractions during labor, excessive vaginal bleeding, and a bulging pelvic bone.
Heart Disease
One of the lesser known complications of pregnancy is heart disease, particularly when a woman suffers from cardiovascular problems prior to becoming pregnant. The cardiovascular system goes through a number of changes during pregnancy, including an increased volume of blood, which can eventually cause a heart attack.
Our Maternal Death Lawyer in Minnesota Can Help After a Loss
Today, no one expects childbirth to be fatal. If you have lost someone, our Minnesota maternal death lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, can determine if the loss was due to negligence and if so, help you claim the full damages you are entitled to. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.