Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
An ectopic pregnancy must be promptly diagnosed to prevent serious complications such as long-term injury, fertility issues and even death. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys have handled a wide array of New York medical malpractice claims and can apply our knowledge to your case.
By definition, an ectopic pregnancy is one that is outside of the uterus. Put another way, when a fertilized egg gets implanted in any place besides the uterus, it results in what is known as an ectopic pregnancy. This can be quite a deadly complication, as when an embryo is growing in an enclosed space, it cannot go anywhere. It simply keeps growing in a spot it is not supposed to and the woman may suffer a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Pain in the back or on one side of the abdomen;
- Pain in the tip of the shoulders;
- Vaginal bleeding;
- Feeling faint consistently;
- Diarrhea.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs at a rate of 19.7 cases per 1,000 pregnancies in North America and is a leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester. In fact, nine percent of all pregnancy deaths are caused by an ectopic pregnancy. Approximately 33 percent of women who have had an ectopic pregnancy can have a normal, complication-free pregnancy later on. However, the risk of having a second ectopic pregnancy increases by nine times.
When a doctor fails to recognize an ectopic pregnancy, it can have devastating consequences. The area around the ectopic pregnancy can rupture, causing excessive bleeding, which could be fatal. Infertility could result from damage to the fallopian tube. In some cases, the woman may require surgery. And of course, there is the emotional impact of bereavement and grief.
Physicians must adhere to a high standard of care. When a physician’s negligence leads to preventable harm, the physician can be held accountable through a medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice, in the context of an ectopic pregnancy, takes place when an OBGYN fails to use the level of care that a reasonably competent OBGYN would have used in the same or similar circumstances. The primary question in medical malpractice cases is whether a reasonable doctor in similar circumstances would have acted the same way. This is a complicated question but we can help you answer it.
Once malpractice is established, the plaintiff can recover a variety of damages including medical bills, pain and suffering, lose income, rehabilitation costs and more. In tragic cases where a woman dies as a result of an ectopic pregnancy being recognized too late, her loved one may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Ectopic pregnancy is a medical condition that can pose serious, even life-threatening, health risks to the woman. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable Syracuse OBGYN malpractice attorneys are committed to representing victims of misdiagnoses and failure to diagnose ectopic pregnancy. With extensive experience, we understand how to navigate these complicated medical injury claims. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. For more information about your legal rights and options, please call us at 833-200-2000 or contacting us online.
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Wrong-Site Surgery Malpractice in Syracuse, Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 11, 2018
Air Embolism Malpractice in Syracuse, Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 4, 2018
