Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication that can lead to devastating consequences for both mother and baby when not properly diagnosed and treated. At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we represent families throughout Florida who have suffered due to medical negligence related to placental abruption.
Our Florida placental abruption lawyers are committed to helping you secure the compensation needed for medical care, lost income, and other damages. Take back control of your life. Contact our Florida medical malpractice lawyers for a free consultation.
Understanding Placental Abruption And Its Causes
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. This serious complication cuts off the baby’s oxygen and nutrient supply and can cause significant bleeding in the mother, creating a potentially life-threatening emergency for both.
In mild cases, bed rest and close monitoring may be sufficient. However, severe cases often require emergency delivery, regardless of gestational age, to prevent serious harm or death to the mother and baby.
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of placental abruption:
- Maternal high blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Previous placental abruption
- Abdominal trauma, such as from a car accident or a fall
- Rapid loss of amniotic fluid
- Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy
- Advanced maternal age (over 35)
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
- Uterine abnormalities or fibroids
When medical professionals fail to properly monitor high-risk pregnancies, recognize symptoms of abruption, or act quickly when abruption occurs, they may be liable for resulting injuries. Our Florida personal injury lawyers can evaluate what happened to see if you have a case.
Medical Complications From Placental Abruption
The consequences of placental abruption can be devastating for both mother and baby. Understanding these potential complications is important when considering the full impact of this condition and evaluating whether medical negligence played a role.
Maternal Complications
Mothers who experience placental abruption face several serious risks:
- Excessive blood loss leading to hemorrhage and shock
- Blood clotting disorders
- Need for blood transfusions
- Emergency hysterectomy in severe cases
- Kidney failure due to blood loss
- Increased risk in future pregnancies
These complications can lead to extended hospitalization, long-term health issues, and in rare but tragic cases, maternal death. The physical recovery can be lengthy, and there may be lasting psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder or postpartum depression.
Complications for the Baby
For the baby, the consequences of placental abruption depend largely on the severity of the abruption, gestational age at the time it occurs, and how quickly appropriate medical intervention takes place. Potential complications include:
- Birth asphyxia (oxygen deprivation)
- Brain damage leading to developmental delays or cerebral palsy
- Growth restrictions
- Premature birth and related complications
- Stillbirth in severe cases
The severity of these outcomes often correlates with how promptly the condition is diagnosed and treated. When healthcare providers fail to recognize risk factors, miss warning signs, or delay necessary interventions, these failures may constitute medical negligence.
In cases where negligence contributed to a placental abruption or worsened its outcome, affected families may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Speak with a Florida placental abruption attorney from our firm to see if your case qualifies.
Signs Of Medical Negligence In Placental Abruption Cases
Not all placental abruptions are preventable or the result of medical negligence. However, certain failures in medical care may constitute negligence and form the basis for a legal claim. Recognizing these potential failures is crucial when evaluating your case.
Common forms of negligence in placental abruption cases include:
- Failure to identify and properly monitor high-risk pregnancies
- Inadequate response to maternal complaints of pain or bleeding
- Misinterpretation of ultrasound or other diagnostic tests
- Delayed diagnosis of placental abruption when symptoms are present
- Failure to perform a timely cesarean delivery when needed
- Poor management of maternal hypertension or other risk factors
- Inadequate fetal monitoring during labor with signs of distress
For example, if a mother with known risk factors for placental abruption reports symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, the standard of care typically requires immediate evaluation. Failure to do so may constitute negligence if it leads to harm that could have been prevented with proper care.
Similarly, if monitoring shows signs of fetal distress that could indicate placental abruption, healthcare providers must respond appropriately and quickly. Delays in performing necessary emergency cesarean sections can lead to preventable brain damage or death.
Your Legal Rights After A Placental Abruption Injury
When a placental abruption results in injury due to medical negligence, Florida law provides pathways to seek compensation for your losses. Understanding your legal rights is essential for making informed decisions about pursuing a claim.
In Florida, victims of medical negligence have the right to pursue compensation for various damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
For cases involving birth injuries to a child, parents can seek compensation for their child’s current and future medical needs, which may be substantial if the child has permanent disabilities requiring lifelong care.
Given these complex requirements and timelines, having experienced legal representation from a Florida placental abruption lawyer is crucial for protecting your rights.
How Our Law Firm Helps Placental Abruption Victims
At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we provide comprehensive legal support for families affected by placental abruption and related birth injuries. Our approach focuses on building strong cases while minimizing stress for our clients during an already difficult time.
When you work with our firm, we conduct a thorough investigation to establish liability for your injuries. This process includes:
- Obtaining and reviewing all prenatal, labor, delivery, and postnatal medical records
- Consulting with qualified medical experts in obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, and neonatology
- Identifying all instances where care fell below acceptable medical standards
- Documenting the full extent of injuries and their impact on your family
- Calculating current and future damages related to the injuries
Our attorneys understand both the medical and legal complexities of placental abruption cases. We work to build compelling arguments that clearly demonstrate how negligence occurred and how it directly caused your injuries. This thorough approach maximizes your chances of receiving fair compensation.
We also recognize the emotional toll these cases take on families. Our client-centered approach means you’ll receive compassionate support as well as strong legal representation throughout the process.
The Legal Process For Placental Abruption Claims
The process typically begins with a free consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll discuss the circumstances of the placental abruption, potential negligence, and available legal options. If we determine you have a valid claim, we’ll begin investigating your case immediately.
Florida law requires a pre-suit investigation period before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. During this time, we’ll gather medical records and consult with medical experts who can verify that there are reasonable grounds for a lawsuit. Following this investigation, we must provide a notice of intent to sue to all potential defendants, who then have 90 days to evaluate the claim.
If the pre-suit process doesn’t result in a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit on your behalf. This moves your case into the litigation phase, which involves:
- Discovery: Both sides exchange information and evidence
- Depositions: Witnesses provide sworn testimony outside of court
- Mediation: A neutral third party helps facilitate settlement discussions
- Trial: If necessary, your case is presented to a judge or jury
Many cases settle during the litigation process, but we prepare each case as if it will go to trial. This thorough preparation strengthens your position during negotiations and ensures we’re ready to advocate for you in court if needed.
Contact The Law Offices Of Anidjar & Levine Today
If you or your child has suffered due to medical negligence related to placental abruption, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our experienced Florida placental abruption lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers compassionate, client-focused representation with a proven track record of success in medical negligence cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Our team will listen carefully to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance about your legal options. Let us help you seek justice and secure the resources your family needs for the best possible quality of life after a birth injury.
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