A mother suffers a heart attack after giving birth and dies. One of the main questions that can arise due to a situation like this whether medical malpractice can cause this to happen.
If you are reading this Maryland medical malpractice educational article because this may have happened to someone that you love, then it is my hope that you will have a better understand of not only some of the critical issues in a situation like this, but also the basics of a Maryland medical malpractice claim.
THE FOUNDATIONS OF A MARYLAND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE
To be successful in a Maryland medical malpractice case the plaintiff, the person bringing the lawsuit, must prove that the treating doctor or other medical professional fell below the standard of care owed to them at the time. In addition to proving the standard of care issue, the plaintiff must also prove that this departure from the standard of care is what caused the harm. For more clarification, think of the standard of care as what would a reasonable and prudent doctor do in the same situation as your doctor.
Your Maryland medical malpractice lawyer will prove the above with the use of medical experts. These experts are also required by Maryland law so they will review your medical records and all other relevant information in the case.
CHILD BIRTH IS A SERIOUS ENDEAVOR
When a mother prepares for childbirth, a lot of changes happen for mom and baby. This is because birth is a strain on mom and the child. Doctors and nurses have to pay close attention to devices like the fetal heart monitor to determine whether the baby is tolerating a vaginal delivery well.
In addition, the condition of the mother is also closely observed. If the baby is not responding well to the vaginal delivery then other measures must be followed, with an emergency C-section the final alternative.
A MOTHER SUFFERS HEART ATTACK AFTER GIVING BIRTH
A woman suffering a heart attack after childbirth is a complication which can occur. One of main areas of analysis for a Maryland medical malpractice case is what where the mother’s complaints. Sometimes mom will inform the doctors and nurses of shortness of breath. Add to this, chest pains can also play a role in the symptoms.
When these things are present, in addition to a high blood pressure, doctors should be careful to take precautions and not just release the patient without any type of differential assessment. Failure to not do any type of follow up and just releasing the patient home can make for a strong argument of a breach in the standard of care.
One word of caution before I finish. Not every heart attack after birth will automatically be medical malpractice in Maryland. Based on this educational article you should see that this is a multi-layered analysis which has to be supported by medical experts. In some cases the doctors and nurses will have done everything right and a heart attack still may occur.
DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS REGARDING A HEART ATTACK AFTER BIRTH?
To speak with me further about your situation, or your loved ones situation in a possible wrongful death claim, this is what I invite you to do.
Pick up the phone and give me a call.
I can be reached at 301-850-4832.
I answer questions like the ones posed in this article all the time and I would be happy to take some time and listen to your story.
Boston Law Group, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 700
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
