Childbirth brings moments of hope and excitement. Sadly, it can also present hazards for mothers. When something goes wrong during what should be a wholesome and loving experience, it can be earth-shattering. Even worse, it may have been preventable.
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we use our knowledge, resources, and compassion to help if you suspect your loved one died due to negligence in the delivery room. We never want families to feel alone in these painful circumstances, and we have decades of experience fighting for justice on behalf of those who were wronged.
Maternal Mortality Statistics
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of women around the globe die every day from pregnancy-related complications. These tragedies often occur in areas lacking proper medical facilities, but the issue also affects regions with advanced healthcare systems. For example:
- Around 287,000 women worldwide died from causes linked to pregnancy and childbirth in a recent year, averaging about 800 deaths each day.
- In the United States, experts continue to see rising numbers of maternal deaths.
- Over 80% of these losses may have been avoided with better detection and response.
Yale Medicine reported that maternal mortality has risen in the U.S. in recent years, leaving many families shocked and uncertain about what went wrong. These events can shatter a family instantly.
Why Mothers Die in Childbirth
When mothers die during childbirth, families want to know why and how. Complications like severe bleeding, high blood pressure, or infections can turn deadly in minutes. When doctors do not react fast enough, the consequences can be devastating — and fatal.
Some pregnancy-related deaths happen without warning. A mother might develop internal bleeding or a blood clot, requiring immediate action. If medical staff miss the signs or delay treatment, survival chances drop. The CDC reports that proper care could have prevented most of these deaths.
Doctors and nurses must closely monitor a mother’s vital signs during delivery. Ignoring symptoms of distress — like sharp pain, excessive bleeding, or a racing heart — can be fatal. Families will not know something has gone wrong until it is too late. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you determine if negligence played a role in the death.
Maternal Mortality Causes
Several causes of maternal death during childbirth appear frequently in malpractice cases. They include:
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia (conditions characterized by sharply elevated blood pressure and seizures) that goes untreated
- Uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Amniotic fluid embolism (when the liquid surrounding the baby in the womb enters the mother’s bloodstream)
- Infections before or after delivery
- Heart conditions that worsen during pregnancy
Each of these dangers can turn a routine birth into a nightmare if not addressed right away. Massive blood loss and related complications remain a top concern worldwide.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Help
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have worked with families who have experienced this tragedy. Our team has recovered over $2.5 billion for victims and secured over 350 verdicts and settlements over $1 million throughout the past 40+ years.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to listen to your story, review medical records, and determine if malpractice occurred. If a doctor’s mistake caused your loss, we’re here to investigate what went wrong, hold the healthcare provider accountable, and help you move forward.
If medical negligence played a role in your family’s loss, you deserve answers. Contact us today to discover your legal options and how we can assist in seeking justice.
