OB/GYN Malpractice

The birth of a child should be one of the happiest, most exciting moments in any parent’s life. But pregnancy and the birthing process can be dangerous for the mother and child alike. These dangers are exacerbated when doctors and other healthcare providers do not follow the acceptable standard of care.

Injuries from improper OB/GYN care can last a lifetime. If you or your baby has been injured by an OB/GYN error, you need to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer who has experience handling these sorts of claims. Schedule a free consultation with the OB/GYN medical malpractice lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. today.

What Is OB/GYN Malpractice?

OB/GYN malpractice involves errors made while a woman receives care related to her reproductive health. This includes medical errors made during a woman’s pregnancy and/or delivery. Specifically, OB/GYN malpractice occurs when the actions of an obstetrician or other healthcare professional do not meet the required standard of care for the patient or her baby. While all pregnancies come with a risk of complications, the negligent or reckless actions of a healthcare provider can exacerbate these complications or cause unnecessary injuries.

Types Of OB/GYN Malpractice                           

Pregnancy is a long, complex process. Different types of OB/GYN malpractice can happen at different stages of a woman’s pregnancy, including during labor. OB/GYN malpractice is not limited to the actions taken by a doctor, nurse, or other provider. In some cases, providers can also be held liable for inaction that resulted in an injury to the mother or her child.

Here are a few examples of OB/GYN malpractice:

  • Misdiagnosis/failure to diagnose – Pregnant women must be carefully monitored throughout the duration of their pregnancy to identify potential problems. Without proper monitoring, a doctor might not see or may misdiagnose an issue.
  • Failure to order a timely Caesarean section – If complications arise during labor, a Caesarean section may be necessary to save the life of the baby and the mother. Taking too long to order a C-section can result in additional complications for the mother and child.
  • Unnecessary surgeries and surgical errors – All surgeries carry their own risks. If not done correctly, a C-section can cause additional injuries and complications for the mother.
  • Failure to notice dangerous prenatal conditions – A condition such as an ectopic pregnancy presents a major risk to the expectant mother. A doctor may not see that something’s amiss if he or she is not being careful. To prevent the dangers that can arise from ectopic pregnancies and similar conditions, healthcare providers must be extremely wary.
  • Improper use of birth-assisting tools – Forceps and other tools must be used carefully. If doctors aren’t careful, they can cause additional harm using these implements.
  • Failure to notice umbilical cord complications – A fetus’ umbilical cord can become wrapped around the baby’s neck, causing breathing problems and potentially death. Doctors should be wary of these potential issues and make sure their actions aren’t endangering the fetus in any way.

If you suspect you have been the victim of OB/GYN malpractice, talk to a knowledgeable attorney from our firm right away. We have earned a reputation for holding healthcare providers accountable for medical negligence and birth injuries.

Compensation in Obstetrics and Gynecology Malpractice Lawsuits

The law allows malpractice victims to recover multiple categories of damages from negligent healthcare providers. These categories include:

  • Medical bills – This includes the cost of any surgeries you may have needed as a result of your injuries, follow-up doctors’ visits, prescription medication, physical therapy, and so on. You may also be compensated for future anticipated treatment costs.
  • Lost wages – If you had to miss work to recover from any malpractice-related injuries, you can be compensated for whatever wages you missed. You may also seek compensation for future lost income.
  • Pain and suffering – The injuries from OB/GYN malpractice can leave victims in intense physical and emotional pain. Because of this, malpractice victims can recover damages for physical pain and mental anguish.

Statute of Limitations on OB/GYN Negligence Claims

The injuries that come from obstetrics malpractice and gynecologist malpractice can last a lifetime. But you don’t have a lifetime to file an OB/GYN negligence claim. Illinois law says that all medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of when the plaintiff discovered the injury. Furthermore, all claims must be filed within four years of the date on which the underlying medical error happened.

This may sound like a lot of time. However, given the complexity of medical malpractice cases and the amount of documentation needed to prove a successful claim, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Our Chicago OB/GYN Malpractice Lawyers

OB/GYN malpractice can result in extremely painful, lifelong injuries. Although an OB/GYN malpractice lawsuit won’t undo those injuries, it can help hold the responsible party accountable and provide you with the resources you need to live as comfortably as possible. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for malpractice victims. Let us evaluate your case in a free consultation. Contact us now to get started.