When an expectant mother entrusts her own health and her unborn baby's health and well-being to the care of an obstetrician and later to a hospital, she rightfully expects that doctors, nurses and other health care providers will exercise accepted standards of care. She expects that a physician will take actions in her best interests throughout the prenatal care, labor, delivery and neonatal processes.
Was the Obstetrician More Focused on Efficiency Than Thorough Preventive Care?
Sometimes, however, an obstetrical practice seems more focused on efficiency than on thoroughness in care of the mother and baby, either before or immediately after birth. Sometimes health care providers fail to communicate with each other or follow up on warning flags. An overweight mother, a mother with gestational diabetes, a mother with a family history of difficult births or an overlarge fetus are all cause for concern before childbirth.
Did the Doctor Apply Today's Medical Standards to Prenatal Care, Labor and Delivery?
Virtually every mother is vitally concerned about her unborn child as the time for birth draws near and she is looking forward to bringing a healthy child into the world. She might even be willing to sacrifice her own life to save her child's life if necessary. However, with today's medical knowledge, attentive obstetricians can usually save the life of the mother and the baby in the event of birthing complications.
Were All Options Made Clear to the Parents Before the Difficult Birth?
Sometimes a therapeutic abortion early in a pregnancy is recommended for the sake of the mother's life and health. The accidental death of a loved one is always distressing and disorienting. When the deceased family member was a mother in childbirth or shortly after birth, there is much more to deal with than sorrow. Often there is a husband, a newborn baby and/or other children who face monetary losses as well. A wrongful death claim may provide the support the family now needs.
If your doctor did not clearly communicate the extent of the risks and explain all of your options before the birth that killed your wife or mother, contact a caring, knowledgeable Philadelphia maternal death attorney.
Were Labor and Delivery and Postnatal Care Managed Properly?
In other cases, a pregnancy presents difficulties, but the birth should proceed normally with proper precautions. In the event of a medical emergency during labor or delivery, a C-section might be indicated. After birth, if a mother shows signs of hemorrhage or deterioration of vital signs, aggressive tests and treatments may be indicated.
We Want to Offer More Than Sympathy After the Death of a Mother During or After Birth
If something went wrong when your wife, daughter or mother was giving birth and she died during or after childbirth, our law firm offers our sincere condolences. We are in the practice of personal injury and wrongful death law precisely so that we can help people after they have suffered because of the negligence of others. Talk to us if you suspect that your wife's or mother's life could have been saved with proper medical intervention — but instead, she was allowed to die a preventable death.
After the Death of a Pennsylvania Mother During or After Childbirth, Contact a Media Birth Injury Lawyer for Help and Advice
To discuss legal aspects of a birth injury or a mother's death related to pregnancy or childbirth, please contact Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP, by phone or e-mail to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney.
