Fairfax, VA Maternal Death Injury Attorney

Compassionate Maternal Death Malpractice Attorneys Seeking Justice for Families in Fairfax, Virginia

The death of a mother during childbirth is a terrible tragedy. A spouse or partner will lose their closest companion. A child who has just entered the world will have to grow up without their parent. Other children will lose a parent who should have been able to provide guidance throughout their lives. When a maternal death is caused by medical negligence, a family will need to understand how to address this issue, and they can do so with the help of an experienced, compassionate attorney.

Maternal mortality is a serious public health concern in the United States. In many cases, maternal deaths should be preventable through appropriate medical care. Providers who are responsible for a mother's care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery will need to monitor a mother's condition and respond correctly to any issues that may arise. When they fail to do so, and a mother dies as a result, a family may take steps to obtain compensation for their loss.

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our lawyer provides legal help to families in situations where birth injuries lead to wrongful death. He will investigate what happened during labor and delivery, determine who was responsible for providing negligent medical care, and work to recover compensation that will help a family address the consequences of a mother's wrongful death.

Reasons Why Mothers May Die Due to Medical Negligence

Hemorrhaging

Severe bleeding may occur during or after childbirth, and this is one of the most serious issues that can threaten the lives of mothers. Postpartum hemorrhaging may occur after delivery due to a condition in which the uterus does not contract correctly after the placenta is delivered, because of lacerations during delivery, or because of conditions that can affect the blood's ability to clot.

Medical providers will need to take steps to recognize postpartum hemorrhaging, determine the extent of blood loss, and act quickly to control bleeding and restore blood volume. Medications may be used to help the uterus contract, lacerations may be repaired surgically, steps may be taken to remove placental tissue, or other steps may be taken to prevent blood loss. If necessary, a blood transfusion may be provided. When providers do not recognize that hemorrhaging is occurring, delay in providing treatment, or do not follow the correct procedures, a mother may experience severe blood loss that may be fatal.

Preeclampsia

During pregnancy, a mother may experience high blood pressure, which can threaten the health of her and her baby and potentially lead to organ damage or failure. When this issue is not addressed correctly, seizures may occur, or a mother may experience issues such as a stroke, liver failure, or other medical emergencies that increase the risk of death.

During prenatal visits, blood pressure measurements and urinalysis may be used to monitor for preeclampsia. Doctors will need to be aware of potential symptoms of preeclampsia, including severe headaches, visual problems, abdominal pain, and swelling. When doctors fail to identify preeclampsia correctly or do not take the proper steps to prevent the condition from progressing, a mother may suffer serious injuries, and she may be at risk of death.

Sepsis

When infections occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or after a child is born, they may lead to maternal sepsis. This condition can be life-threatening, and it may lead to organ damage or failure. Infections can occur in the membranes in the uterus, wounds may become infected after a C-section, or a mother may experience urinary tract infections that could affect the kidneys.

Providers will need to recognize sepsis and act quickly to address this issue. A nurse or doctor who does not recognize the signs of maternal sepsis, which may include fever, elevated heart rate, or elevated respiratory rate, may not be able to provide timely treatment. A mother may also suffer harm if providers recognize the signs of sepsis but do not respond quickly enough to prevent septic shock and organ failure. These forms of negligence can lead to maternal death.

Pulmonary Embolism

During pregnancy and the postpartum period, a mother may be at risk of dangerous blood clots. A pulmonary embolism can occur when a blood clot travels to the lungs. This can lead to serious cardiovascular issues, increasing the risk of death.

During pregnancy and after delivery, medical providers should assess a mother's risk factors for clotting and take the appropriate steps to prevent a pulmonary embolism. A provider who does not recognize a mother's elevated risk of clotting, who does not take preventative steps to prevent a pulmonary embolism, or who does not recognize and treat this issue may be responsible for a maternal death.

Amniotic Fluid Embolism

In some cases, amniotic fluid may enter a mother's bloodstream and trigger a severe reaction that can lead to respiratory failure or other life-threatening issues. While amniotic fluid embolisms are rare, they will need to be recognized by medical providers, and immediate steps will need to be taken to prevent serious damage. When providers do not respond to this medical emergency appropriately, they may allow a patient to die.

Anesthesia Complications

During a C-section or when administering an epidural, anesthesiologists may make errors that could put a mother's health at risk. An anesthesiologist who does not monitor a mother correctly during labor and delivery or who does not recognize and address complications related to anesthesia may be responsible for a wrongful death due to anesthesia errors.

Surgical Errors During C-Sections

When a cesarean delivery is performed, surgical errors may cause life-threatening complications. During incisions, a doctor may injure the bladder, bowels, or major blood vessels. This could lead to infections, severe blood loss, organ failure, or other issues that may result in maternal death.

Contact Our Fairfax, Virginia Maternal Death Attorney

When a mother has died during pregnancy or childbirth due to medical malpractice, the attorney at Shevlin Smith, P.C. can work with a family to hold negligent medical providers accountable for her wrongful death. He believes in treating families with respect, providing honest answers to their questions, and fighting on their behalf to achieve justice for tragic losses that should have been prevented. Contact our Fairfax birth injury maternal death lawyer at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free, confidential consultation.