Suffolk County Preeclampsia Lawyer

Preeclampsia is a devastating illness for mothers and their unborn babies. If left undiagnosed, it can cause death to the unborn fetus and the mother. Unfortunately, the only cure for it is to safely attempt to deliver the baby prematurely, before complications arise.

If you experienced severe consequences of preeclampsia, compensation may be available to you if you can prove that the doctor failed to diagnose and monitor symptoms of preeclampsia or advanced eclampsia properly. We recommend consulting with a Suffolk County preeclampsia lawyer as soon as possible to determine if compensation may be available to you through a birth injury claim.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

The doctor should monitor for preeclampsia signs after approximately 20 weeks or during the second trimester. However, patients must report any symptoms that do not feel right as soon as possible. This may include:

• Vision changes
• Excessive nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Severe headaches
• Shortness of breath
• A decrease in urine output
• Difficulty breathing, which may indicate fluid in the lungs
• Low blood platelet levels

The fetus can also experience complications. Some of the most worrisome include premature birth, low birth weight, and placental abruption, which can cause other complications for both the mother and baby.

Although the mother may notice some of these symptoms, most may not. Therefore, it is vital to understand that the only accurate way to diagnose preeclampsia is at regular doctor appointments.

An obstetrician should be able to see the symptoms of preeclampsia before it progresses, as the first noticeable symptoms of it will include:

• High blood pressure
• Protein in the urine
• Swelling of the hands, face, ankles, and feet that goes beyond usual pregnancy symptoms

Any failure to diagnose preeclampsia at routine checkups could result in a case against that doctor for malpractice, and a Suffolk County attorney is ready to help.

Treatment Options for Preeclampsia

Unfortunately, there is no cure for preeclampsia beyond delivery. However, there are ways that a doctor and a mother can work together to gain control of it if the baby needs to stay in the womb a little longer. In general, treatment focuses on blood pressure management, close monitoring, and maternal relaxation, but it will vary based on the severity of preeclampsia and the stage of pregnancy.

Medications may also be prescribed to expectant mothers. They typically include a low-dose aspirin, which can help prevent preeclampsia if there are concerns about its development, medications to lower blood pressure, and magnesium sulfate if there is a high risk of seizures.

For many, postpartum management is just as important as prenatal care. Postpartum care typically includes continuing medications and monitoring to reduce the risk of other complications.

Why Consult a Lawyer Regarding Your Preeclampsia Case?

Medical doctors who fail to treat or monitor patients appropriately can be held liable for the injuries they cause. In New York, wrongful death lawsuits because of medical malpractice must take place within two years from the date of death. If the patient was neglected but did not die, then they will have two years and six months from the date of the alleged malpractice injury. This is also the case with birth injuries because of malpractice, as is the case with preeclampsia.

There are a few exceptions, but it would be more challenging to prove your case if you wait beyond the 2.5 years. This is why it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible from a preeclampsia attorney in Suffolk County.

Contact a Duffy & Duffy Attorney Today for Advice Regarding Your Preeclampsia Claim

We understand that you have suffered, and we are committed to helping those who need us most. If you or a loved one has been affected by medical malpractice, we hope you will turn to us for advice. Contact our Suffolk County preeclampsia lawyer for a case evaluation.