Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely. The condition can cause heavy bleeding and deprive the infant of essential oxygen and nutrients, making it a dangerous condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
If your baby suffered harm from placental abruption, you may have verifiable grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Our experienced birth injury attorneys at The Weitz Firm, LLC, can evaluate your case and advise you on how to proceed. Contact a compassionate and qualified Philadelphia placental abruption lawyer today to learn more.
Facts About Placental Abruption
Placental abruption occurs in some expecting mothers when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before childbirth. It can lead to severe complications. The condition can deprive the baby of vital nutrients and oxygen, causing severe injuries if medical professionals do not act quickly.
Possible causes of abruption include the following:
- Maternal high blood pressure during pregnancy
- Placental abruption during previous pregnancies
- Accidents in which the mother suffers abdominal trauma
- Drug use during pregnancy
- Premature rupture of membranes—a condition in which the amniotic sac breaks and amniotic fluid leaks before labor begins
Potential Adverse Consequences
Placental abruption can have severe adverse consequences for the mother and the infant. The mother may experience hemorrhage, while consequences for the baby include premature birth, brain damage due to lack of oxygen, and even stillbirth.
If you or your baby were harmed when your placenta detached during pregnancy, our Philadelphia attorneys can answer any questions you have about the civil court claim process.
Elements of Medical Malpractice
To win an award for pregnancy complication damages from a Philadelphia health care provider, a lawyer must establish that the case meets each of the following elements of medical malpractice:
- A doctor-patient relationship establishes that the health care professional treated the patient and owed them a duty to provide competent prenatal and delivery care
- The treating physician deviated from the acceptable and professional standard of care, causing a breach of duty
- The causation component requires the suit to prove that the medical provider’s preventable errors were a direct cause of the injuries the mother or infant sustained
- There must be proof that the patient suffered damages, and evidence may include hospital bills, medical records, and expert testimony
Examples of a breach of care could involve failing to properly assess risk factors for placental abruption or failing to diagnose the condition.
Certificate of Merit Requirement
A Certificate of Merit is a written affidavit from the attorney that a qualified medical professional practicing in the same or similar field of medicine has reviewed the case specifics, and if they agree there are grounds for legal action, they must state that the defendant failed to meet the standard of medical care.
According to the Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 , a lawyer must file the Certificate of Merit with the complaint or within 60 days of initiating legal action for the placental injury case. The civil court will dismiss any cases filed against medical providers that fail to comply.
Contact Our Knowledgeable Philadelphia Attorneys for Help With Your Placental Detachment Case
The placenta delivers essential oxygen-rich blood and crucial nutrients to the infant in the uterus. Both the mother and the baby can sustain severe injuries if the placenta detaches during pregnancy and the attending physician does not diagnose and treat the condition promptly.
You could have grounds to file a claim for damages against the medical providers treating you if you or your baby suffered harm because of negligence. The process is time-consuming, and many find the requirements overwhelming when pursuing a settlement without a skilled legal professional’s input and guidance.
Call a hard-working and skilled Philadelphia placental abruption lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.
