If a doctor has misdiagnosed an expecting mother with ectopic pregnancy, it may be possible to file a birth injury claim. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious diagnosis that is potentially fatal and requires immediate treatment, but misdiagnosis can result in serious injury that’s otherwise avoidable.
Misdiagnosing Ectopic Pregnancies
Ectopic pregnancies involve an embryo attaching to the exterior of the uterus or to the fallopian tube, causing nearby organs to rupture over time. This is often fatal if left untreated.
Symptoms can vary depending on the case, from vaginal bleeding and shock to abdominal pain and fainting. Doctors will need to conduct tests to accurately diagnose ectopic pregnancy. The drug methotrexate is normally used for treating this condition, which prevents fertilized cells from replicating and enables the body to absorb the embryo to prevent injury. Unfortunately, this treatment can also cause severe injury to healthy embryos and the expecting mother, and it has been known to cause birth defects in newborns. The potential harm caused by methotrexate makes the misdiagnosis of ectopic pregnancy particularly serious.
Misdiagnosis of this condition can cause the loss of a healthy embryo, as well as serious side effects and severe emotional and mental distress for the mother. In the event of a misdiagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, victims may be able to file medical malpractice claims as a result of the physician or medical facility’s negligence.
When to File a Birth Injury Claim
There are many reasons why expecting mothers may file birth injury claims. These cases can result from misdiagnoses, medication errors, or other types of negligence that result in serious physical or psychological harm.
In medical malpractice cases, including birth injury claims, it’s best to avoid filing a claim without guidance through the process. A birth injury attorney may be able to help build a claim against negligent facilities or physicians for injuries resulting from a misdiagnosis or other error.
To recover compensation for birth injuries caused by ectopic pregnancy misdiagnoses, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support the claim, including medical records and proof that the doctor’s misdiagnosis resulted from avoidable negligent practices. Victims may be able to recover compensation for monetary and non-monetary damages including medical bills, pain and suffering, and ongoing treatment for injuries.