Placental Abruption Lawyer
Placental abruption is when the placenta breaks free from the uterus before it’s time for that to happen. Depending on the severity of the break, it can be life-threatening for the baby and its mother. Additionally, it can cause the baby to experience life-long brain damage and significant developmental delays. Placental abruption and its effects can be the result of medical malpractice, meaning a doctor, nurse, or hospital made a mistake that caused it or worsened its impacts.
For over 20 years, Snyder Law Group has been championing the rights of parents and their children. Throughout our decades in practice, our Baltimore birth injury lawyers have seen firsthand the devastating impacts of medical malpractice on mothers and their babies. A placental abruption lawyer on our team stands ready to meet with you to strategize about what we can do for you during this time.
What Causes Placental Abruption?
As the National Library of Medicine explains, placental abruption is where the placenta detaches from the uterine lining before the second stage of labor is over. Hypertension, smoking, having twins, and having a short umbilical cord are all factors that can cause the placenta to separate from the uterus. Likewise, the placenta can break from the uterus if the amniotic fluid drains suddenly. A dangerously high level of amniotic fluid in the womb can also cause this complication to occur.
Can a Baby Survive Placental Abruption?
A baby can survive placental abruption, but it depends on when it occurs and whether the baby is still able to get nutrients and oxygen. For example, the infant may experience hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) —a type of birth asphyxia—that can inflict lifelong damage or be fatal. Additionally, it depends on how quickly the medical team identifies and treats the condition.
If the placenta completely detaches from the uterine wall and the baby is in an early term, it may be more difficult for it to recover than for a full-term or nearly full-term infant. Even if the baby does survive, not having nutrients during critical moments in the womb can cause the baby to fall behind developmentally or have brain damage. The baby may also develop cerebral palsy.
What Are the Symptoms of Placental Abruption?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of placental abruption can include vaginal bleeding, contractions, a tender uterus, and back pain. Pregnant mothers may also experience abdominal pain. Of note, the Mayo Clinic indicates that the amount of bleeding or pain does not necessarily tell you whether the placenta has broken free of the uterus. Nor does the pain or bleeding levels tell you whether the break is severe or mild.
The reason for this is that the placenta can slowly break free from the uterus, or it can block blood from leaving the uterus. Because of this, the pregnant mom may only feel slight discomfort or mild spotting.
Can a Doctor Be at Fault for Placental Abruption?
In a number of situations, a doctor or hospital can be at fault if the placenta detaches from the uterus. The pregnant mom’s medical team is responsible for monitoring risk factors—like preeclampsia or abdominal trauma—throughout the pregnancy. Along these lines, they should also take steps to identify whether the placenta has detached from the uterus and respond appropriately if they believe this has occurred.
When doctors or hospitals cut corners or provide subpar care that endangers the mother and her baby, Maryland law empowers her to take a stand. Filing a lawsuit can give her an opportunity to seek compensation for what she and her newborn have gone through. Additionally, her decision to shed light on dangerous and negligent practices may lead to changes that protect others from experiencing harm at the hands of those practitioners.
Snyder Law Group: Award-Winning Birth Injury Attorneys Serving Baltimore
If a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other medical provider harmed you or your baby, you may be entitled to take legal action against them. If you think you have a claim, it may be time to connect with a seasoned law firm that can help you understand and assert your rights.
Snyder Law Group understands your concerns and is ready to fight for you and your loved ones. With a Superb Rating from Avvo, Michael Snyder has proven himself to be a formidable opponent in the courtroom and a compassionate ally to his clients. Reach out to a placenta abruption lawyer today by calling 410-642-5749 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.