Obstetrical malpractice occurs when an obstetrician or staff member fails to provide the patient with a reasonable standard of care. Unfortunately, instances of obstetrical malpractice are all too common. According to research, 85% of obstetricians have been sued at least once for medical malpractice. In addition to obstetricians, nurses, midwifes, and hospitals can also be negligent and held liable for the injuries that they cause.
Bobby Jones is an experienced Greenville, SC medical malpractice lawyer that has experience representing victims in OB/GYN malpractice cases. Bobby Jones is a nationally recognized trial lawyer that has proven track record of holding healthcare professionals and hospitals accountable for medical negligence that causes injury or death.
Common Types of Obstetrical Malpractice
Negligent actions by physicians or staff can aggravate existing conditions or create entirely new complications. Negligence can occur during the diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up care. Some common instances of negligence in obstetrical malpractice cases include:
- Prescribing the wrong medication and/or dosage: When a physician prescribes or administers the wrong medication it can cause serious complications. For example, the patient might be allergic to a medication and the physician fails to obtain and review the patient’s medical history prior to administering the medication.
- Misinterpreting test results or failing to order the right tests: A provider may negligently interpret required pregnancy test results such as an ultrasound or bloodwork. Or the physician may fail to order a necessary test to adequately diagnose and treat the patient’s condition.
- Delaying medical treatment: During delivery it is imperative that medical treatments are administered timely, particularly if the mother or the fetus are in distress. Physicians can be negligent if they fail to anticipate complications and administer treatment in time.
- Not monitoring the baby and mother during delivery: Both the mother and baby must be closely monitored to identify signs of distress. A failure to do so can result in life-threatening complications.
- Failing to diagnose gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a high-risk condition that can result in pre-eclampsia. A physician that fails to diagnose and treat gestational diabetes can be held liable.
- Failing to treat placental abruption: Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus. This can result in the mother suffering blood loss and the child experiencing oxygen deprivation.
The above list is not an exhaustive list of the types of obstetrical malpractice. In addition to the delivering physician being held liable for his or her negligence, other medical professionals such as nurses and midwifes can also be held liable. Midwife negligence is common since they are typically not equipped to handle emergencies that can arise during delivery. This can result in serious birth injuries such as cerebral palsy.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Greenville, SC Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Bobby Jones is a compassionate and highly experienced Greenville, SC medical malpractice lawyer and nationally recognized trial lawyer. Bobby Jones has recovered over $35 million dollars in compensation for his clients.
Bobby Jones Law serves clients throughout the state of South Carolina with offices conveniently located in Greenville. If you or someone that you know has suffered an injury due to obstetrical malpractice, contact us today for a FREE consultation to discuss your rights and options.
