Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects pregnant women, typically after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and other serious complications that can endanger both the mother and the baby.
When healthcare providers fail to diagnose or treat preeclampsia promptly, the results can be devastating. In Hawaii, if you or a loved one has suffered due to a preeclampsia misdiagnosis, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim.
At Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, we help families seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by negligent medical care.
Understanding Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication that requires vigilant monitoring. In its early stages, preeclampsia may present with subtle symptoms like swelling, headaches, and slight increases in blood pressure.
However, when left undiagnosed or untreated, it can escalate into severe preeclampsia, leading to dangerous complications such as eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count), organ damage, and even death for both mother and child.
Healthcare providers must monitor key indicators, such as blood pressure and protein levels in the urine, during prenatal care. The consequences can be tragic when they fail to do so or misinterpret the signs.
A preeclampsia misdiagnosis can lead to preterm births, long-term health complications, or, in the worst cases, a preeclampsia miscarriage or maternal death.
Preeclampsia Malpractice: When Negligence Causes Harm
Medical professionals, including obstetricians and nurses, are responsible for recognizing and managing the symptoms of preeclampsia during prenatal visits and delivery.
When they fail to provide appropriate care, it may amount to medical negligence. If you’ve experienced serious harm because a healthcare provider failed to diagnose or treat preeclampsia, you may have grounds for a preeclampsia lawsuit.
Some common forms of negligence associated with misdiagnosed preeclampsia include:
- Failing to monitor or act upon abnormal blood pressure readings;
- Not testing for protein in the urine or ignoring elevated results;
- Delaying a diagnosis by dismissing symptoms as non-threatening;
- Failing to deliver the baby early when it becomes medically necessary; and
- Misdiagnosing preeclampsia as another condition, such as gestational hypertension.
In Hawaii, families affected by a preeclampsia misdiagnosis have legal recourse through a medical malpractice claim. These claims seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages caused by medical negligence, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and ongoing healthcare needs for both mother and baby.
The Consequences of Misdiagnosed Preeclampsia
When preeclampsia goes undiagnosed or is improperly managed, it can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Mothers may suffer from stroke, organ failure, or eclampsia, which can result in seizures or even death.
For babies, the risks include low birth weight, prematurity, developmental delays, or stillbirth. In some heartbreaking cases, parents endure the unimaginable pain of a preeclampsia miscarriage due to a doctor’s failure to recognize or treat the condition in time.
Families facing these outcomes experience not only physical and emotional trauma but also significant financial burdens. The costs associated with long-term medical care, therapy, and special needs for a child born prematurely or with complications can be overwhelming.
A preeclampsia lawsuit can help alleviate some of these burdens by holding negligent medical providers accountable and securing financial compensation.
Legal Considerations for Preeclampsia Misdiagnosis Claims in Hawaii
Hawaii law allows victims of medical malpractice, including preeclampsia misdiagnosis cases, to file claims to recover damages. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that a patient’s compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault in the injury.
However, if the patient is more than 50% at fault, they are not entitled to compensation. In the case of medical malpractice, this rule typically does not come into play, as patients rely on medical professionals to make informed decisions about their care.
Hawaii also imposes a statute of limitations on medical malpractice claims. In most cases, victims have two years from the date of the injury or from the injury’s discovery to file a lawsuit.
This can be particularly important in preeclampsia cases, where the effects of misdiagnosis or delayed treatment may not become apparent until weeks or months after delivery.
Proving Medical Malpractice in Hawaii
Proving medical malpractice in preeclampsia misdiagnosis cases requires showing that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care and that this failure directly caused harm to the mother or baby.
Expert medical testimony is often required to establish what the standard of care should have been and how the provider’s actions fell short.
Before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Hawaii’s court system, Hawaii Revised Statutes section 671-12 requires that the prospective plaintiff submit an official inquiry to a medical inquiry and conciliation panel consisting of one attorney and one properly licensed physician.
When to Contact a Lawyer for a Preeclampsia Lawsuit
If a misdiagnosed preeclampsia has harmed you or someone you love, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
At Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, we have a long history of advocating for families affected by birth injuries and pregnancy-related malpractice, including cases involving preeclampsia.
Our compassionate legal team will take the time to listen to your story, review your medical records, and help you understand your legal options.
Contact Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks Today
If you or your child has suffered due to preeclampsia misdiagnosis, we are here to help you pursue justice. The attorneys at Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks have the experience and resources to take on complex medical malpractice cases in Hawaii. We are committed to providing compassionate, skilled legal representation for families affected by negligent medical care.
To schedule a free consultation, please contact us. We’ll review the facts of your case and explain your legal rights. If we take your case, you won’t pay anything unless we secure compensation on your behalf. Let us help you during this difficult time by holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
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