Medical Malpractice Attorney
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one fall victim to medical malpractice, it is crucial that you seek the services of a medical malpractice attorney. Medical malpractices can arise from birth, traumas, surgical errors, unreasonable treatment delays, failure to obtain official consent from the patient prior to treatment or anesthesia errors.
Over the last few decades, the United States has witnessed growing cases of maternal fatalities. In fact, it reports the highest number of maternal deaths in all developed countries globally. Even with these statistics, hospitals, caregivers and health practitioners still insist that the increase does not reflect a declining quality of care, but rather, the deaths are mostly out of their control. Hospital advocates claim that the growing rate of poverty and an increase in preexisting health conditions are the main cause for these morbidity rates.
Contrary to these claims, an independent research by USA Today indicates otherwise. The research looked at medical records of affected persons and relevant lawsuits, which indicated that misdiagnosis, poor safety measures and delayed care were among the main causes of maternal injury and death rates.
During the investigation, USA Today highlighted the story of Felicia West, a New Orleans woman who died one week after delivering her son. According to her sister and roommate’s statement, Felicia’s pregnancy was healthy and normal, until she slipped and fell, striking her belly on the bathtub. This happened during the 6th month of her pregnancy.
Following the accident, she was rushed to Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, where she suffered her first ever seizure. She then went into respiratory arrest after which doctors decided to deliver her child via emergency C-section. Her symptoms continued to increase while at the hospital. In addition to her seizure, she started experiencing significant headaches, developed a kidney problem and her blood test showed abnormal results.
Due to these symptoms, she was misdiagnosed with a rare blood disorder. Also, there were reports of poor treatment for her condition throughout her stay. During this period, her blood pressure levels shot to 174/67, 171/90 and 117/67, which is extremely high.
A year before this case, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) had warned that blood pressure over 160 was a significant indication of an upcoming stroke. They went on to warn that new mothers with extremely high blood pressure could die if not treated immediately.
Even so, the doctor’s at Touro failed to listen to this warning by not giving Felicia the treatment she deserved to normalize her blood pressure in time. Her complications eventually led to a stroke. In the hours leading to the stroke, the healthcare providers in the facility failed to respond appropriately to the warning signs, but instead, administered painkillers and an icepack. Also, even after her stroke, she had to wait a while longer before getting any medical attention. This was even after a doctor was informed of her condition, according to a nurse, responded that it would take a while before she could see her. Unfortunately, by the morning of the next day, West had already succumbed to her illness.
Tragic cases like this of West are still rampant in the US. While it is alarming, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening to you. If you feel like you are getting subpar services, do not hesitate to find a new doctor. Your health should be your number one priority and it is too important to place in the hands of a doctor who hasn’t earned your 100% confidence, isn’t willing to provide you with answers to your questions regarding your condition, or is not giving you the attention you deserve.
Also, in case you receive a life-threatening diagnosis, we highly recommend taking some time to do your own research about the condition and seek a second or even third opinion once you get a diagnosis as it gives you a chance to weigh your options.
Such cases call for expert representation from an experienced law firm with a winning track record.
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one fall victim to medical malpractice, it is crucial that you seek the services of a medical malpractice attorney. Medical malpractices can arise from birth, traumas, surgical errors, unreasonable treatment delays, failure to obtain official consent from the patient prior to treatment or anesthesia errors.
Over the last few decades, the United States has witnessed growing cases of maternal fatalities. In fact, it reports the highest number of maternal deaths in all developed countries globally. Even with these statistics, hospitals, caregivers and health practitioners still insist that the increase does not reflect a declining quality of care, but rather, the deaths are mostly out of their control. Hospital advocates claim that the growing rate of poverty and an increase in preexisting health conditions are the main cause for these morbidity rates.
Contrary to these claims, an independent research by USA Today indicates otherwise. The research looked at medical records of affected persons and relevant lawsuits, which indicated that misdiagnosis, poor safety measures and delayed care were among the main causes of maternal injury and death rates.
During the investigation, USA Today highlighted the story of Felicia West, a New Orleans woman who died one week after delivering her son. According to her sister and roommate’s statement, Felicia’s pregnancy was healthy and normal, until she slipped and fell, striking her belly on the bathtub. This happened during the 6th month of her pregnancy.
Following the accident, she was rushed to Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, where she suffered her first ever seizure. She then went into respiratory arrest after which doctors decided to deliver her child via emergency C-section. Her symptoms continued to increase while at the hospital. In addition to her seizure, she started experiencing significant headaches, developed a kidney problem and her blood test showed abnormal results.
Due to these symptoms, she was misdiagnosed with a rare blood disorder. Also, there were reports of poor treatment for her condition throughout her stay. During this period, her blood pressure levels shot to 174/67, 171/90 and 117/67, which is extremely high.
A year before this case, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) had warned that blood pressure over 160 was a significant indication of an upcoming stroke. They went on to warn that new mothers with extremely high blood pressure could die if not treated immediately.
Even so, the doctor’s at Touro failed to listen to this warning by not giving Felicia the treatment she deserved to normalize her blood pressure in time. Her complications eventually led to a stroke. In the hours leading to the stroke, the healthcare providers in the facility failed to respond appropriately to the warning signs, but instead, administered painkillers and an icepack. Also, even after her stroke, she had to wait a while longer before getting any medical attention. This was even after a doctor was informed of her condition, according to a nurse, responded that it would take a while before she could see her. Unfortunately, by the morning of the next day, West had already succumbed to her illness.
Tragic cases like this of West are still rampant in the US. While it is alarming, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening to you. If you feel like you are getting subpar services, do not hesitate to find a new doctor. Your health should be your number one priority and it is too important to place in the hands of a doctor who hasn’t earned your 100% confidence, isn’t willing to provide you with answers to your questions regarding your condition, or is not giving you the attention you deserve.
Also, in case you receive a life-threatening diagnosis, we highly recommend taking some time to do your own research about the condition and seek a second or even third opinion once you get a diagnosis as it gives you a chance to weigh your options.
Such cases call for expert representation from an experienced law firm with a winning track record.
Folsom Medical Malpractice Attorney, 850 Iron Point Rd, Folsom, CA 95630