Posted: August 31, 2024

A pregnant woman sitting on the couch with a blood pressure cuff on her arm.Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects 5-7% of pregnant women. It is characterized by high blood pressure and can lead to grave complications for the mother and baby if not detected and treated promptly. 

At Kline & Specter, we know that when doctors miss the signs of preeclampsia, the consequences can be life-threatening and may result in significant birth injuries.

Do you suspect that missed preeclampsia contributed to a birth injury? Find out more about this issue and what you can do about it below.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a complex disorder that can manifest with a range of symptoms. Common signs include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Protein in the urine
  • Severe headaches
  • Vision changes
  • Swelling in the hands and face

Can Doctors Miss Preeclampsia?

Unfortunately, medical professionals can sometimes overlook preeclampsia. This oversight can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

  • Misinterpretation of symptoms
  • Inadequate monitoring
  • Lack of experience

Symptoms of preeclampsia can also mimic other conditions. This makes it challenging to diagnose in some cases.

When preeclampsia goes undiagnosed, the mother may experience complications such as stroke, liver or kidney damage, and HELLP syndrome (a severe form of preeclampsia). The baby may also suffer from growth restrictions, preterm birth, or stillbirth.

Legal Recourse for Birth Injuries

If you believe that a missed diagnosis of preeclampsia led to a birth injury, you may have legal options to seek compensation. Medical professionals must provide a standard level of care, and failing to diagnose or treat preeclampsia may constitute medical malpractice.

Seeking legal assistance will help you understand your rights and the process of pursuing a claim. A qualified attorney, like those at Kline & Specter, can guide you and provide the support you deserve.

Schedule a Consultation with Kline & Specter

Have you been affected by a birth injury that a missed preeclampsia diagnosis may have caused? Contact Kline & Specter for a case review.

Our skilled team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Call 215-772-1000 today to discuss your options.

Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. We work with clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, we will work with local attorneys as applicable.