While most pregnancies in the US result in healthy babies, there are unfortunately exceptions. Some women will face complications during pregnancy. Sometimes, shortly after conception. An ectopic pregnancy is a condition that takes place in the beginning of a pregnancy. That’s where a doctor’s prompt and adequate care comes in. Treating an ectopic pregnancy in a timely manner is crucial in avoiding lasting injuries or even death. When this doesn’t happen, ectopic pregnancy malpractice cases become necessary.
Do you know a loved one who received inadequate care for an ectopic pregnancy? Were you a victim of malpractice? Was a doctor negligent and there were further complications? Health issues, financial issues, and an overall decreased quality of life often proceed malpractice. Not to mention pain and suffering. If you’re a victim, you have a right to justice and possibly compensation. While a case can’t reverse injuries, it can help financially.
Hampton & King is here to answer any questions you may have. We know how to handle ectopic pregnancy malpractice cases. If a doctor failed to provide adequate care for your ectopic pregnancy, contact our office. We may be able to help!
What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?
A pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg. That fertilized egg must find its way to the uterus where it attaches itself. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. Most often, an ectopic pregnancy takes place in the fallopian tube (also known as a tubal ectopic pregnancy). In more rare cases, the fertilized egg finds itself in an ovary or in the abdominal cavity.
An ectopic pregnancy is life threatening. Pregnancies outside of the uterus are not viable. A fetus growing anywhere other than the uterus cannot make it full term and must be treated right away. A delay in treatment is one of the reasons ectopic pregnancy malpractice cases exist.
A uterus is an organ that demonstrates great flexibility. It can expand with a growing baby and then go back to size after birth. However, fallopian tubes are not the same. They cannot adequately grow with a baby and provide proper space for a fetus. When left untreated, a tubal pregnancy can rupture the fallopian tubes. This can cause excessive and uncontrollable bleeding for the mother. Without proper treatment, ectopic pregnancies can lead to wrongful deaths.
Risks & Symptoms Associated With Ectopic Pregnancy Malpractice Cases
Although implantation happens right in the beginning of pregnancy, you may not notice any symptoms for several weeks. Even with an ectopic pregnancy, you’ll most likely experience normal symptoms of early pregnancy. You’ll even get a positive pregnancy result.
Unfortunately, that’s where the similarities between a viable pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy end. Here are some symptoms to look out for regarding an ectopic pregnancy:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
- Shoulder pain
If the fallopian tube ruptures and is causing internal bleeding, here are the emergency symptoms you should look for:
- Extreme pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding that isn’t stopping
- Extreme shoulder pain
- Feeling lightheaded
Risk Factors
Some women are more prone to ectopic pregnancies than others. Risk factors include:
- History of ectopic pregnancy
- Presence of infection or inflammation
- Becoming pregnant while using an intrauterine device
- Fertility treatments
- Previous tubal surgery
Doctor Responsibilities & Ectopic Pregnancy Malpractice Cases
It’s important to remember that an ectopic pregnancy isn’t the fault of anyone. Not yours, not your partners, and not the doctor’s. However, the manner in which an ectopic pregnancy is handled is completely up to the doctor.
Understanding the signs and seeking prompt treatment can reduce complications and further injury. Even so, negligent medical providers do exist and patients suffer. That’s where ectopic pregnancy malpractice cases come into play.
If you present your doctor with one or more of the symptoms listed above, it’s their duty to carry out necessary tests. This may include doing blood work and ordering an ultrasound to see where the fertilized egg is. If caught early enough, medication can treat an ectopic pregnancy. In more emergency cases, a surgery may be required which removes the fetus. In even more extreme cases, the fetus is removed along with the fallopian tube.
If your doctor failed to:
- Order necessary tests
- Interpret the tests correctly
- Conduct a full examination
- Diagnose
- Or treat bleeding..
Then you may want to file an ectopic pregnancy malpractice case. It’s important to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. In doing so, you can reduce the risk to others. Ectopic pregnancy malpractice cases can quickly turn into wrongful death cases. Contact Hampton & King to learn about your possible options.
