Losing your loved one to childbirth is like being swept away by a tidal wave. The damage is catastrophic, and recovery is difficult. In cases where death resulted from negligence, maternal mortality lawyers can help families gain the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
It may surprise you to learn that medical negligence is the third leading cause of death in the United States, according to a Johns Hopkins University study. Many of those deaths are childbirth-related. Consider these shocking statistics:
- For every 100,000 births, 24 result in maternal death (according to the CDC)
- For many years, the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. has been highest among high-income countries.
- Certain groups of people are at higher risk of dying during childbirth. The rate of death for black mothers is nearly 3 times that of white women.
It doesn’t make sense that so many mothers are dying in the United States. It’s a country blessed with the latest technology in medicine and plenty of state-of-the-art hospitals.
But no matter how good technology gets, the “human factor” has much to do with outcomes for mothers in childbirth. Humans make mistakes–and they can also be biased against certain races. They sometimes commit negligent acts, and that’s where a maternal mortality attorney comes in. These lawyers advocate for families who are left stranded by hospitals and refuse to take responsibility for a mother’s death (this happens more often than you might think!)
Common Causes of Maternal Death
Maternal death during childbirth can result from various causes. These causes vary by region and socioeconomic factors.
But the most significant contributors to maternal death include:
Hemorrhage (Severe Bleeding)
Some blood loss of this essential body fluid is normal during birth. However, severe bleeding from medical emergencies like placental abruption, placenta previa, and uterine atony can cause maternal death.
Infections
Infections from inadequate hygiene or unsanitary conditions can become life-threatening for the mother. Women who undergo episiotomies and other operations are at risk of getting infections in their wounds. Maternal sepsis, which can result from a bacterial infection in the uterus, is the second leading cause of maternal death in the U.S.
Preeclampsia/Eclampsia
These disorders involve dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy and childbirth. They can cause organ damage and lead to maternal death if not managed promptly.
Thromboembolism
Sometimes blood clots form in a woman’s veins. This is called deep vein thrombosis. The clots may travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.
Ectopic Pregnancy
On rare occasions, a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, within a fallopian tube or elsewhere. This can put the mother’s life in danger. But doctors can detect this condition early and intervene. Failing to do so can result in the mother’s death and warrant a lawsuit. A maternal death lawyer can help you file this type of lawsuit if it applies to your case.
Why are Maternal Mortality Rates Rising?
The maternal mortality crisis continues to worsen. The rates of maternal death have been rising in the U.S., not declining. We can’t point a finger at any one reason for this.
Rather, it’s a result of many contributing factors, including:
- Healthcare Disparities: Disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes contribute to variations in mortality rates among different population groups. Some mothers have less access to healthcare or receive poor care because of where they live or their ethnicity.
- Chronic Diseases: Having diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases puts a mother at greater risk for complications during pregnancy. Today, there are more people in the U.S. with these conditions than ever before. So it only makes sense that mortality rates are climbing as well.
- Social Determinants of Health: Socioeconomic factors, education levels, employment opportunities, and housing conditions influence health outcomes. Disparities in these social determinants contribute to health inequities and impact mortality rates.
Seeking Justice For a Maternal Death? Maternal Mortality Lawyers Can Help
It would be wonderful if doctors never made mistakes. It would be incredible if they treated their patients fairly, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status. Sadly, that’s simply not the case.
A maternal mortality lawyer, or maternal death lawyer, is a type of medical malpractice attorney who specializes in maternal care cases. They can provide legal assistance and support to the family when a mother dies in childbirth.
Here are several ways in which a maternal mortality lawyer can help:
- Listens to your case with compassionate concern
- Investigates the circumstances surrounding the mother’s death.
- Review medical records, gather evidence, and consult with medical experts.
- Evaluates whether medical negligence or malpractice played a role in the death.
- Provides legal advice to the family and explains relevant laws and the legal process.
- Helps the family file a medical malpractice or wrongful death lawsuit.
- Negotiates with insurance companies and ensures the family receives rightful compensation.
If you’re ready to work with a maternal mortality attorney, contact us free of charge. Let us use our decades of experience to help you seek justice and financial recovery.
