An annual visit to an OB-GYN is common among women in the United States. Women should expect their doctor to have the training and knowledge to effectively care for a patient. There are unfortunately situations of OB-GYN malpractice, leaving some women in the hands of a negligent doctor.
OB-GYN malpractice can endanger lives, health and fertility. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to a physician’s mistakes in prenatal care, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injury.
What is OB-GYN malpractice?
If your OB-GYN fails to meet the medical community’s minimum standards, you may be victim to medical malpractice. Any party that participates in the medical treatment of a pregnant woman is subject to a malpractice claim.
It’s important to know how to identify OB-GYN malpractice and negligence when receiving prenatal care. All pregnant women deserve a high standard of care and should expect nothing less from their doctor and medical staff.
OB-GYN negligence may include:
- Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose
- Suggesting an unnecessary C-section, or failing to perform a time sensitive C-section
- Failure to discover ectopic or tubal pregnancy, which can be fatal for the mother and baby
- Performing unnecessary surgery
- Problems with the umbilical cord left unnoticed
OB-GYN malpractice often results in catastrophic injuries. For instance, a cancer misdiagnosis could damage a woman’s fertility. Additionally, improper prenatal care throughout a pregnancy could lead to fetal death. When filing a claim against OB-GYN, you may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death and punitive damages.