Obstetric & Gynecology Malpractice, or OB-GYN negligence, occurs when healthcare providers in these specialties fail to deliver the standard of care expected, leading to harm or injury to the patient.
This type of medical malpractice encompasses errors in prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care, as well as gynecological procedures that result in adverse outcomes. Such failures can profoundly affect the mother’s and child’s health and well-being.
Choosing a lawyer with experience in obstetrics and gynecology malpractice is crucial because these cases require a deep understanding of the medical issues and legal standards, in addition to a network of experts in the relevant field.
If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to obstetric or gynecological care, you may be entitled to pursue a medical malpractice, negligence, or wrongful death claim.
Such situations demand a legal response that holds responsible parties accountable for their actions. At Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, we are committed to providing the guidance and support needed to navigate these complex cases.
Contact us to have an OB-GYN malpractice lawyer on our team assess your case and explore the avenues for seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Common Are OB-GYN Malpractice Claims?
The field of obstetrics and gynecology has witnessed significant advancements, leading to a decrease in global maternal and neonatal mortality over the last 25 years.
Despite these advancements, the rate of medical lawsuits in obstetrics remains high. Obstetrics continues to be one of the most litigated specialties worldwide.
In the United States, approximately 67 medical malpractice claims are made for every 100,000 deliveries, with about 13 resulting in compensation. Annually, the United States sees around 17,000 cases related to obstetric malpractice, representing 15.4% to 18.1% of all medical malpractice cases.
Obstetrics and gynecology is a complex medical field, entailing high-risk procedures and decisions that significantly impact the lives of both mothers and infants.
The emotional and physical aftermath of these medical incidents can be profound, driving the need for legal recourse and accountability. Your decision to seek knowledgeable legal representation is crucial in this process, empowering you to take control of your situation.
Leading Causes of OB-GYN Lawsuits
Several top maternity hospitals in Maryland, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, and University of Maryland Medical Center, are recognized for their quality obstetric and gynecological care.
Despite these institutions’ high standards, OB-GYN lawsuits still occur. The leading causes of OB-GYN lawsuits in Maryland stem from medical oversights and procedural errors, reflecting the complex nature of maternal and reproductive healthcare.
Delay in Diagnosing Pregnancy Complications
A common cause of OB-GYN lawsuits is the delay in diagnosing pregnancy-related complications. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes for the mother and the baby.
In cases where conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are not identified promptly, the risk of harm increases, leading to potential legal actions against healthcare providers.
Lesiones al nacer
Birth injuries to the child, often occurring via mishandling during delivery or failure to respond to fetal distress, are significant contributors to OB-GYN lawsuits. These injuries can have lifelong consequences for the child and emotional and financial impacts on the family.
Errores quirúrgicos
Surgical errors in gynecological procedures, including hysterectomies or cesarean sections, can lead to severe complications and are a frequent basis for litigation. These errors may result from poor surgical technique, inadequate preoperative planning, or failure to manage postoperative care effectively.
No obtención del consentimiento informado
OB-GYN lawsuits often arise from a healthcare provider’s failure to obtain informed consent, mainly when the provider does not adequately communicate the risks of a procedure to the patient. Patients must be fully aware of their treatment options and the potential risks involved to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Misinterpretation of Diagnostic Tests
The misinterpretation of diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or mammograms, can lead to incorrect treatment decisions, delayed diagnosis of serious conditions, or unnecessary anxiety for the patient.
Our firm remains committed to representing individuals affected by such medical negligence, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Damages Can I Get for an OB-Gyn Lawsuit
Under Maryland law, victims of OB-GYN malpractice can seek various types of damages. These compensations cover the losses and impacts experienced due to medical negligence.
Daños económicos
These are the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses related to the malpractice. Economic damages include medical bills for corrective treatments, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages if the injury prevents the victim from working. Future economic losses, such as ongoing medical care and lost earning capacity, can also be claimed.
Daños no económicos
Noneconomic damages compensate for the intangible losses suffered by the patient, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and diminished quality of life. Maryland law caps noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases, adjusting the cap
annually for inflation.
Daños punitivos
Although less common, punitive damages are possible in cases where the at-fault party’s conduct is proven to be especially harmful or egregious. In Maryland, courts only award punitive damages when malice or intent to harm is present.
The specifics of each case, including the severity of the malpractice and the extent of the injuries, will determine the exact nature and amount of damages you can pursue.
How Can an OB-GYN Malpractice Lawyer Help Me?
An OB-GYN malpractice attorney can provide invaluable assistance by navigating the complexities of medical malpractice law to advocate for your rights and interests.
The legal professionals at our office conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, consult with medical experts to establish the standard of care, identify deviations, and quantify the damages to ensure adequate compensation. We handle all aspects of the legal process, from filing the lawsuit to negotiating settlements or representing your interests in court.
Our role includes deciphering medical jargon and transforming it into understandable legal arguments demonstrating how the negligent conduct occurred and its impact on your life.
We also handle the procedural and administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on recovery and healing. By leveraging our knowledge of Maryland’s legal system, we work to secure a fair outcome, whether through settlement negotiations or trial advocacy.
We focus on holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions and supporting you through every step of the case.
Speak with an Experienced Maryland OB-GYN Malpractice Attorney to Get Started on Your Case Today
If you or your child recently suffered a birth or surgical error, you may have a claim for OB-GYN negligence. At the law firm of Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, our team of Maryland OB-GYN malpractice attorneys have extensive experience recovering meaningful compensation for families forever impacted by the negligence of healthcare providers.
We offer free consultations to all prospective clients, during which we will patiently answer your questions, outline the recovery process, and discuss your options. If you decide to proceed with your case, we will not bill you for our services unless and until we can recover compensation on your behalf.
We will put our talents and resources to work for you so you can focus on yourself and your family during this trying time. To learn more about our services and schedule a free consultation today, give us a call or connect with us through our secure online contact form.