Yes, it’s possible to sue a doctor for a failure to diagnose or wrongfully diagnosed ectopic pregnancy. You may also have grounds to sue the hospital or a healthcare services provider, such as Kaiser Permanente.
A lawsuit for ectopic pregnancy can provide victims with monetary compensation in the event they are able to prove a case of medical malpractice against the physician or healthcare facility. Recovery from a medical malpractice claim may include medical expenses, compensation for birth injuries, pain and suffering, and wrongful death benefits.
Our law firm is here to help 24/7 if you have found yourself asking “Can I file a claim for medical malpractice if I suffered an ectopic pregnancy?” Contact our office today and schedule a free, confidential case review.
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What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is a medical term used to describe the process of a fetus forming outside of the uterus, typically in one of the mother’s fallopian tubes. Circumstances that can cause an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Previous surgery in the pelvic or abdominal area
- Fallopian tube surgery
- Previous incident of ectopic pregnancy
- Certain STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
As a fetus develops inside the fallopian tube, it will eventually cause the tube to rupture. This is a medical emergency, as the mother will most certainly die if there is a failure to remove the fetus, and possibly the affected fallopian tube. If an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed early enough, the doctor can administer a medication known as methotrexate in order to stop the fetus from growing.
It’s important to understand these risk factors so that you can take proactive measures to protect yourself in the event you have an ectopic pregnancy. However, it must be noted that ectopic pregnancies can occur in women without any risk factors, which is why vigilance and careful monitoring by a qualified OB/GYN is critical if you experience symptoms like vaginal bleeding and abdominal or shoulder pain during pregnancy. Please seek medical attention immediately to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment before you have life-threatening complications.
I Lost my Fetus Due to Wrongful Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy. Can I File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
On its own, an ectopic pregnancy is not sufficient grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. This is a tragic condition that can happen to any expectant mother, and none of the reasons for an ectopic pregnancy are the patient’s fault.
On the other hand, the doctor isn’t always to blame, either. Most OB/GYNs catch the signs of ectopic pregnancy early and provide the patient with proper treatment. So, you will need to prove that the doctor failed to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy that would have been caught by another doctor of equal experience. Alternatively, the doctor provided incorrect or ineffective treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, and as a result, you suffered serious complications that compromised your life.
To illustrate these points further, let’s look at examples of scenarios that can form the basis of an ectopic pregnancy lawsuit:
- The obstetrician misinterpreted your symptoms, which clearly indicated the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. As a result, you did not receive any treatments, like the administration of methotrexate.
- The doctor recognized that you were exhibiting symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. But they did not order tests or take any further action to confirm their suspicion.
- The radiologist and/or doctor was unable to find a fetus in the uterus from a routine scan. However, they failed to order additional tests to confirm whether the patient had an ectopic pregnancy.
- The doctor made a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, but their delay in treating the condition caused severe complications, like a rupturing of the fallopian tube.
- Even though the ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed early on, the patient still suffered serious complications because they were prescribed inappropriate or incorrect medication.
- The doctor failed to meet the professional standard of care during an ectopic pregnancy surgical procedure (a laparoscopy or salpingostomy).
If you went through any of the experiences listed above, contact our law firm immediately for advice and guidance. We can talk to you about your eligibility for a medical malpractice lawsuit and help you determine the right course of action during a free case evaluation.
Help from a California Medical Malpractice Lawyer
There is nothing under California law that requires you to hire an attorney if you are a victim of medical malpractice. But legal advice right from the start is crucial if you or a loved one suffered complications from a wrongfully diagnosed or failure to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
Medical malpractice claims are extremely complex, much more so than the average personal injury lawsuit. Thus, it’s highly recommended that you find a medical malpractice lawyer to guide you through the legal process. A law firm that specializes in misdiagnosis or a missed diagnosis lawsuit is experienced in gathering evidence and expert opinions, which are the foundation of a physical malpractice case.
Filing a claim, by the way, is not just about the financial relief, which is undeniably helpful to cover medical expenses and other monetary losses. By suing the liable healthcare provider, you are promoting accountability and holding doctors responsible when they fail to prioritize a patient’s health and well-being.
Zero Fee Guarantee
We stand by the principle that victims of negligence by a doctor should not be worried about the cost of legal representation if they wish to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. With the Zero Fee Guarantee, we promise to take your case for $0 upfront and ask that the payment for legal fees come from the party that wronged you. So, either we win your case and recover our expenses, or we make nothing at all.
If you are ready to discuss your rights and legal options with an ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosis lawyer, contact us today.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Failure to Diagnose Stillborn Pregnancy Lawyer
Ectopic Pregnancy Medical Malpractice Lawyer
