During pregnancy, it is not uncommon for complications to arise. As such, the health of both mothers and their unborn children depends on thorough and competent medical care. For example, gestational diabetes, a common but serious pregnancy-related condition, demands timely diagnosis and careful management. Yet, despite the high stakes, the mismanagement of gestational diabetes is a problem, placing patients at risk throughout Maryland. When doctors fail to meet their responsibility to treat manageable conditions, they expose mothers and infants to preventable dangers that can leave lasting physical harm, and they should be held accountable. If you or a loved one were hurt by the mismanagement of diabetes, it is prudent to confer with a lawyer about your possible claims. At Arfaa Law Group, our experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys understand the profound impact that poor obstetric care can have, and if you engage our services, we will help you seek any compensation recoverable under the law.
The mismanagement of gestational diabetes can result in significant harm to both the mother and child if appropriate care is not provided. When this condition is not properly controlled through monitoring, dietary management, medication, or insulin therapy, mothers face an increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. More gravely, babies born to mothers with untreated or poorly managed gestational diabetes may suffer from macrosomia, a condition where the baby grows excessively large, leading to complicated labor, shoulder dystocia, or birth injuries such as brachial plexus injuries and fractures. Furthermore, newborns may experience hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels) shortly after birth, respiratory distress syndrome, or even long-term developmental delays.
In some cases, the mismanagement of gestational diabetes can result in stillbirth or permanent disabilities, leaving families with the emotional trauma of losing a child or caring for one with complex medical needs. Mothers who are not properly diagnosed and managed may also develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
The mismanagement of gestational diabetes is a clear violation of the trust patients place in their healthcare providers, the consequences of which can be life-altering. It often constitutes grounds for pursuing medical malpractice claims as well.
To bring a successful medical malpractice claim based on the mismanagement of gestational diabetes, a plaintiff generally will allege that the defendant was negligent. In Maryland, the first requirement of proving negligence is showing that the defendant owed the patient a duty of care, which is generally established by the doctor-patient relationship that forms during prenatal care. This duty obligates obstetricians, midwives, and other providers to meet the standard of care expected of reasonably prudent practitioners in similar circumstances, such as timely screening for gestational diabetes and developing an appropriate treatment plan when the condition is diagnosed.
The plaintiff then must show that the defendant breached this duty by deviating from the standard of care. Proving causation, the third element, requires demonstrating that this breach directly harmed the mother or infant. In most cases, expert testimony is needed to explain the standard of care and to connect the plaintiff’s harm to the defendant’s actions or inactions.
Recoverable damages in Maryland medical malpractice cases may include the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitative services, and long-term care for a child’s injuries. Additionally, plaintiffs may seek compensation for lost income, diminished earning capacity, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and, in tragic cases involving fetal death, wrongful death damages.
The mismanagement of gestational diabetes can have devastating and preventable consequences, profoundly affecting the lives of mothers, infants, and entire families. If you or your child were harmed by a healthcare provider’s failure to properly diagnose or manage this condition, you may be entitled to pursue a medical malpractice claim under Maryland law, and you should speak to a lawyer. At Arfaa Law Group, our knowledgeable Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys understand the medical and legal complexities involved in these cases, and if you engage our services, we will build a strong case aimed at achieving justice on your behalf. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we proudly serve clients throughout the city. To discuss your potential claim, contact us today at 410-889-1850 or reach out through our online form to schedule a free consultation.