Uterine Rupture Malpractice

Childbirth is a joyous and life-changing event, but it can become dangerous for both the mother and the child when complications occur. One complication that can cause birth injuries and injuries to a mother is uterine rupture. If your child or you suffered an injury due to a uterine rupture caused by medical malpractice, you need the help of a Baltimore birth injury attorney. At Arfaa Law Group, we can examine the facts of your case and help you determine your legal options. We understand that this is a stressful time in your life, and you can expect us to handle your case with discretion and sensitivity.

Uterine rupture in pregnancy is a rare and often catastrophic complication with a high incidence of fetal and maternal morbidity. The condition is a tear in the wall of the uterus, most often at the site of a previous C-section incision, although it can happen even with no such history. In a complete rupture, the tear goes through all of the layers of the uterine wall. A complete rupture is significantly more dangerous and poses more risk during the delivery process.

A uterine rupture can be caused by forcing a prolonged period of pushing, pressing down too hard on the mother’s stomach, or making an improper Cesarean incision. Potential consequences of a uterine rupture include:

• Lack of oxygen and blood supply to the baby;
• Hemorrhage and severe blood loss for the mother;
• Postpartum anemia;
• Shock caused by lack of body fluids;
• Bladder injuries; and
• Hysterectomy if the uterus cannot be repaired.

Uterine ruptures are life-threatening emergencies. When the condition occurs, doctors must typically perform an emergency C-section right away. In fact, a timely response to a uterine rupture is imperative to prevent harm. Physicians are trained to detect warning signs and symptoms of a potential uterine rupture or hemorrhage.

When a medical professional’s failure to diagnose and respond to these signs is the cause of an injury, that medical professional may be liable for medical malpractice. In order to establish medical malpractice, you must show that the medical professional who treated you caused your injury because they violated the applicable standard of care. A standard of care is the generally accepted procedures and practices used by medical professionals within the same geographic area when treating patients with a particular condition. As a result, the standard of care will vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s age and medical history.

Under Maryland law, patients have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against a health care provider, known as the statute of limitations. Failing to file within the required time frame could mean losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.

Victims of medical malpractice in Maryland can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and future medical costs. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, disfigurement, and other damages that are difficult to quantify with a dollar amount. In very rare situations, victims of medical malpractice may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer as opposed to compensating the plaintiff. To receive punitive damages, the plaintiff must show that the medical professional’s violation of the duty of care exceeded mere negligence and was severe or egregious.

At Arfaa Law Group, we are keenly aware of the health risks associated with a uterine rupture. If your child or you has been harmed due to a uterine rupture caused by medical malpractice, Attorney Julia Arfaa can help you pursue the compensation that you deserve for these consequences. At Arfaa Law Group, we are committed to protecting the rights of families whose doctors have failed to live up to the standard of treatment justifiably expected of them. We represent people throughout the State of Maryland. To speak to a knowledgeable attorney about the details of your personal injury or wrongful death case, call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.