Failure to Diagnose Tubal Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition. However, it is common enough that a competent doctor should notice the symptoms and act accordingly. Undiagnosed or improperly treated, it can lead to serious injury, infertility or even death.
If you can never have children because of a physician's negligence, or if a family member died or suffered serious complications from ectopic pregnancy, call the Law Office of Robert Cherofsky at (845)875-4096 for a free consultation.
I have nearly three decades of experience in medical malpractice litigation, including numerous lawsuits for OB/GYN negligence. Based in Nyack, I take cases throughout the New York City metropolitan area, including Westchester and Rockland counties.
Did the Doctor Miss Telltale Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy?
In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus. Sometimes the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. When that occurs, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Most ectopic pregnancies involve a situation in which the egg implants in the Fallopian tube before it reaches the uterus. An undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy (also called tubal pregnancy) will usually lead to a rupture of the Fallopian tube. Most women can still get pregnant via the other Fallopian tube, but if a woman has already lost a Fallopian tube due to a prior ectopic pregnancy, she can no longer have children via sexual intercourse.
I established case law in an ectopic pregnancy malpractice case 15 years ago. A jury award of $500,000 for pain and suffering and $400,000 for the woman's loss of chance to bear children was struck down. On appeal, damages were reinstated to $700,000, validating infertility and its emotional impact as compensable claims.
Early symptoms of ectopic implantation are similar to a normal pregnancy. The treating doctor might be liable for failure to order a pregnancy test.
As the tubal pregnancy grows, an OB/GYN should promptly investigate when any pregnant woman reports these indications of an advanced ectopic pregnancy:
- Heavy bleeding
- Abdominal pain or pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse or pelvic exam
- Fainting, dizziness or shoulder pain (signs of internal bleeding)
Ectopic pregnancy may be diagnosed by pelvic test, blood test or ultrasound. If verified, treatment should begin immediately and be closely monitored to ensure the tubal pregnancy is terminated. In some cases, the affected Fallopian tube may even be preserved by means of salpingostomy. An ectopic rupture requires emergency surgery to prevent serious bleeding and complications.
Free Case Evaluation and Prompt Investigation
I am an aggressive lawyer who knows the questions to ask and the experts needed to prove that medical professionals failed to meet the standard of care. Contact me today to look into your case. There are no attorney fees unless I secure compensation.
