Placental abruption is a serious medical condition that can occur during pregnancy, posing significant risks to both the mother and the baby. It happens when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before childbirth, disrupting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. While placental abruption can occur naturally and without warning, there are situations in which it may be evidence of medical malpractice.
The key concern at issue when determining whether a placental abruption results from medical negligence is whether the health care provider in question failed to meet the accepted standard of care. Doctors and nurses are trained to recognize signs of placental abruption, especially in higher-risk pregnancies. Warning signs can include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, rapid uterine contractions and fetal distress. If a provider fails to monitor these symptoms or dismisses them as normal pregnancy discomfort, they may miss an opportunity to intervene early and prevent harm.
Abruptions happen, and sometimes they are legally actionable
Some placental abruptions develop suddenly and may not be preventable, even with the best medical care. However, there are known risk factors that call for heightened vigilance. These include maternal high blood pressure, trauma (such as from a car accident), smoking, cocaine use, previous history of abruption and premature rupture of membranes. When these risks are present, providers are expected to monitor more closely and act swiftly if complications arise.
Malpractice may also be at issue if a proper response to an abruption is delayed or mishandled. Once an abruption is suspected or diagnosed, immediate evaluation and often emergency delivery are necessary. A delay in ordering diagnostic tests, contacting an obstetrician and/or arranging for an emergency cesarean section can lead to severe consequences, including stillbirth, brain injury due to oxygen deprivation or maternal hemorrhage.
Medical malpractice cases involving placental abruption are complex. They require expert review of medical records, fetal monitoring strips and the timeline of events. Not all adverse outcomes are the result of negligence, but when a doctor or nurse fails to recognize clear signs or respond appropriately, they may potentially be held legally liable for the resulting harm.
