A miscarriage, defined by the Mayo Clinic as the “sudden loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week,” is a devastating event for expecting parents. Shockingly, some miscarriages occur due to preventable medical malpractice by doctors, hospitals, or healthcare providers. Here, our Mobile birth injury attorney elucidates critical aspects of medical malpractice linked to miscarriages in Alabama.
Potential Role of Medical Negligence in Miscarriages
Medical negligence, broadly speaking, occurs when a healthcare professional falls short of the expected standard of care in their field. When such negligence results in harm, it can give rise to a medical malpractice claim. Sadly, medical negligence might contribute to a miscarriage. Examples include:
Failure to Diagnose and Treat Underlying Conditions:
Inability to identify and address medical conditions crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
Improper Medication Prescribing:
Incorrect prescription or dosage of medication affecting fetal well-being.
Inadequate Pregnancy Monitoring:
Lack of proper supervision throughout the pregnancy, leads to complications.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for Miscarriage in Alabama
In Alabama, if medical malpractice is suspected as the cause of a miscarriage, filing a claim against the responsible healthcare professional or provider is a right. While not all miscarriages are linked to medical negligence, if one occurred due to such negligence, a malpractice claim is warranted. To succeed, the plaintiff must demonstrate the breach of the standard of care directly resulted in the miscarriage.
Potential Damages in a Miscarriage Malpractice Case
In Alabama, a miscarriage does not qualify as a wrongful death claim due to occurring before fetal viability. Nonetheless, a medical malpractice lawsuit enables seeking various damages, including:
Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses:
- Compensation for treatments resulting from malpractice, potentially covering pregnancy-related costs like IVF.
Lost Income:
- Reimbursement for workdays missed due to the physical and emotional toll of the miscarriage.
Pain and Suffering:
- Non-economic damages address the physical pain and emotional distress associated with the loss.
Connect with Our Mobile, AL Medical Malpractice Attorney
At Roger Varner Injury Law, our Mobile medical malpractice lawyer stands as a tenacious advocate for patients. We are equipped to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. Contact us at (833) 482-7637 or online for your free consultation. From our Mobile office, we handle medical malpractice cases across South Alabama.