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Tampa Preeclampsia Lawyers

Experienced advocacy for mothers and newborns who suffer birth injuries in Florida

Preeclampsia is a well-known risk for pregnant mothers. Gynecologists and family doctors should understand the risk factors, diagnostic tests for preeclampsia, possible complications, and treatments. At MattLaw, our medical malpractice lawyers have the experience and medical relationships to hold pregnancy doctors accountable when they fail to protect mothers and their fetuses. We’ve earned the respect of former clients, insurance companies, and the legal community for our strong representation and our record of impressive verdicts and settlements. Our Tampa Bay preeclampsia lawyers file personal injury for mothers and infants who suffer birth injuries. We also file wrongful death claims for families when birth injuries are fatal.

Free Consultation

Call 813-222-2222 now or fill out the form above to receive a free, confidential consultation.

What is pre-eclampsia?

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According to the prestigious Cleveland Clinic (with locations in Ohio and Florida), preeclampsia is a severe blood pressure disorder that develops during pregnancy. Mothers with preeclampsia often have “high blood pressure (hypertension) and high levels of protein in their urine (proteinuria).” After 20 weeks, physicians should start to examine pregnant women for preeclampsia. If not treated properly, preeclampsia can cause liver damage, kidney damage, brain injury, and other complications. Preeclampsia is dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. Preeclampsia also can affect the heart and the blood supply to the placenta.

About 5% to 8% of all births in America involve a mother who has preeclampsia. Preeclampsia causes nearly 15% of premature births (delivery before 37 weeks).

Preeclampsia normally occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most preeclampsia cases happen after 27 weeks. Preeclampsia can also occur in the first week after delivery.

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What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia?

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At MattLaw, we work with gynecologists and other physicians who understand the symptoms of preeclampsia. Some mothers may not show symptoms until their gynecologist conducts an examination. When symptoms do occur, they usually include the following:

  • High blood pressure
  • Protein in a mother’s urine
  • Retaining water – which can cause swelling and weight gain
  • Blurry vision
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain on the mother’s right side
  • Dark spots in the mother’s vision
  • Shortness of breath
  • Edema

Severe signs of preeclampsia include:

  • Blood pressure that is 160/110 mmHg or higher
  • A reduction in liver or kidney function
  • Fluid in the mother’s lungs
  • Low blood platelet levels
  • Low or no pee levels

Mothers who have preeclampsia will need to deliver their baby immediately.

What are the risk factors for preeclampsia in Tampa?

Your doctors may be liable if they fail to determine if any of the following risk factors apply to a pregnant woman:

  • High-risk factors for preeclampsia include:
    • A history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease
    • The mother is expecting multiple babies
    • Lupus or other autoimmune diseases
    • Preeclampsia in a past pregnancy
  • Moderate risk for preeclampsia factors are:
    • A first pregnancy
    • Obesity
    • Being older than 35
    • A family history of preeclampsia.
    • Complications in prior pregnancies

What preeclampsia complications should Tampa Bay physicians anticipate?

If preeclampsia isn’t diagnosed and treated promptly, the mother and fetus may die or suffer severe organ damage. Other dangerous complications include:

Maternal complications:

  • Seizures
  • Eclampsia
  • Coma
  • HELLP syndrome
  • Stroke

Fetal complications:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Placental abruption

Additionally, anyone with preeclampsia is at risk for the following medical conditions later in life:

  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease
  • Developing preeclampsia in future pregnancies

How is preeclampsia diagnosed in Tampa?

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Our Tampa preeclampsia lawyers will review if your healthcare providers diagnosed your preeclampsia condition in a timely and proper manner. Preeclampsia is often diagnosed during a routine prenatal checkup.

Diagnostic tests include blood tests, collecting urine, and performing an ultrasound and other fetal monitoring tests.

What are the treatments for pre-eclampsia?

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At MattLaw, we review whether your gynecologists and other medical professionals provided the proper treatments. Generally, doctors try to keep mothers pregnant (when safe) as long as possible.

The treatments vary depending on how far along the pregnancy is:

  • Preeclampsia near 37 weeks. Your gynecologist and obstetrician (OBGYN) will usually recommend an immediate vaginal or C-section delivery. Medications may be used to help the lungs of the fetus develop and manage the mother’s blood pressure.
  • Preeclampsia earlier in the pregnancy. The mother will be monitored for the remainder of the pregnancy – with the aim of prolonging the pregnancy as long as possible. “If the preeclampsia worsens or becomes more severe, your provider will recommend delivery.”

During labor and delivery, providers often administer magnesium sulfate to prevent eclampsia, which involves seizures caused by preeclampsia. There is no cure for preeclampsia. The only option is to deliver the baby. After delivery, mothers will be monitored for several weeks to ensure that the symptoms go away.

What types of medical mistakes cause pre-eclampsia in Tampa?

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At MattLaw, we work with medical experts and conduct extensive discovery (oral and written questions) to understand what medical steps your healthcare providers should have taken or failed to take – that did not comply with acceptable medical standards.

The following mistakes by your medical providers may cause birth injuries such as preeclampsia in Tampa:

  • Failing to conduct and maintain a full medical history of the mother
  • Failing to understand the risk factors of preeclampsia
  • Failing to understand the symptoms of preeclampsia
  • Failing to conduct standard reviews when a mother reaches her 20th week of pregnancy
  • Failing to order the correct diagnostic tests and/or failing to read the results of those tests properly
  • Failing to provide proper treatments based on the number of weeks of the pregnancy and the health of the mother and the fetus

When medical malpractice does occur, our Tampa birth injury lawyers demand compensation for the mother’s and child’s current and future:

  • Medical expenses
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Loss of bodily function, such as organ damage
  • Loss of income on behalf of the mother
  • Any other financial and personal damages

If a mother or fetus dies due to medical malpractice, we file a wrongful death action on behalf of the surviving family members.

Do you have a Tampa, Florida pre-eclampsia lawyer near me?

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MattLaw meets mothers, newborns, and fathers at our Tampa, Florida office located at 304 S Plant Ave., Tampa, FL 33606. We also have an office in St. Petersburg. Our attorneys meet families away from the office when necessary. We also consult with clients by phone and through video conferences.

We can answer your questions and explain how the Tampa birth injury process works.

Talk with our respected Tampa, Florida preeclampsia lawyers now

We understand how anxious and upset you are. Preeclampsia is usually manageable if pregnancy doctors act competently. At MattLaw, we’re respected for our thorough preparation, compassion for our clients, negotiating skills, and trial skills. We’ll fight to obtain all the compensation you deserve. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle amputation cases on a contingency fee basis.