Are you concerned that medical providers failed to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy? Has your family experienced the heartache of a birth injury that could have been prevented? You are not alone.
Each year, many expectant mothers across Pennsylvania develop a condition called preeclampsia. It begins with elevated blood pressure and often includes symptoms such as swelling, headaches, or changes in vision. If left untreated, it can quickly become dangerous, putting both mother and baby at serious risk. What makes this situation even more painful is that preeclampsia, when properly managed, is often treatable. The tragedy is not always the diagnosis but the lack of appropriate care.
When medical teams fail to respond appropriately, the result may be long term injury or even loss of life. If this sounds familiar, it is critical to speak with an experienced attorney who understands how birth injuries occur and how the law protects victims. Contact Latona Law for a free legal consultation. We are here to help you find answers and hold negligent parties accountable.
What Is Preeclampsia and Why It Matters
Preeclampsia is a condition related to pregnancy that involves high blood pressure and signs of stress on the body’s organs, most often the liver and kidneys. It generally appears after the twentieth week of pregnancy, although it can happen earlier.
Common warning signs include swelling in the hands or face, persistent headaches, blurry vision, and abdominal pain. Some patients also report sudden weight gain or a general feeling that something is not right. These symptoms may develop gradually or come on suddenly, which is why regular monitoring is essential.
This condition should never be dismissed as typical discomfort during pregnancy. It can lead to life threatening complications such as seizures, stroke, organ failure, and premature birth. For the baby, risks include low birth weight, developmental delays, or injury from oxygen loss during delivery.
How Doctors Should Monitor and Treat High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
The standard of care for preeclampsia begins with prevention and early detection. Providers are expected to check blood pressure at every prenatal visit and follow up on any concerning signs. If a woman’s readings climb or her lab results show organ strain, the medical team must take action.
Depending on the severity, treatment may involve prescribing blood pressure medication, ordering hospital observation, or planning early delivery. In critical cases, medication such as magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures, and emergency delivery may be required to protect both mother and baby.
Time is everything. Medical professionals must recognize red flags and move quickly. Waiting too long to respond or assuming the symptoms will resolve on their own can result in permanent damage.
When Medical Errors Lead to Birth Injuries
Unfortunately, not all hospitals or clinics follow these established standards. In Pennsylvania, there have been numerous cases where preeclampsia was either not diagnosed in time or treated far too late. These failures are not just clinical errors. They are violations of trust.
Examples of negligence include ignoring a patient’s symptoms, misreading blood pressure results, or failing to act when test results clearly indicate danger. Some families have discovered after the fact that the signs of preeclampsia were present for days or even weeks before action was taken.
When the standard of care is not met, the consequences can be devastating. Mothers may suffer permanent health problems, and babies may face a lifetime of challenges. These outcomes are not always the result of bad luck. Often, they are the result of preventable mistakes.
Taking Legal Action After Mismanaged Preeclampsia
If you or your child was harmed because a healthcare provider failed to diagnose or treat preeclampsia, you may have a legal case. In Pennsylvania, patients can pursue birth injury claims when negligence results in harm. This includes situations where providers delayed diagnosis, ignored warning signs, or failed to provide proper care during delivery.
Filing a claim involves proving that the medical provider owed a duty of care, that they failed in that duty, and that this failure caused the injury. These cases often require expert medical testimony and a careful review of records, so it is important to work with a law firm that has deep experience in this area.
At Latona Law, we focus exclusively on birth injury cases. We understand how overwhelming it can be to take legal action after such a personal and emotional experience. That is why we offer confidential, no cost consultations to help you understand your rights and options.
Speak With a Pennsylvania Birth Injury Attorney Today
Preeclampsia mismanagement can change lives in an instant. What should have been a safe and joyful delivery becomes a trauma that no family should endure. When healthcare professionals fail to meet their responsibilities, the law allows you to seek justice and support.
If you believe your care was mishandled during pregnancy or delivery, we encourage you to reach out. Contact Latona Law today for a free legal consultation. We will listen to your story, review the medical details, and explain whether you may have a case. You do not have to face this alone. Let us help you find the answers and the accountability you deserve.