Although it only affects 2% of women, ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal deaths in early pregnancy. Despite the life-threatening risks it poses, medical professionals can safely treat ectopic pregnancy if they recognize the symptoms early enough to take action. However, doctors who ignore the warning signs of ectopic pregnancy or fail to treat it promptly can cause severe, even life-long injury. When a physician’s negligent treatment harms a pregnant woman in this way, they can be held liable under New Jersey law.
This blog post will explain how ectopic pregnancy malpractice happens and the legal avenues available for holding a negligent medical practitioner responsible.
What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy happens when an embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. In a normal pregnancy, an embryo that’s been fertilized attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, where it has access to nutrients and can grow. When implantation happens elsewhere, the developing fetus lacks the space and nutrition needed to get to full term. Additionally, it carries the risk of rupturing the fallopian tube, leading to severe internal bleeding for the mother. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and can’t continue normally. If not treated immediately, they can put a woman’s life at risk.
Ectopic pregnancies can happen to anyone. However, certain risk factors can increase their likelihood, including:
- Past ectopic pregnancies,
- Fallopian tube surgery (e.g., having tubes tied),
- Infertility treatments like IVF,
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
- Pelvic or abdominal surgery, and
- History of smoking.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy often appear four to six weeks into the first trimester. They can include:
- Vaginal bleeding;
- Lightheadedness;
- Fainting;
- Shoulder pain; and
- Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain.
When a pregnant woman experiences these symptoms, a doctor should know to order tests to check for an ectopic pregnancy immediately. Testing could include blood work to check hormone levels and ultrasounds to determine the location of the fertilized egg. If identified early enough, medication can treat an ectopic pregnancy to dissolve the embryo. Otherwise, removal happens through surgery. If an ectopic pregnancy isn’t discovered until much later, emergency abdominal surgery might be required to remove the unviable fetus and even parts of the fallopian tube.
It’s essential to take action before the fallopian tube ruptures. When this happens, surgery is too dangerous, and a woman is at a high risk of severe and even fatal blood loss.
What Is Ectopic Pregnancy Malpractice?
Ectopic pregnancy malpractice happens when a doctor’s negligence in handling or diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy harms an expectant mother.
All doctors are responsible for providing patients with the standard level of care required by the medical profession. Part of this standard of care involves identifying a patient’s risk factors, recognizing symptoms of relevant conditions, running diagnostic tests, and taking prompt action to treat conditions. Doctors who don’t follow standard diagnostic and preventive procedures fail to uphold their professional and legal duty toward their patients. A healthcare provider can be held liable for medical negligence or malpractice in civil court when a patient suffers additional harm because of these oversights.
Importantly, not all ectopic pregnancies are grounds for a lawsuit. However, you may have cause to sue for malpractice if your doctor:
- Ignored factors putting you at increased risk of ectopic pregnancy,
- Attributed your symptoms to another condition,
- Failed to order necessary tests to confirm ectopic pregnancy,
- Misinterpreted ultrasound or other tests,
- Delayed treating your ectopic pregnancy symptoms,
- Prescribed the wrong treatment or medication, or
- Made errors or oversights during surgery.
Put simply, if substandard treatment for an ectopic pregnancy caused you unnecessary pain or harm, you may have grounds to hold the doctor responsible for malpractice.
What Does an Ectopic Pregnancy Malpractice Lawsuit Involve?
Proving ectopic pregnancy malpractice cases requires showing that the doctor failed to behave according to the standards of professional care expected in your situation. To do this, you’ll need an attorney who can retain experts in obstetrics and gynecology to testify in your case, as required by New Jersey law. They will speak to the appropriate standard of care and how the treatment you received deviated from it. Your attorney will compile detailed medical records and other evidence to support your claim.
This includes evidence of any physical and emotional injury you suffered as a result of your doctor’s failure to diagnose or treat your ectopic pregnancy. Holding negligent physicians accountable isn’t the only goal of a malpractice lawsuit. Malpractice claims can also offer patients compensation to help them recover from the financial burden of their unjust injury. Damages in a successful malpractice lawsuit include compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Compassionate Advocates for Your Recovery
Going through an ectopic pregnancy is already a devastating experience for many women. When a physician’s carelessness adds to the trauma, you deserve to hold them professionally and legally responsible. At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, our attorneys have dedicated themselves to fighting for justice for those harmed by negligent healthcare professionals. Our lawyers are known across New Jersey for our skill as malpractice advocates and our compassionate client service. With over 100 years of combined experience and record-breaking compensation recovered, our attorneys are prepared to help you get the justice you deserve. \
Contact us today by phone or online to schedule a free consultation.
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