HELLP Syndrome Birth Injury Lawsuit

Were you or your unborn baby the victim of medical malpractice that led to a birth injury? Did the obstetrician make an error that caused preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers handle medical negligence cases and can serve as your legal advocates.

Call our birth injury lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or use the contact form to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your family’s legal options concerning your baby’s potential HELLP Syndrome birth injury lawsuit. Let our lawyers review your confidential or sensitive information and seek justice on your behalf.

Both preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome are pregnancy complications that can cause severe health problems for the pregnant mother and her unborn child. Although they are separate diseases, they are often linked, with many women being diagnosed with one and then later also having the other.

In both medical conditions, the only treatment is to deliver the baby as soon as possible to reduce mother and child risk. However, when physicians do not adequately diagnose these diseases, the damage to the fetus can alter the child’s life forever and even lead to death.

HELLP Syndrome

It’s possible to develop HELLP syndrome without any prior health conditions. However, you’re more likely to develop it if you have preeclampsia or eclampsia.

Blood transfusion during pregnancy can cause HELLP syndrome, a serious and rare condition that can lead to life-threatening complications for both the mother and baby.

The placenta provides maternal blood to the fetus to facilitate fetal lung development.

HELLP syndrome occurs when this process is disrupted. To prevent HELLP syndrome birth injuries, mothers should be aware of the risks and symptoms and seek early prenatal services.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause a serious condition called HELLP syndrome. It is a life-threatening disorder that usually occurs in the last three months of pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.

Blood pressure can cause the blood vessels to rupture and affect the liver function and other organs.

Low Platelet Count Syndrome

Women who develop low blood platelet count syndrome (thrombocytopenia) do not have enough platelets to help the blood clot and stop this serious bleeding disorder.

Typically, a healthy individual has a 150,000 to 400,000 blood platelet range. Individuals with thrombocytopenia will have a platelet range under 150,000.

In the immune system, many conditions cause thrombocytopenia, previously referred to as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, the body’s primary defense mechanism against diseases.

Low blood platelet count syndrome can be genetic, handed down through the family’s genes, and can be acquired through numerous medical conditions, including:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria thriving in the digestive system
• Medication-induced immune thrombocytopenia
• Sepsis is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Viral infections, including hepatitis C, chickenpox, Epstein-Barr, parvovirus, and HIV)

Doctors treating pregnant women must check for thrombocytopenia that could be caused by adverse reactions to certain medications, including:

• Drugs for seizures, infections, and cardiac conditions
• Heparin, a blood thinner prescribed to prevent blood clotting problems

The doctor may have to change the medication or just the dosage to ensure that the pregnant mother does not experience significant complications, especially during the late second trimester, third trimester, labor, and premature delivery.

Red Blood Cells and the Risks and Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome

HELLP syndrome stands for Hemolysis (breakdown of the red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. The cause is unknown and affects pregnant mothers in their late second and third trimesters during their last weeks of pregnancy.

When there are not enough red blood cells, the body’s organs and tissues do not receive the oxygen they need to function properly.

The HELLP syndrome occurs in only 1-2 pregnancies per 1,000 and 10-20% of women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. As with preeclampsia, doctors deliver the baby as soon as possible to avoid further risks to both mother and child.

The pregnant mother’s medical professional should be aware of the symptoms of developing HELLP syndrome.

Blood vessels throughout the body begin to constrict, which can cause low blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the placenta, resulting in insufficient oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the baby.

The Outcome of Future Pregnancies

Most women who have had HELLP syndrome can have successful future pregnancies. However, there is an increased risk of developing the condition again in subsequent pregnancies.

Physical Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome

One of the most common physical symptoms of HELLP Syndrome is severe pain in the upper abdomen and chest. The pain can radiate to the back and shoulders and often feels like a heart attack. Chest pain and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms that lead to hospitalization.

Other physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, persistent headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness. The symptoms usually occur in the last few weeks of pregnancy or soon after delivery.

Risk Factors for Developing HELLP Syndrome

The following symptoms can indicate HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia: high blood pressure, abdominal tenderness, headaches, fluid buildup, and excess bleeding.

Necessary Tests for HELLP Syndrome

Medical tests include blood tests to check platelet counts, liver function tests, and a CT scan of the liver for enlargement and bleeding.

Chicago, IL Medical Malpractice Attorneys for HELLP Birth Delivery Injury Cases

Pregnant women entrust their newborn’s care to medical professionals who must follow established standards of medicine in providing treatment to expectant mothers. The duty extends to obstetricians or every other doctor, nurse, or health care providing early treatment to the mother or unborn baby.

Depending on the circumstances, physicians who detect HELLP syndrome recommend an early delivery before the baby’s anticipated delivery date.

Sometimes, undiagnosed or untreated preeclampsia can be the result of medical malpractice. When the doctor fails to promptly diagnose and treat HELLP syndrome, their mistake could lead to the child’s severe health complications or even death.

Do you suspect that your healthcare provider committed medical negligence by ignoring or failing to treat warning signs of preeclampsia? Call the attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC at (888) 424-5757 or fill out the contact form to schedule your free initial consultation.

Let our medical malpractice attorneys begin working on your case to ensure adequate financial recovery for your damages. Our personal injury trial lawyers will work directly with the doctor’s insurance company to resolve your case through a negotiated settlement or jury trial verdict.

The Link Between Autoimmune Disorders and HELLP Syndrome

Autoimmune disorders are a common cause of HELLP syndrome birth delivery injuries.

The most common autoimmune disorder associated with HELLP syndrome is lupus, but other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and Graves’ disease have also been linked to the development of HELLP

HELLP Syndrome Injuries During Birth Delivery

One out of four women has severe pregnancy complications from HELLP syndrome, including kidney failure, liver failure, placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterus wall), and fluid in the lungs.

For the unborn child, the most significant risk is when the placenta is compromised. Placental abruption causes fetus distress, and for those that survive, 40-50% will experience some possible complications, including:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Brain Damage
• Pulmonary edema
• Feel stroke
• Liver rupture
• Liver problems
• Kidney or Renal Failure
• Lung failure
• Epilepsy
• Low Birth Weight

Unfortunately, many children have died or have been born with serious complications due to a lack of early diagnosis for symptoms of HELLP syndrome or preeclampsia.

These are well-known pregnancy complications, and any doctor that does not diagnose or treat their patient appropriately puts the mother and child at risk.

Failing to recognize elevated liver enzymes, preeclampsia, or HELLP syndrome could indicate medical negligence where the child’s birth injury or mother’s serious health problems could have been prevented.

An infant’s respiratory failure is a birth complication that many different things can cause. One of them is HELLP syndrome.

Besides HELLP syndrome, gallbladder disease can also lead to liver damage during pregnancy. During the early stages of HELLP, gallbladder problems are usually the first sign that something is wrong.

How Is HELLP Syndrome Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

A physical exam will show if you have HELLP syndrome. Blood tests will also be done to check your liver function and the level of platelets in your blood. An ultrasound may be done to check on the health of your liver.

The non-stress test is a test to assess the baby’s heart rate and rhythm. An external monitor is placed on the mother’s abdomen, and the baby’s heart rate is monitored for 20-30 minutes.

How Is HELLP Syndrome Treated During Pregnancy?

To avoid developing HELLP syndrome during pregnancy, the best thing you can do is to get regular prenatal care. A doctor treating a pregnancy complication called HELLP syndrome may order several tests to check on the health of the mother and baby.

Besides medication, doctors often suggest bed rest to help ease HELLP symptoms. A doctor may induce labor or perform a C-section if the baby’s life is in danger.

Blurry vision can indicate that you are developing preeclampsia and should be reported to your obstetrician immediately.

Hire Our Team of Birth Injury Attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC

Are you a victim of inadequate medical care that resulted in the loss of your child or injury? You deserve a chance to find justice! Contact our lawyers, who will take the time to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your medical malpractice claim and give you legal advice.

Our experienced medical negligence attorneys work extensively with child injury cases involving preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

Call our lawyers for a free consultation at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to discuss your options for compensation for medical expenses, loss, and ongoing healthcare costs.

Our medical malpractice law firm is located in Chicago, Illinois, but we will come to you if you cannot visit our office to discuss your child’s injuries. Our personal injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis.

We accept payment for our services only after resolving your case through a negotiated settlement offer or jury verdict.

All confidential or sensitive information you share remains private through an attorney-client relationship. In addition, our attorneys currently follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Covid-19 (coronavirus pandemic) social distancing guidelines to ensure our client’s safety.

Resources:

• National Institutes of Health – information on Preeclampsia
• Mayo Clinic –HELLP Syndrome