Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers Pursue Justice for Untreated Fetal Heart Rate Abnormalities
Turn to us for help when your doctor has failed
Undiagnosed fetal conditions are far too common, especially given today’s specialized medical training and advanced technology. Unfortunately, undiagnosed conditions, including fetal heart abnormalities, persist. The Ohio medical malpractice lawyers at The Eisen Law Firm are committed to helping parents obtain justice for injuries resulting from undiagnosed or mistreated fetal conditions such as fetal arrhythmia, or heart rate abnormalities.
What is fetal arrhythmia?
Fetal arrhythmia is the medical term for any abnormal heart rate experienced by a fetus within the womb.
The two main types of abnormal heart rate, or fetal arrhythmia, include:
- Tachycardia: The medical term for an increased heart rate is tachycardia. Tachycardia is thought to be caused by a wide range of factors, including excessive caffeine consumption by the mother. Tachycardia is also sometimes a normal occurring phenomena during fetal development.
- Bradycardia: The opposite of tachycardia is bradycardia, which is a slowed heartbeat. Near the time of birth, bradycardia can be a sign that something very ominous is occurring and can be a reason to rush to delivery. The cause of fetal bradycardia that occurs well before labor and delivery fetal are relatively unknown, but the condition may be a normal part of fetal development.
In many cases, fetal arrhythmia is a non-life threatening condition. If the condition persists, however, there may exist some danger to the fetus. Medical providers are trained to track fetal arrhythmia and take action in the event of a potential issue.
What happens if a doctor fails to identify a potential issue relating to fetal arrhythmia?
Persistent fetal arrhythmia may present a hazard to the fetus or the mother, making it important for medical providers to identify the condition and take action as quickly as possible. Upon identifying a potential issue, a doctor may prescribe medication or order increased tests to monitor the situation.
Failure to do so may lead to serious consequences, including:
- Birth injuries : While it is rare, an undiagnosed arrhythmia may lead to a range of birth injuries, especially if the arrhythmia is worsened during labor and delivery.
- Loss of life : There is a remote chance that an undiagnosed or unaddressed fetal arrhythmia may lead to the fetus’ death resulting in a stillbirth.
- Lasting heart conditions: An untreated fetal arrhythmia may develop into a lifelong heart condition requiring ongoing treatment for your child.
Despite the rarity of these consequences, it is vital for doctors to maintain constant awareness of any and all forms of fetal arrhythmia. Failure to do so may result in avoidable and tragic consequences.
Do I have legal options if my doctor misses a fetal arrhythmia diagnosis?
If you feel that your doctor has failed to diagnose or take action on a fetal arrhythmia concern, and injuries have resulted, you may have legal options. Should your doctor’s negligence be directly responsible for the injuries or losses, you have the right to pursue compensation for all losses, including:
- Medical treatment
- Ongoing care
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and suffering of family members
To learn more about the compensation to which you are entitled and your legal options for pursuing justice, speak to an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer.
Compassionate advice for families of undiagnosed fetal arrhythmia victims in Ohio
Injuries or losses resulting from undiagnosed fetal arrhythmia are tragic and often avoidable. The Ohio medical malpractice attorneys at The Eisen Law Firm offer the personalized advice you need to understand your legal options and hold medical providers accountable for their negligence. Contact us today by phone at 216-687-0900 or online for a free consultation and case review.