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Van Wey, Metzler & Williams

Houston Maternal Death Lawyers

Dedicated Advocates for Families Facing Devastating Loss

At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we recognize the profound grief and turmoil caused by maternal mortality and severe childbirth complications. Our experienced maternal mortality attorneys in Houston are dedicated to helping families seek justice and accountability for preventable tragedies during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Houston Maternal Death Lawyers

Maternal Mortality in the United States: A Growing Crisis

The U.S. stands as one of the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, with an estimated 700-900 maternal deaths and over 50,000 severe pregnancy-related injuries occurring annually. Despite advancements in healthcare, systemic failures, negligence, and insufficient safety practices often contribute to these devastating outcomes.

Staggering Statistics

  • In 2021, the U.S. maternal mortality rate reached 33 deaths per 100,000 births—the highest since 1965.
  • Reports show that many maternal deaths and injuries stem from preventable issues, such as skipped safety protocols or inadequate monitoring.
  • Investigative findings, including a 2018 USA Today expose, highlight how systemic flaws in hospital practices contribute to thousands of preventable injuries and deaths.

Understanding the Risks Women Face During Pregnancy and Delivery

Pregnancy and childbirth come with inherent health challenges, but proper medical care can mitigate most risks. Quality prenatal care, thorough risk assessments, and adherence to established safety protocols are critical in safeguarding mothers and their babies.

What Is Maternal Mortality and Hemorrhage?

One of the leading causes of maternal death is postpartum hemorrhage, a severe complication involving excessive blood loss after delivery. While not entirely preventable, it is predictable in nearly 99% of cases with proper risk assessments.

Risk factors include:

  • Prior pregnancies or C-sections
  • Multiple births (e.g., twins or triplets)
  • Advanced maternal age or pre-existing health conditions
  • Excessive amniotic fluid or prior uterine surgeries

With these factors in mind, healthcare providers have a duty to prepare for and promptly address complications. Failure to do so can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including maternal death.

Legal Issues Surrounding Maternal Death

When medical negligence results in the death or severe injury of a mother during childbirth, families have the right to pursue justice. Healthcare providers are bound by a duty of care that includes informed consent, proper monitoring, and adherence to medical guidelines. Breaches of this duty can lead to actionable claims.

Common Examples of Negligence

  • Failing to perform proper risk assessments for postpartum hemorrhage, hypertension, or other complications.
  • Inadequate preparation for potential emergencies despite known risk factors.
  • Failing to monitor the mother’s condition during and after delivery.
  • Delayed or improper responses to signs of hemorrhage, infection, or hypertension.

Types of Cases We Handle

Postpartum Hemorrhage Cases

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the most common and dangerous complications during childbirth. Medical negligence—such as failing to monitor blood loss or delayed intervention—can turn a manageable issue into a fatal one.

Hypertension and Stroke Cases

Conditions like preeclampsia and eclampsia require vigilant monitoring. Negligence in diagnosing or managing these conditions can lead to strokes or severe complications during pregnancy or delivery.

Infection-Related Deaths

Failure to diagnose or treat postpartum infections in a timely manner can lead to sepsis and death. Early detection and proper care are critical.

Wrongful Death Claims

When maternal death occurs due to negligence, families can file wrongful death claims to hold healthcare providers accountable. These cases often involve proving that medical errors or omissions directly led to the fatality.

What Families Can Expect from a Maternal Death Claim

A maternal death or hemorrhage claim seeks to provide financial security and accountability. Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses incurred before the mother’s death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of the mother’s expected income and contributions to the family
  • Non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and loss of companionship

Houston Maternal Death Lawyers

How Van Wey, Metzler & Williams Can Help

Extensive Experience

Our nationally recognized attorneys have decades of experience handling complex maternal death, birth injury and medical malpractice cases. We understand the unique medical and legal intricacies involved in these claims.

Tailored Representation

We understand that each situation is unique. Therefore, we approach each case with empathy and personalized attention, ensuring that families receive legal strategies designed to meet their specific needs.

Proven Results

With a track record of successful outcomes, our firm has helped families secure the justice and compensation they deserve after preventable maternal deaths. Because we focus solely on medical malpractice and birth injury, we are able to deliver results that other firms can’t.

Navigating the Complexities of Maternal Death Cases

Pursuing a maternal death claim requires a deep understanding of both medical and legal standards. Our attorneys:

  • Conduct thorough investigations to uncover evidence of negligence.
  • Work with medical experts to establish liability.
  • Handle all aspects of legal proceedings, from filing claims to negotiating settlements or presenting cases in court.

Why Choose Us?

We combine compassion with aggressive advocacy, ensuring that grieving families feel supported while we fight tirelessly for justice on their behalf.

Contact Our Houston Maternal Death Lawyers Today

If you have lost a loved one due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth, don’t face this challenging time alone. Let our experienced legal team help you seek justice and accountability.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Call us at (888) 414-1158 or fill out our online contact form.

At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are dedicated to supporting Houston families impacted by maternal mortality and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

 

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