Understanding the Risks and Preventing Tragedy
Preeclampsia and maternal injury is a serious pregnancy-related complication that, if not properly diagnosed and managed, can lead to life-threatening consequences for both mother and baby. This condition is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, yet many cases of severe injury and death are entirely preventable with proper medical care.
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we have seen firsthand how medical negligence in recognizing and treating preeclampsia can devastate families. When doctors fail to diagnose the warning signs, delay critical treatment, or mismanage care, they place lives at risk. If you or a loved one has suffered due to complications of preeclampsia, you deserve answers—and justice.
What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that typically develops after 20 weeks gestation. It is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine (proteinuria), and signs of organ dysfunction. If left untreated, it can escalate to eclampsia, which involves seizures and organ failure, and HELLP syndrome, a severe condition causing liver and blood cell damage.
This dangerous pregnancy complication disproportionately affects Black women, who are more than twice as likely as white women to die from preeclampsia-related complications due to systemic healthcare disparities and implicit bias in medical treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia symptoms can sometimes be subtle, making timely diagnosis and proper medical intervention critical. Expectant mothers should be monitored closely for the following warning signs:
- High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher)
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and face (edema)
- Severe headaches
- Blurry vision, light sensitivity, or seeing spots
- Upper abdominal pain, especially under the ribs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Decreased urine output
- Protein in the urine (detected through testing)
If any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical evaluation is essential to prevent life-threatening complications.
Complications of Preeclampsia
If not managed properly, preeclampsia can have devastating consequences, including:
For Mothers:
- Eclampsia (seizures)
- HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets)
- Stroke
- Organ failure (kidney, liver, heart)
- Placental abruption (life-threatening separation of the placenta from the uterus)
- Permanent cardiovascular disease risk
- Maternal death
For Babies:
- Preterm birth (often requiring NICU care)
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirth
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), leading to brain damage and conditions like cerebral palsy
When Preeclampsia Is Mismanaged: A Case of Medical Negligence
Healthcare providers have a duty of care to properly monitor, diagnose, and treat preeclampsia. When doctors and hospitals fail to follow established medical guidelines, they put lives in jeopardy. Examples of medical malpractice related to preeclampsia include:
- Failure to diagnose preeclampsia early despite clear warning signs.
- Delaying critical treatment (such as administering magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures).
- Neglecting to monitor fetal and maternal health properly through blood pressure readings, urine tests, and fetal monitoring.
- Failure to perform an emergency C-section when necessary to protect the mother and baby.
- Ignoring patient-reported symptoms, particularly in marginalized communities, where maternal concerns are too often dismissed.
If a medical provider’s negligence resulted in serious injury, premature birth, or maternal death, families have the right to seek accountability.
Who Is Most at Risk for Preeclampsia and Maternal Injury?
Although any pregnant woman can develop preeclampsia, some factors increase the risk:
- First-time pregnancies
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- A history of high blood pressure
- Diabetes or kidney disease
- Obesity
- Maternal age under 20 or over 40
- A family history of preeclampsia
- Black women and Indigenous women face a significantly higher risk due to racial disparities in maternal healthcare.
Because of these risks, regular prenatal care and proactive medical attention are essential in reducing preventable harm.
Preventing Preeclampsia-Related Birth Injuries and Deaths
While preeclampsia cannot always be avoided, proper medical care can prevent catastrophic outcomes. Doctors and hospitals must:
- Closely monitor blood pressure and urine tests at every prenatal visit.
- Educate pregnant women on symptoms of preeclampsia and the importance of reporting concerns.
- Promptly treat high blood pressure with appropriate medications.
- Monitor fetal well-being through ultrasounds and non-stress tests.
- Ensure early delivery if preeclampsia becomes severe to protect both mother and baby.
When medical professionals fail to take these steps, the consequences can be devastating—and families deserve justice.
Legal Options for Families Harmed by Preeclampsia-Related Negligence
If you or a loved one suffered serious complications due to preeclampsia mismanagement, you may have a medical malpractice case. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of mothers and babies affected by preventable medical errors.
Our experienced maternal injury and birth injury attorneys can help you:
- Investigate whether medical negligence played a role in your case.
- Hold hospitals and negligent healthcare providers accountable.
- Secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care, and emotional suffering.
- Demand systemic changes in hospital practices to improve patient safety.
We’re Here to Help
No family should have to endure the loss of a mother or the lifelong impact of a preventable birth injury due to medical negligence. If you or your child has been affected by preeclampsia mismanagement, we are here to help you seek justice.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. You are not alone in this fight—we are here to stand with you.
