When a mother dies during childbirth, it is a tragedy that sends shockwaves through families and entire communities. But when that death could have—and should have—been prevented, it becomes more than just a heartbreaking event. It becomes a call to action.
At Van Wey & Metzler, we stand with the families in Oklahoma City and across the nation who have lost a loved one due to negligent medical care. We do not handle fender benders. We don’t chase quick settlements. We take on only the most serious and catastrophic medical malpractice cases—and maternal death sits at the center of that mission.
Maternal mortality is not just a third-world problem. The United States has one of the highest maternal death rates in the developed world—and Oklahoma is among the worst in the nation.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the state’s maternal mortality ratio is significantly higher than the national average, and Black and Indigenous women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. Many of these deaths occur in major hospitals with full access to modern medical care. So why are so many families being torn apart?
The truth is painful: most maternal deaths are preventable. In many cases, mothers died not because the condition was untreatable, but because:
These are not unfortunate outcomes. They are failures of responsibility—and they demand accountability.
We investigate maternal mortality cases in Oklahoma with meticulous care and unwavering resolve. Some of the most common forms of medical negligence that lead to maternal death include:
Uncontrolled bleeding, particularly postpartum hemorrhage, is one of the leading causes of maternal death. With proper monitoring and timely intervention, these events are almost always manageable.
Failure to diagnose or manage dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to seizures, stroke, and death. These conditions are detectable and treatable—if providers are paying attention.
From spinal blocks to general anesthesia during C-sections, mismanaged anesthesia can result in respiratory arrest or fatal reactions, especially in emergency situations.
Infections after childbirth or surgical delivery must be caught early. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can rapidly progress to fatal sepsis.
When signs of fetal or maternal distress are present, hesitation or failure to act can lead to the death of both mother and child.
Every case we take involves a deep investigation into hospital policies, medical records, and provider actions—and we do not back down when institutions resist the truth.
We understand that no amount of money will ever replace a mother, wife, daughter, or sister. What a lawsuit can do is:
We believe that families deserve not just closure—but a chance to make something meaningful out of a senseless loss.
We are not new to this fight. Our team has spent decades representing families in the most devastating medical malpractice cases imaginable, including maternal deaths, infant loss, and catastrophic birth injuries.
We are known for:
Our founder, Kay Van Wey, has been recognized nationally for her role in landmark cases, including the “Dr. Death” civil litigation. She brings the same level of focus and commitment to every maternal death case we handle.
Not every law firm is equipped to take on a maternal death case. These lawsuits are complex, emotionally charged, and fiercely contested. We limit the number of cases we handle so that we can pour our full resources into each one.
We take cases across Oklahoma and beyond. If your loved one died in a hospital in Oklahoma City or in the surrounding areas, we encourage you to reach out.
There is no cost to talk with us, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Your consultation is 100% confidential, and we will treat your family with the dignity and respect you deserve.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to complications in pregnancy or childbirth, don’t wait for the hospital to “explain what happened.” Let us help you get real answers—and fight for the justice your family deserves.
