Ectopic Pregnancy Claims
If you have had an ectopic pregnancy that was poorly managed by medical professionals, you could be entitled to claim compensation. This article explores this possibility in greater detail, explaining how an ectopic pregnancy can lead to a medical negligence claim, and what action you should take.
Ectopic Pregnancy and Medical Negligence
In an ordinary pregnancy, the egg will be fertilised by sperm in the fallopian tube before moving to the womb (otherwise called the uterus), where it then implants itself into the womb lining. However, in an ectopic pregnancy the fertilised egg fails to reach the womb, and instead implants itself somewhere else. This may be the ovary, abdominal cavity or cervix, although most commonly it will be the fallopian tube (called a tubal pregnancy).
A tubal pregnancy sadly means the baby cannot be saved. It will also cause a woman a number of complications, as the fertilised egg will continue to grow, despite the fact it is outside of the womb. Eventually this will cause the fallopian tube to rupture, something which could prove to be fatal.
That is why it is essential an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed as quickly as possible, as this will reduce the risk of complications. Symptoms such as one-sided abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, shoulder tip pain and collapse all indicate an ectopic pregnancy. However, not all women will experience symptoms, and may an ectopic pregnancy may only be found when a scan fails to locate the presence of the foetus in the womb.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim
Therefore diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy can be difficult. However, there are times when the failure to diagnose is a direct result of substandard medical care. For example, an ectopic pregnancy will be deemed negligently handled if a woman:-
- Presents with the tell-tale symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, but it fails to be correctly diagnosed;
- Is displaying signs of ectopic pregnancy, but no further tests are carried out;
- Is diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy but treatment is delayed, causing further complications;
- Has a routine scan which fails to find the foetus in the womb, but still no further tests are done.
If an ectopic is not accurately diagnosed and treatment provided, a woman could sustain a serious injury. Extensive damage to the fallopian tube can make it difficult to conceive again, while a fallopian tube that splits will lead to internal bleeding, shock and even death.
Contact a Solicitor Today
If you have suffered as a result of medical negligence, you should contact a solicitor without delay. This will help you to confirm whether or not you have been the victim of substandard levels of care. You can then discuss the possibility of making a claim against the hospital or GP in question. If successful, you will be awarded compensation for the pain and suffering your negligently handled ectopic pregnancy has caused.
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Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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