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Placental Abruption

Placental Abruption Lawyers In Cleveland

WHAT IS PLACENTAL ABRUPTION?

Placental abruption (also called abruption placentae) is the premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. When the placenta separates, it causes bleeding between the wall and the placenta. In some cases, that bleeding is obvious because it flows out through the vagina. In other cases, though, the blood may be trapped in the uterus by the positioning of the baby and the placenta, making it more difficult to diagnose.

The most serious concern during a placental abruption is the health of the mother and the baby. Placental abruptions can be fatal to both. If the baby is preterm, doctors may need to prescribe certain medication (betamethasone) to promote fetal lung maturity. Separation of the placenta can also cause problems with the delivery of nutrients or oxygen, resulting in severe developmental delays.

An abruption can be partial (marginal abruption), just the edge of the placenta tearing away from the uterine wall, or it can be actually a complete abruption, which is a catastrophic event and an absolute emergency. Whether there is a partial abruption or complete abruption, there is a risk not only of maternal bleeding, but also of fetal bleeding due to its vessels being exposed.

Placental Abruption Statistics

  • 50% of placental abruptions occur before labor and after 30 weeks
  • 15% of placental abruptions occur during labor
  • 30% of placental abruptions are identified after delivery (by inspection of the placenta)
  • 20% of placental abruptions feature a concealed (hidden) hemorrhage
  • 80% of placental abruptions feature an external or revealed hemorrhage
  • Between 0.5% and 5% of women with placental abruption die, usually because of bleeding, cardiac problems, or kidney failure
  • 35% of babies who have placental abruption near the time of delivery die
  • Placental abruption occurs in 0.5% to 1.5% of all pregnancies

If you or your child suffered the effects of an undiagnosed placental abruption, The Becker Law Firm can help. Contact our Cleveland birth injury attorneys today at (440) 252-4399 to discuss your case in a free consultation.

Risk Factors for Placental Abruption

The following factors increase a woman’s risk for placental abruption:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Prior placental abruption
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Alcohol, smoking, or cocaine use
  • Short umbilical cord
  • Hydramnios (excess amniotic fluid)
  • Vascular deficiency (inadequate blood flow)

Causes of Placental Abruption

The causes of placental abruption are not often known. However, physical trauma has been conclusively linked to placental abruption. Injury to the abdomen, including motor vehicle accidents and falls, are especially common.

Symptoms of placental abruption include vaginal bleeding, tenderness of the uterus, stomach pain, back pain, abnormal contractions, and fetal distress.

Physician and Hospital Negligence

Doctors and nurses must be prepared to identify placental abruptions before they cause injury to the baby or the mother. Most negligence surrounding placental abruptions are for failure to timely diagnose the emergency. In particular, doctors must recognize the risk factors and perform careful evaluations to ensure that there is no unseen bleeding.

Emergency room doctors and primary care physicians who care for women following motor vehicle accidents and other abdominal traumas should be aware of the warning signs.

Health care providers may also fail to properly react to a known placental abruption. This is a medical emergency that sometimes requires an immediate cesarean section to protect the baby’s health and save its life. The mother’s life is also at risk during placental abruption. The sudden and extreme blood loss can cause death, cardiac failure, or kidney (renal) failure.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

If your pregnancy was complicated by a placental abruption and your child suffered a birth injury because of that abruption, contact our Cleveland placental abruption lawyers at (440) 252-4399, or send us an online message for a free consultation.

  • $13.5 Million Birth Injury

    Becker Law Firm attorneys Michael Becker and David Skall obtained a jury verdict for $13.5 million in Akron, Ohio. The case involved a now 16- year-old boy who suffered a brain injury at the time of birth (specifically a watershed injury). The doctor held liable for causing the boy’s injury is Laura Fortner, M.D., previously of Atrium OB/GYN, Inc.

    • David W. Skall
    • Michael F. Becker
  • $4.5 Million Birth Injury

    Failure to Carefully Ligate Umbilical Cord, Resulting In Severing Child’s Great Toe, Major Fluctuation In Child’s Blood Pressure And Subsequent Brain Damage (Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Delays)

    • Michael F. Becker
  • $4.25 Million Birth Injury

    Failure of Obsterical Caregivers to Recognize Maternal Hemorrhage Resulting in Brain Damage

    • Michael F. Becker
  • $4 Million Birth Injury

    Failure to provide intra-partum and immediate post-partum antibiotics.

  • $3.14 Million Birth Injury

    Failure to perform timely cesarean section which resulted in severe birth asphyxia.

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    Your unwavering dedication and expert guidance have truly been a lifesaver. Your sharp legal mind and compassionate heart have made all the difference. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being there for us every step of the way. We are forever grateful Words cannot express our gratitude for everything you have done for us. Your outstanding professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to justice have been nothing short of remarkable. You have given us back our confidence and hope during a difficult time. Thank you for being our champions. Thank you so much.

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    We were greeted with professionalism, expertise, compassion, respect, and a desire to provide the best quality of life for our daughter. She was always the top priority. Mr. Becker represented our daughter and family as if it was his own. His staff was equ
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    It was an honor having such an experienced lawyer handle my son's cerebral palsy case. He represented us as if he was fighting for his own family member. Everyone at the firm made us feel comfortable about our case. I knew that my son was getting the best representation in Northeast Ohio. The Becker Law Firm is dedicated to bringing justice to their clients. I've already referred families that I know!
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    "David worked our case with professionalism and patience in an amazing way that ultimately led to a positive outcome."
    Right from the very beginning of our case, David Skall and his assistant Jean Witt were both extremely kind and compassionate to help us put closure on a wrongful death case involving my father at a care facility. They were quick to answer any questions that we had and they made sure we were kept in the loop of this entire process. even though we were in the middle of a pandemic, David and his team were able to adapt their technology and make it all work out for our benefit. I would strongly recommend them to anyone in need of legal help.
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