San Antonio Maternal Death Lawyer
Help from a San Antonio maternal death attorney after the loss of a loved one
Childbirth can be deadly, as can the complications that arise as a result of labor and delivery. The Law Offices of Pat Maloney is here to help families who have paid the ultimate price because of the negligence of others. Working with a San Antonio maternal death lawyer cannot bring your loved one back, but it can help you find the closure that comes with accountability. When you’re ready, we are here.
According to Hear Her Texas, more than 700 women die each year in the United States from pregnancy-related complications up to one year after giving birth. Here in Texas, about four out of five of these deaths are preventable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are common causes of death during childbirth in San Antonio?
- What are maternal warning signs?
- How does medical negligence lead to maternal death in San Antonio?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a childbirth-related death in Texas?
- What is the value of my San Antonio maternal death claim?
- Do you have a San Antonio maternal death lawyer near me?
What are common causes of death during childbirth in San Antonio?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a pregnancy-related death as “a death while pregnant or within 1 year of the end of pregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy.” In 2021, 1,205 American women died of “maternal causes;” in 2020, that number was 861.
Common causes of death during or after childbirth include:
- Hemorrhage (severe bleeding)
- Infections and sepsis
- Cardiovascular conditions, including blockages, strokes, preeclampsia and eclampsia, cardiomyopathy, and heart disease
- Anesthesia problems
- Amniotic fluid embolism
- Non-cardiovascular issues, like diabetes or breathing problems
Our San Antonio maternal death lawyer works to understand the events that led to your loved one’s death.
What are maternal warning signs?
Per the Texas Health and Human Services Department, maternal warning signs are symptoms that indicate you or your loved one may have a serious medical condition. These warning signs include:
- “Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby
- Changes in your vision
- Fever
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or fast-beating heart
- Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
- Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)
- Baby’s movements stopping or slowing during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking after pregnancy
- Swelling, redness, or pain of your leg
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Overwhelming tiredness”
A pregnant woman knows her body best. If you feel something isn’t right, see your medical care provider right away. The Department of Health and Human Services also notes, “Be sure to tell them if you are pregnant now or were pregnant in the past year.”
How does medical negligence lead to maternal death in San Antonio?
Claims for maternal death often arise after one or more of the following medical mistakes:
- Failure to assess the mother’s risk factors
- Delayed or missed diagnosis
- Misinterpreted medical scans and tests
- Medication errors
- Failure to monitor the mother and fetus
- Failure to follow proper guidelines
- Failure to escalate concerns or refer to a specialist
- Failure to warn or obtain informed consent for medical procedures
- Surgical and post-operative errors
- Mistakes made with anesthesia or labor-inducing drugs
- Failure to follow up
- Inadequate post-partum care
It's important to note that maternal death resulting from medical negligence is a complicated issue that often involves multiple factors. Our San Antonio maternal death attorney works to uncover exactly what led to the death of your loved one.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a childbirth-related death in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit related to a childbirth-related death is generally two years from the date of the incident that caused the death or from the date the incident was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence. However, there are certain exceptions and nuances to consider.
For cases involving childbirth-related deaths, it's essential to consult with a qualified attorney who understands medical malpractice and personal injury law in Texas. At the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, we can provide specific guidance based on the circumstances surrounding the death and help navigate the legal process.
It's worth noting that the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases can be complex, and missing the deadline could result in the inability to pursue legal action. Therefore, if you believe you have a valid claim related to a childbirth-related death in Texas, seek legal advice as soon as possible to understand your rights and options. We know that you are grieving right now, and our attorney can handle everything for you so you can take the time you need with your family.
What is the value of my San Antonio maternal death claim?
Texas law allows you to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of your loved one if they lose their life due to negligence. This must be done before the two-year statute of limitations expires. You may pursue damages like the following:
- Medical expenses stemming from the mother’s death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of mother’s wages, income, and benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of inheritance
It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can assess the specifics of your case and help determine the potential value of your claim. At the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, our San Antonio maternal death lawyer can provide personalized guidance and representation throughout the legal process, working to secure fair compensation for the losses and damages you’ve suffered.
Do you have a San Antonio maternal death lawyer near me?
The Law Offices of Pat Maloney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio and there’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
Talk to our compassionate San Antonio maternal death lawyer today
If you or a loved one has experienced the tragic loss of a mother due to childbirth-related complications and you suspect medical negligence may have been a factor, seek legal guidance promptly. A San Antonio maternal death attorney from the Law Offices of Pat Maloney can provide invaluable support and representation during this challenging time. You deserve answers, accountability, and justice – we can help. To schedule a consultation, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.