A study published by USA Today revealed that the United States was the worst place in the developed world to give birth; mothers have a much higher risk of death or injury during childbirth here than in other countries. For Georgia mothers, the numbers are among the worst: Georgia has the second-highest maternal death rate in the country, and the fifth-highest rate of maternal harm (injuries or complications during or after birth).
“Studies like these reinforce the disconnect between health care costs in this country and health care outcomes,” said Lyle Warshauer, a Georgia Medical Malpractice Attorney with the Warshauer Law Group in Atlanta. “Most people assume that because of the high cost of healthcare and the availability of medical services, outcomes must generally be more positive than other parts of the world.” Not so according to the USA Today study.
A law put on the books in Georgia in 2014 required ongoing study and reporting related to maternal mortality has revealed that the highest areas of concern are inadequate follow-up for cardiovascular issues and problems identifying hemorrhage issues following childbirth.
These two issues are the types of complications that cause long-term health issues for birthmothers. Failure to recognize cardiovascular issues can lead to heart attack or stroke, which in turn can cause lifetime disabilities for mothers who are at the very beginning of parenthood. Failure to recognize hemorrhage (bleeding) can rapidly become life-threatening, especially considering that birthmothers are generally discharged quickly after vaginal childbirth pursuant insurance companies’ certification processes, and their reluctance to pay for longer term stays.
If you or a loved one suffers from a long-term disability or injury due to a cardiovascular event after childbirth or a missed or untreated hemorrhage, you may have a malpractice claim to assert. Pursuing such claims can ensure that the losses suffered – whether financial, emotional, or physical – are compensated to the fullest extent possible. Parenthood is challenging when a new parent is completely healthy; a parent dealing with a disability that is the result of poor maternal care during and after childbirth faces an even more difficult task. Monetary compensation can enable that mother to enjoy parenthood to the fullest extent possible.
If you think you may have a claim, do not delay: The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is two years from the date of death or injury. Failure to file your claim within that period may result in being barred from compensation, regardless of the merits of your case. Consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible if you believe that Georgia’s struggles to provide proper maternal care have negatively impacted you.
