Illinois Fetal Ultrasound Error Attorney
Usually, there is a direct relationship between the amount of preparation and the end results. Students who do their homework usually do well on the tests, and employees who diligently work on projects usually get high marks from their bosses. This principle usually holds true regarding fetal ultrasounds. These prenatal tests are perhaps the best way to spot red flags which could help doctors be ready for a difficult delivery. But many doctors fail to take full advantage of this important preparation tool.
The dedicated Illinois fetal ultrasound error attorneys at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman adhere to these same principles. So, we build a medical negligence case carefully from the ground up, one brick at a time. We never take shortcuts or look for the easy way out. We work hard every day on every negligence case, and our clients reap the benefits. These benefits include a compassionate ear, reliable legal advice, and maximum compensation for your serious injuries.
What Causes Fetal Ultrasound Errors?
For various reasons, what is arguably the most important tool in this process, as outlined above, is also often the worst-managed stage of the PLDR (prenatal, labor, delivery, and recovery) process. Common fetal ultrasound errors include failure to perform the test, failure to properly interpret the results, and failure to follow-up on these results.
Usually, the standard of care requires multiple ultrasounds, during different stages of pregnancy, in order to accurately track fetus growth and development. But many doctors’ offices only perform one or two tests. Stingy health insurance companies often do not pay for more than one or two ultrasounds. However, the duty of care requires physicians to administer these tests anyway, even if they must eat the cost themselves.
Typically, nurses or patient care technicians administer ultrasounds. There is nothing wrong with this arrangement. In fact, it’s usually better for the patient. However, these administering professionals are often not qualified to interpret test results. The doctor, and only the doctor, should handle this chore.
Finally, in terms of follow-up, ultrasound results are often subjective. So, a doctor could choose one of several follow-up approaches. Far too often, doctors select the easiest path as opposed to the path that is best for the mother’s and baby’s health and safety.
Damages Available
If medical negligence, like an ultrasound error, causes injury, the family is often faced with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills due to revision surgery and other issues. The accompanying pain and suffering is almost impossible to measure.
Therefore, a Chicago fetal ultrasound error attorney can usually obtain compensation for economic losses and noneconomic losses. Families need this compensation to pay medical bills. Otherwise, they must depend on government programs or charitable contributions. Additionally, since the injury was not their fault and they need to move on with their lives, victims deserve compensation for their noneconomic losses.
Additional punitive damages are usually available in these claims as well. This compensation is available if there is clear and convincing evidence that the tortfeasor (negligent party) intentionally disregarded a known risk. Because of the aforementioned relationship between preparation and results, such proof is normally available.
Connect with a Diligent Chicago Cook County Attorney
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced fetal ultrasound error attorney in Chicago, contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman by going online or calling 410-567-0800. You have a limited amount of time to act.
