Failure to Diagnose Preeclampsia - Omlacheck

The Omlacheck Case

This case involved the failed management of our client’s pregnancy by the Defendant obstetrician. Our client, then age 29, had no previous health problems, was a non-smoker, did not drink alcohol, and was not taking any medications. During her pregnancy, our client developed preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension).

Preeclampsia, which is also called toxemia, is a problem that occurs in some women during pregnancy. The classic three signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, swelling that doesn’t go away (edema), and large amounts of protein in your urine. Fortunately, preeclampsia is usually detected early in women who get regular prenatal care and most problems can be prevented if recognized and treated properly.

In this case, our client demonstrated all three of the classic signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. Unexplainably, the Defendant obstetrician failed to diagnose or recognize our client’s condition despite the clears signs and symptoms, which were also confirmed by prenatal testing. As a result, our client’s preeclampsia unfortunately developed into HELLP Syndrome/TTP and she experienced permanent kidney failure. Consequently, our client is now required to undergo dialysis treatments three times per week. She currently is still on the waiting list for a renal transplant and if she does not get one, she will certainly die a premature death, leaving her infant daughter without a mother.

Suit was filed against the obstetrician in Westmoreland County, PA. Prior to trial, this case resulted in a seven figure settlement for the Plaintiff representing the full limits of the obstetrician’s insurance policy.