HELLP Syndrome & Medical Negligence

Whats termed HELLP syndrome usually begins at the latter end of a pregnancy if it occurs and can be a complication of the pregnancy.

The term stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets.

It can be associated with pre-eclampsia.

Symptoms for HELLP can include epigastric pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, backpack, hypertension, anaemia, abnormal liver function etc.  Depending on the level of pain one is in the persons medial advisors will assess if the symptoms reflect normal pregnancy issues or indeed if there are signs of this syndrome during a check up.

Laboratory tests, imaging exams may be needed with haste in such a matter as early diagnosis is very important.

If it is left untreated this condition can lead to severe conditions for mother and/or baby.

Liver rupture, organ failure, fetal distress, premature birth can arise if the matter proceeds untreated. An earlier delivery of the baby than anticipated may be advised by the persons medical advisors.

This condition can occur in association with eclampsia or pre-eclampsia. The pre-eclampsia condition can impair liver function, kidney function and can elevate wellbeing matters for mother and baby. Testing for pre-eclampsia can occur throughout the pregnancy by measuring blood pressure.

Duty of Care

Evidently a medical professional has a duty of care to the patient. For the medical provider there are 2 people to think about being the mother & baby.

A breach of duty can occur if there is a failure to, for example, monitor signs of pre-eclampsia, or not monitoring signs of the HELLP syndrome during prenatal check-ups.

The HELLP syndrome can be indicated vis a vis changes in blood test results, elevated blood pressure, abdominal pain etc. It is important to endeavour to indentify relevant risks.

If this condition is not diagnosed or misdiagnosed perhaps the risk of injury to the mother and/or baby evidently increases. A delay in treatment can also cause issues for this matter for the mother and/or baby.

Regular check ups, blood tests can assist with the monitoring of this issue. Some pregnancies can be high risk also, so monitoring requirements may increase in such a scenario.

A failure to diagnosis this issue can be very serious for this syndrome.

The medical care provided should adhere to the accepted medical standards.

If substandard care was provided and an unwanted outcome occurred to the mother and/or baby then an issue of negligence may arise. A question will need to be asked and answered did the healthcare provider beach a duty, and did this breach cause harm to the mother or the child.

Time Limits

In a medical negligence legal action one has within 2 years from the date of the incident to commence the legal action formally. There is a separate timeframe for minors.

There is an exception termed date of knowledge from the Statute of Limitations Act 1991.

A persons circumstances needs to be assessed on a per case basis to ascertain if Section 2 of the 91 act can apply.

Conclusion

Evidently most medical care matters operate in accordance with the correct standards of care.

If something does go wrong though and substandard care arises if can go very wrong.

If you have been misdiagnosed, there was a delay of diagnosis leading to complications and wish to seek a legal opinion on the matter we can assist.