The team at Fieger Law understands your heartbreak. We appreciate that maternal death is a life-altering event for the family left behind—the father, partner, siblings, grandparents, and of course, the baby. That’s why our team of birth injury lawyers in Michigan will dig deep to investigate the root cause and discover if any negligence was involved when pursuing the justice you are entitled to.

Money will never replace the love and warmth of a wife and mother, but that’s not the point. Death is often accompanied by exorbitant costs and a great deal of pain and suffering. Grieving families should be allowed to heal without the stress of financial hardship or provision—that’s what maternal death claims seek to rectify.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Causes of Maternal Death

In today’s world of technological advancements in medical and hospital procedures, the rate of maternal death has been greatly reduced—yet, tragically, it still happens. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2020, approximately 800 women die daily from preventable causes occurring before, during, or after childbirth.

THE CAUSES OF MATERNAL DEATH DURING PREGNANCY OR BIRTH INCLUDE:

  • Uterine rupture
  • Hemorrhage from labor, delivery or C-section
  • Seizures from untreated preeclampsia
  • HELLP syndrome (hemolysis or breakdown of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Failure to treat gestational diabetes
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Surgical malpractice
  • Hospital infections
  • Prescription drug errors
  • Anesthesia errors
  • Complications not properly diagnosed and addressed in time

HOW COMMON IS MATERNAL DEATH IN THE US?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) define maternal death as “the death of a woman while pregnant or within one year of the end of pregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy.” According to data reported by the CDC for 2021, the pregnancy-related mortality rate for the U.S. was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Legal Rights for Families in Maternal Death Cases

When a mother dies during or after childbirth because of medical negligence, families have the legal right to pursue justice through wrongful death or medical malpractice claims. These cases aim to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions.

Filing a claim involves gathering medical evidence, expert testimony, and legal representation to prove that substandard care led to the mother’s death. In Michigan, there is a statute of limitations that is typically two years from the date of the incident. Timelines may vary, so prompt legal action is critical in any case.

Preventable Maternal Deaths: Medical Negligence and Malpractice

There are common medical errors that cause preventable maternal death. They include delayed C-sections, failure to monitor the mother’s vital signs, and mismanagement of complications like preeclampsia or hemorrhage.

When medical providers fail to follow these standard medical practices, the outcome is beyond devastating. A newborn never gets to know its mother, because someone dropped the ball on something that could have been avoided.

The Emotional and Financial Impact of Maternal Death on Families

The death of a mother during childbirth leaves families and the newborn child with a profound void. Spouses, children, and extended family members face emotional and mental pain.

While grappling with the pain associated with their loss, they often must face significant financial burdens, such as funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of the mother’s income. Legal justice and compensation for maternal death claims can help ease this financial strain and allow families to focus on healing.

THE LEADING LAWYERS IN MICHIGAN SINCE 1983

For over 70 years, the Michigan maternal death lawyers at Fieger Law have fought for survivor’s rights. If your family has suffered as the result of a maternal death resulting from negligence, Fieger Law can help. Contact Michigan’s top law firm specializing in maternal death malpractice cases today.