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What is Ultrasound Malpractice?

Published: May 28, 2020 in Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice

Ultrasounds are crucial during pregnancy. This advanced technology provides images that help doctors understand conditions, diseases, disorders, and other hazards for both the mother and child. Due to its importance, errors in ultrasounds can have serious or catastrophic results. Since these errors cause lifelong adverse effects for the mother and child, financial recovery for this type of medical malpractice suit often results in compensation for necessary care that lasts a lifetime. However, what exactly constitutes ultrasound malpractice?

Importance of Ultrasound Testing

Ultrasounds are used in various circumstances but are most associated with pregnancy. In normal situations, there is little to no risk to get an ultrasound. It is often first used on women who are 16 to 20 weeks pregnant. Ultrasounds are also used to:

  • Examine body cavities and organs
  • Confirm pregnancy of one or multiple fetuses
  • Examine the developing fetus
  • Determine the fetal age and heartbeat
  • Determine defects or other complications for the mother and child

Ultrasounds are tools used to diagnose, so that doctors can construct an action for the mother and baby. A mishap in testing can cause serious consequences, such as misdiagnosis and faulty imaging.

Liability for Malpractice

Mistakes by the doctor, radiologist, ultrasound technician, or other medical workers may not always be negligent. There must be evidence that shows that the medical worker failed to uphold reasonable care owed to the patient and that this mistake led to the injury or death. Since proving negligence is complicated in medical malpractice cases, it is always beneficial to contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to overlook your case.

Common Mistakes That Cause Ultrasound Errors

Common mistakes that lead to ultrasound malpractice include:

  • Lack of training
  • Low quality images
  • Misinterpretation or misdiagnosis
  • Defective equipment
  • Misinforming the parents or other treatment providers
  • Failing to order further testing

These dangerous errors can lead to birth injuries and prevent treatment plans for high-risk mothers and children. Birth injuries can often be prevented due to proper ultrasound images.

Birth Injuries Caused by Ultrasound Malpractice

Ultrasounds determine if the baby can be delivered naturally or if the mother must have a C-section, such as a breech baby or if the mother has a condition that requires early delivery. Failing to perform a necessary C-section can result in traumatic effects, including:

  • Physical deformities
  • Cognitive disorders
  • Erb’s palsy
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Seizures
  • Brain damage
  • Hypoxia
  • Death

Most, if not all, of these effects can be prevented by proper ultrasounds. For this reason, it is important to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions and obtain compensation for costly medical treatments and conditions.

Edwardsville Medical Malpractice Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Hold Negligent Parties Accountable for Ultrasound Malpractice

Having a baby is an exciting, loving time for parents, who rely on doctors and other medical workers for proper treatment for their baby. Negligent actions by a medical professional can lead to injuries that last a lifetime. Our Edwardsville medical malpractice lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC are here to help with your ultrasound malpractice case. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 618-277-3644 today. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we advocate for families throughout Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, Waterloo, St. Louis, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County.