Maternal Death

When it comes to birth injuries and medical malpractice, most people think of injuries sustained by the infant. But if attending medical professionals are negligent, the mother can also be in danger. The birth injury attorneys at Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, Southfield know that heartbroken families need someone to advocate for them.

If you were preparing for a baby, the last thing your family considered was the possibility of raising the child without their mother. And now, you’re staring down an incredible tragedy that could have been prevented.

Common Causes of Maternal Death in Michigan

The causes of maternal death will vary from state to state. In Michigan, the most common causes of maternal death include:

• Cardiac arrest
• Infections or septic infections
• Hemorrhaging
• Anesthesia complications
• Untreated or mismanaged gestational diabetes
• Negligent surgical practices before, during, or after birth
• Complications that were not properly diagnosed or addressed
• Medication errors
• Preeclampsia

Maternal Deaths Are Rising

Over the past several years, maternal deaths have increased. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 1,205 women died in 2021 compared to 861 in 2020 and 754 in 2019.

Researchers have also found that women who have babies after the age of 25 are at a higher risk of maternal death. Unfortunately, in 2021, the maternal death rate for women under 25 was 20.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, while the rate for women over 40 years was nearly seven times that rate. The higher maternal death rate as a mother’s age increases is sometimes due to additional health issues. Doctors should know this and should be on the lookout for potential problems with both the baby and the mother.

Additionally, many of these maternal deaths could have been avoided had doctors paid more attention to the symptoms the women exhibited during pregnancy, childbirth, and the time just after childbirth, especially older women.

Talk to Experienced, Local Malpractice Attorneys Today

When you’re getting ready to meet your baby for the first time, the last thing you expect is to lose your partner—the person you love and look toward to help you with this new life. 

When the unthinkable happens, it is important to work with an experienced maternal death lawyer. At Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, we understand how difficult this situation is for you. While compensation won’t bring your loved one back, it can help as you raise your new child.

If you need legal guidance during this challenging time, please schedule a free consultation with our team today.