Preeclampsia & HELLP Syndrome
Speak to a North Carolina Preeclampsia Lawyer Today
Both preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, generally considered to be a variant of preeclampsia, are serious conditions that often present themselves in the later stages of pregnancy. With proper treatment and care, mothers can stay well and their unborn children can avoid injury or complications. However, if an obstetrician fails to identify preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome symptoms and does not treat the mother, serious and even fatal complications can arise.
If you, your child, or the mother of your child was harmed due to a medical professional’s negligent failure to identify and treat preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome, contact Lanier Law Group. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages, and our North Carolina preeclampsia lawyers can help. With multiple offices located throughout the state and a team of trial-tested attorneys, our firm is a heavyweight you want in your corner.
What Are Preeclampsia & HELLP Syndrome?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high maternal blood pressure. Preeclampsia can also involve liver and/or kidney issues. It generally occurs at or after 20 weeks and, in most cases, the mother’s blood pressure has been normal up until this point.
Preeclampsia is a serious condition, one that requires immediate treatment. If your baby is developed enough, treatment may involve the near-immediate delivery of your child. If you have preeclampsia too early in your pregnancy to deliver the baby, your doctor will need to outline an aggressive treatment plan.
Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- Very severe headaches
- Nausea, with or without vomiting
- Problems with vision, including blurred or temporary loss of vision
- Liver problems
- Decreased frequency of urination
- Excess protein in urine
- Kidney problems
- Frequent shortness of breath
- Pain in the upper abdomen (typically on the right side)
- Swelling, especially in the hands and face
- Sudden weight gain
HELLP syndrome—named for hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelet count (LP)—is similar to preeclampsia with some important differences.
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Gastrointestinal issues, including indigestion
- Vision problems
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Abdominal pain (particularly the upper right side)
- Chest pain/tenderness
- Pain in the shoulder when taking deep breaths
Like preeclampsia, HELLP is often characterized by high maternal blood pressure and excess protein in the urine, though these symptoms are not always present. This can make it incredibly difficult to diagnose HELLP syndrome, and many mothers are misdiagnosed as a result.
Medical Negligence & Preeclampsia
While preeclampsia is somewhat more common than HELLP syndrome, medical professionals should be trained and able to identify the symptoms of both conditions. The law does allow for some degree of human error, but that does not mean doctors cannot be held accountable when they make inexcusable mistakes.
If you or someone you love suffered harm because an obstetrician or other medical professional failed to diagnose preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, did not diagnose either condition in time, or was otherwise negligent in providing adequate prenatal treatment and care, we can help. Lanier Law Group has been representing injured clients and their families since 1997; we have the experience, skill, and resources to aggressively fight for you and the fair compensation you are owed.
