Failure to Properly Read Sonogram
During most pregnancies, the mother undergoes multiple routine sonograms in order to monitor the progress of the baby and identify any possible problems with the pregnancy. In most cases, an ultrasound technician takes the sonogram, and a doctor reads and interprets the results. When the doctor interprets the results incorrectly, he has failed to properly read the sonogram. In some cases, this may lead to liability.
How Do You Know
The signs of failing to read a sonogram vary considerably based on what gets misdiagnosed. For example, a sonogram may diagnose missing limbs, heart defects, Down syndrome and a variety of other disabling conditions. The sonogram may also show signs of abnormality in the placenta or amniotic sac. If the doctor fails to diagnose these conditions, they will show up when the baby is delivered or shortly after the birth. The symptoms the baby exhibits will be consistent with the undiagnosed conditions.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the misdiagnosis may cause the child to be born needing an unanticipated surgery or other immediate medical attention. Some children may need continued medical care for the rest of their lives, and others may even die because of the undiagnosed problem. Not everything can be diagnosed pre-birth, but much can.
Is a Lawyer the Right Move?
If your child was unexpectedly born with a medical condition that could have been detected on a routine sonogram, you may be entitled to damages. You do, in fact, need an attorney to investigate. When you hire a lawyer who has handled birth injury cases before, he or she can review your child’s medical records, ask for second opinions on any sonogram images and determine whether medical personnel failed to accurately assess your child’s condition. Good birth injury lawyers know what experts to call for medical opinions. If the lawyer determines that a doctor or other medical professional did fail to diagnose a condition properly based on sonogram images of your baby, he or she can file a lawsuit on your behalf. The case may settle or the case may go to trial.
Find a Lawyer with Experience in Cases involving Failure to Properly Read a Sonogram
When you are ready to hire a lawyer to represent you in your case, you can begin your search using the tools on our website. We offer statistics and useful information to help you make the best possible decision when it comes to choosing the right attorney. If you need any additional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
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