What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This condition is not capable of resulting in a viable full-term pregnancy and, if untreated, can lead to fallopian tube rupture, internal bleeding, and in extreme circumstances, even death.
A staggering 1 in every 80 pregnancies in the UK is ectopic.
When Does It Become Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence arises when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care expected, resulting in harm. In the context of ectopic pregnancy, negligence might include:
- Failure to recognise symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or shoulder tip pain.
- Delays in arranging or interpreting ultrasound scans.
- Misinterpretation of blood test results (e.g. HCG levels).
- Inadequate follow-up or referral to specialist care.
- Delays in providing appropriate medical management resulting in unnecessary surgery.
- Delays resulting in rupture and loss of the fallopian tube which could have been prevented with earlier detection.
Our Experience
Our team of specialist medical negligence lawyers are able to help you if you think you have received inappropriate treatment leading to physical harm. We have a team of female lawyers who understand your condition, the impact it can have and are here to help you rebuild and move forwards.
We support The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust with their Annual Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day on 1st August.
Having represented women with ectopic complications Nicola Evans, Partner in our Clinical Negligence Department said:
“Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of this tragic pregnancy outcome. It occurs more often than you would think. To lose a baby is devastating at any stage of the journey, however when an ectopic pregnancy occurs the mother is also at great health risk and suffering physical and emotional turmoil. A delay in management, or complications that lead to additional unnecessary surgical procedures often occur. I hope this article helps people to understand they can seek help and guidance earlier”.
By way of an example, she represented a client, who, despite complaining of significant pain and bleeding, was advised that she was suffering an early miscarriage and to go home to allow nature to take its course. Despite returning to the hospital with worsening pains she was given the same guidance. Eventually scans were taken that identified an ectopic pregnancy and a ruptured fallopian tube. At conclusion of her claim the client said:
I would like to say a massive thank you to Nicola for her consistent professionalism and emotional understanding during this very delicate and lengthy case. Many obstacles were faced throughout, and Nicola always explained clearly and truthfully, whilst also protecting my interests throughout.
Thank you for listening to me! The help and support provided aided me through this difficult time, listening to me, understood and acknowledged the distress we were going through.
Pleased with the outcome and look forward to fulfilling my dream of finally becoming a mother, albeit, via alternative methods, but this wouldn’t have been possible without you.
Making a Claim
Please contact us if you believe your ectopic pregnancy symptoms were missed by your healthcare provider. We offer a free no obligation consultation where we will give you guidance as to whether we believe you should pursue a claim. If you make a claim and are successful, compensation may cover:
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of fertility or reproductive complications.
- Psychological trauma (including therapies to treat any post-traumatic stress, anxiety or depression suffered).
- Loss of earnings.
- Medical expenses and future care.
Ectopic pregnancy is a time-sensitive condition. When medical professionals fail to act appropriately, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to delayed diagnosis or treatment, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. Legal support is available to help you seek justice and compensation.
Please seek the answers you deserve and telephone our experience medical negligence team on 0800 987 8800 or make a free online enquiry here https://medicalnegligence.co.uk/contact-us/, and we will contact you. Alternatively, email us at medneg@bmcf.co.uk.
Medical Negligence Specialists – Bridge McFarland LLP
medicalnegligence.co.uk is owned and operated by Bridge McFarland LLP, an established and nationally recognised law firm renowned for specialist expertise in this complex area of law. With our determination and commitment to providing our clients with an exceptional standard of service, we have held the highly regarded Lexcel quality mark since June 2008.