OB/GYN

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore OB/GYN Lawyer

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) play a critical role in women’s care, from teen to senior. Their expertise is valuable in managing reproductive health, pregnancy, birth, and also gynecological conditions. However, when medical errors occur, the consequences can be severe. If you have been injured by medical malpractice, then you may need the Baltimore OB/GYN lawyer.

The Role of an OB/GYN

OB/GYNs are medical doctors who specialize in the female reproductive system. Accordingly, they provide comprehensive care for women, including:

• Preventive care: Routine check-ups, Pap smears, breast exams, and vaccinations.
• Family planning: Contraception, fertility treatments, and sterilization.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: Prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care.
• Gynecological conditions: Treatment of menstrual disorders, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and menopause symptoms.
• Surgery: Hysterectomies, cesarean sections, and other gynecological procedures.

The Baltimore OB/GYN Lawyer will discuss with you the specific treatment that your OB/GYN provided.

Education, Training, and Licensing

To become an OB/GYN, a physician must complete the following:

• Undergraduate degree: Initially, this is typically in pre-med or a related science field.
• Medical school: Afterward, four years of medical education.
• Residency: Finally, four years in a program of obstetrics and gynecology.

Afterward, doctors can obtain a board certificate from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). This voluntary certificate process demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to continuing education.

To practice medicine, OB/GYNs must obtain a medical license from the state where they intend to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include passing a medical license exam and a background check.

OB/GYN Subspecialties

Some OB/GYNs choose to specialize further in a particular area of women’s health. Common subspecialties include:

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
• Maternal-fetal medicine: Care for high-risk pregnancies.
• Gynecologic oncology: Treatment of gynecological cancers.
• Urogynecology: Management of pelvic floor disorders.
• Minimally invasive gynecology: Performing gynecological surgeries using laparoscopic or robotic techniques.

The Baltimore OB/GYN Lawyer can discuss with you potential claims against OB/GYN subspecialties

Where OB/GYNs Work

OB/GYNs can work in various settings, including:

• Private practices: Independent or group practices.
• Hospitals: Providing inpatient and outpatient care.
• Academic medical centers: Combining clinical care with teaching and research.
• Women’s health centers: Offering comprehensive women’s health services.

The Baltimore OB/GYN Lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm can help identify the medical providers that your lawsuit will be against.

Common OB/GYN Tests and Procedures

OB/GYNs utilize a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures, such as:

• Pelvic exams: To assess reproductive organ health.
• Pap smears: To screen for cervical cancer.
• Breast exams: To check for breast abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: To visualize internal organs and fetuses.
• Biopsies: To obtain tissue samples for examination.
• Hormone testing: To assess hormone levels.
• Lab tests: To evaluate overall health and detect infections.

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore OB/GYN Lawyer

OB/GYNs face a higher risk of medical malpractice claims compared to other medical specialties due to the inherent complexities of pregnancy and childbirth. Common types of claims include:

• Birth Injuries: Cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and Erb’s palsy.
• Failure to diagnose or treat: Ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and ovarian cancer.
• Surgical errors: Complications from hysterectomies, cesarean sections, and other procedures.
• Medication errors: Improper prescribing or administration of drugs.
• Lack of informed consent: Failure to explain risks and benefits of treatments.

OB/GYN Subspecialty Malpractice

Medical malpractice claims can also arise in OB/GYN subspecialties. For example:

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Failure to diagnose infertility, inappropriate use of fertility drugs, and also IVF procedure failures.
• Maternal-fetal medicine: Failure to identify and manage high-risk pregnancies, specifically resulting in adverse outcomes.
• Gynecologic oncology: Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of gynecological cancers, leading to advanced disease.
• Urogynecology: Surgical errors, such as incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
• Minimally invasive gynecology: Complications from laparoscopic or robotic surgeries.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore OB/GYN Lawyer

If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of OB/GYN medical malpractice, then it is essential to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to understand your legal rights and options. Contact the Baltimore OB/GYN lawyer.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.