Your OBGYN Ordered Unneeded Procedures: What Should You Do?

 Posted on July 19, 2024 in Maternal Injuries

If you follow local news, you may know that a suburban Chicago physician recently pled guilty to federal fraud charges. Among other actions, the doctor requested insurance payments for medically unnecessary procedures, performing some of them without the patient’s informed consent.

Unneeded procedures may cause temporary or permanent maternal injuries; some also endanger pregnancies. If you believe you or your baby suffered harm from unnecessary procedures, you may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of an experienced, compassionate attorney from Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd..

Are Unnecessary Procedures Medical Malpractice?

In this context, an unnecessary treatment is one that does not benefit the patient or is not in the patient’s best interests. To qualify as medical malpractice, a healthcare provider must act negligently, and that negligence must directly cause harm or injury.

Some of the unneeded treatments an OB-GYN might order include:

• Endometrial ablation: An endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining and is risky for many women. This procedure can cause heavy bleeding, bowel perforations, severe abdominal pain, infections, uterine ruptures, and other medical issues. Future pregnancies may be endangered.
• C-Section: C-sections are major surgeries. Women who have C-sections experience significant pain and long recovery periods and are at risk for infections, blood loss, blood clots, and damage to other organs. Mothers may have trouble breastfeeding and face problems with future pregnancies. The surgery may also injure newborns.
• Partial or total hysterectomy: Removing the uterus and/or ovaries permanently takes away the option for a woman to have children. This often causes emotional distress as well as physical pain.

Some physicians order unnecessary tests, such as biopsies and STD screenings. You may qualify to seek compensation if your physician ordered or performed these or other unnecessary procedures. Contact Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. to discuss your case and see if you are eligible.

What Is Informed Consent?

When doctors suggest a specific treatment, they should explain it clearly so the patient understands the risks. With this information, the patient can make a decision to accept or reject that treatment.

Some doctors do not fully explain proposed treatments; in some cases, they leave out information on purpose or lie to patients. These situations might also qualify you to seek compensation. Ask an attorney to evaluate your case.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today With a Cook County, IL Maternal Injuries Lawyer

If your OB-GYN performed unnecessary procedures or did not explain the treatment, you may be able to seek compensation for the physical, mental, and emotional pain you may have suffered. You do not need to handle this situation alone; the compassionate and competent attorneys at Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. are waiting to help.

We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you decide your next steps. Call 312-462-4200 to speak to a Chicago, IL maternal injuries attorney today.