Postpartum Deaths Are on the Rise in Texas

Postpartum deaths are on the rise across the country, and maternal mortality rates in Texas have skyrocketed.

According to a recent study published in the medical journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, maternal deaths caused by pregnancy-related complications rose by an unbelievable 27 percent between 2000 and 2014. Even more-stunning, maternal mortality rates in Texas had apparently doubled between the years of 2010 and 2012.

Childbirth is a serious event, and care must be taken to ensure that the health of both the mother and child is treated with the utmost priority. While some pregnancy complications are completely unforeseeable, many others are the direct result of medical malpractice or simple negligence on behalf of medical professionals.

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Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman either during pregnancy or within 42 days of giving birth. Postpartum deaths can be caused by a number of reasons, including medical negligence, limited access to prenatal care, risk factors such as maternal age, a lack of insurance or financial assistance, and much more.

If your family has recently suffered the loss of a mother or child following a birth injury or postpartum complication, call us today for a free consultation at (214) 651-6100. We will look into the facts of your claim, determine whether or not you have an actionable claim, and advise you and your family of your options moving forward for no cost. The Dallas wrongful death lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm handle these types of claims on a contingency basis, meaning you never pay us a penny unless and until we win your case.

Maternal mortality statistics in Texas.

Recent data provided by the Department of State Health Services website shows a maternal mortality rate of 35.2 deaths per 100,000 births for the years between 2012 and 2015, however, one study from another medical journal suggests that these numbers appear to be slightly inflated when using a newer methodology to calculate postpartum deaths.

The study's authors say that the maternal mortality rate during that period is actually closer to 24.3 deaths per 100,000 births (more than 30 percent lower than numbers provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services). CDC data shows that maternal mortality across the US jumped by an astonishing 27 percent from 2000 to 2014.

In Texas, women more likely to die from childbirth complications include those in their 40's, single or unmarried women, those without insurance, as well as women on Medicaid. That being said, the issue of maternal mortality in Texas is multi-factorial, and many more studies are needed in order to provide concrete solutions to this complex issue.

Black women are disproportionately affected by postpartum deaths.

According to an October report released by Texas' Task Force on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, statistics show that black mothers over 40 are at the highest risk of dying as a result of pregnancy. While black mothers delivered only 11 percent of children born in Texas from 2012 to 2015, statistics show that they made up about 20 percent of all maternal pregnancy-related deaths.

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The report states that African American women suffer inordinately from conditions that may predispose them to maternal mortality such as high blood pressure (which can result in stroke and heart attacks), gestational diabetes (which needs to be controlled diligently during pregnancy), as well as the likelihood of developing deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in one's leg which can travel to vital organs such as the heart or lungs, resulting in death.

Even though Hispanic women face similar health, lifestyle, and socioeconomic disadvantages, researchers are unsure why black women seem to be more-susceptible to postpartum mortality.

While the previously-linked report mainly focuses on the types of maternal injuries or complications which lead to their death, the level of medical care received (and rate of injuries caused by medical malpractice) could play a significant underlying role.

How do I know if medical malpractice is to blame?

Not every postpartum death can be attributed to medical malpractice, but if you suspect that your loved one's death was preventable or related to a doctor or nurse's negligence, you may wish to have an attorney look into the facts of your claim and advise you of your family's options.

Unfortunately, most families will never get a straight answer from the doctor or hospital after the death of a mother or newborn child. Our law firm's job is to advocate on your behalf to find out exactly what led to your loved one's death, and to seek justice and compensation from those deemed liable.

We understand how difficult such a tragedy can be, but we're here to offer our assistance. Consultations are always free, and we strictly work on a no-win, no-fee basis. Under no circumstances will you owe a penny in attorneys fees unless (and until) we win your case.