Failure to Diagnose Preeclampsia & HELLP Syndrome: A Preventable Tragedy

You were told the severe headaches, swelling, and upper-abdominal pain were “just a normal part of pregnancy.” But you knew something was wrong. Now, you or your child has been harmed by a preventable, life-threatening condition like preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome.

You feel betrayed and are left wondering: “Could this have been prevented?”

At McKeen & Associates, PC, we want you to know that your instincts are valid. These conditions are medical emergencies, and a doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat them in time is a devastating act of negligence. We are here to help you find the answers and accountability you deserve.

A Nationally Recognized Leader in Birth Injury Law

When your family’s future is on the line, you need a law firm with a proven record of handling—and winning—the most complex high-risk pregnancy cases.

For over 40 years, parents have turned to McKeen & Associates, PC because our name is synonymous with justice. Our firm is led by Brian McKeen, recognized as “Michigan’s Most Winning Medical Malpractice Lawyer.” We channel that same strength and intelligence into every birth injury case we handle nationwide.

We have the expertise to investigate complex medical records and the resources to fight for the maximum compensation your child needs for a lifetime of care. You can see our record-setting verdicts and settlements here.

You don’t have to face this alone. We provide a free, confidential consultation to listen to your story and explain your rights. You will never pay a fee unless we win your case—that is our No-Fee-Unless-You-Win promise to you.

Our Record of Success in High-Risk Pregnancy Cases

$11 Million Settlement – Failure to Diagnose Preeclampsia
Our firm secured an $11 million settlement for a 21-year-old mother who suffered a massive postpartum hemorrhage and catastrophic brain damage. The defendants negligently failed to diagnose her preeclampsia and a related bleeding condition, which led to a 12-15 minute delay in receiving oxygen. We successfully argued that the hospital staff knew the risks and failed to act, resulting in her permanent injuries.

What Are Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, and HELLP Syndrome?

Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome are two of the most dangerous conditions that can arise during pregnancy. They require immediate and careful management.

• Preeclampsia: This is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) in pregnancy. It can also cause high levels of protein in the urine and swelling (edema) in the hands and feet.
• Eclampsia: This is the life-threatening “next step” of untreated preeclampsia. It occurs when the high blood pressure leads to seizures, which can be fatal to both mother and child.
• HELLP Syndrome: This is a severe variant of preeclampsia that can develop suddenly. The acronym “HELLP” stands for:
  • H: Hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells)
  • EL: Elevated Liver enzymes (indicating liver damage)
  • LP: Low Platelet count (impairing blood clotting)

When Dismissed Symptoms Become Medical Negligence

With proper diagnosis and treatment, eclampsia and the worst outcomes of HELLP syndrome can be avoided in almost every instance. A successful diagnosis is not difficult—but it requires a doctor to listen to the patient and follow the standard of care.

Medical negligence in these cases often looks like:

• Dismissing Patient Complaints: Ignoring a mother’s complaints of severe headaches, blurred vision, or intense upper-abdominal pain (often mistaken for “indigestion”).
• Failure to Test: Not ordering simple, standard blood and urine tests to check for protein, liver enzyme levels, and platelet counts.
• Inadequate Monitoring: Failing to properly monitor a high-risk patient’s blood pressure and symptoms.
• Delayed Treatment: Recognizing the signs but failing to act with the necessary urgency to manage the condition or deliver the baby.

These failures can lead to devastating, preventable outcomes, including maternal stroke, liver rupture, organ failure, seizures, and wrongful death. For the baby, it can mean premature birth, oxygen deprivation, cerebral palsy, or stillbirth.

Does Your Story Sound Familiar?

If your doctor dismissed your symptoms and your family suffered a tragic, preventable outcome, you deserve justice. We are here to listen. Contact our compassionate team today for a free, confidential consultation. Call 313-524-8570 today.

Serving Parents Nationwide

While our firm is headquartered in Detroit, our reputation for handling—and winning—complex birth injury cases is national. Families and attorneys from across the country turn to us for our specific expertise and our record of success in holding medical systems accountable.

We are proud to represent families across the United States. Learn more about our work in these communities:

• Detroit & Michigan Birth Injury Lawyers
• Chicago Birth Injury Lawyers
• St. Louis Birth Injury Lawyers
• New Hampshire Birth Injury Lawyers

More Than Just a Lawsuit: Our Commitment to Your Family

We know that no amount of money can undo what happened. We also know that parents facing a child’s birth injury are often grappling with grief, exhaustion, and the stress of navigating complex medical systems. Our team is equipped to handle these challenges. We simplify the legal jargon and handle every detail of the case so you can focus on what matters most: your family.

You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Listen.

If you or your child were harmed by a doctor’s failure to diagnose preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, you deserve answers. Our team is available to listen to your story in a free, confidential consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Call 313-524-8570 today or for your free consultation.