The anticipation of the birth of a new baby can be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life in Ohio. If a woman is in her 30s or older, concern for the health of the unborn baby may prompt her to undergo certain tests to help determine the health of the fetus. Failure to accurately disclose the results of such tests resulted in a medical malpractice case in another state.
A woman who had a four-year-old son with Down syndrome had an ultrasound to check on the health of the child she was carrying. The test revealed the presence of a foot deformity known as a sandal gap. The deformity, a larger-than-normal gap between the big toe and the second toe, is sometimes seen in babies with Down syndrome.
This result was not reported to the mother, and she was told that the ultrasound was normal. If she had known of the abnormality that appeared on the ultrasound, she may have made the decision to undergo amniocentesis that might have revealed more accurate and detailed information regarding the health of the fetus. The malpractice suit claims monetary and emotional damages.
Patients undergo medical tests to obtain information regarding their health or the health of a child they may be carrying. It is the right of the patient to be told the results of those tests. Failure to disclose test results can interfere with a patient’s ability to make informed medical decisions regarding his or her own medical care. A person in Ohio who feels he or she may not have been given accurate results of medical tests may wish to speak with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can review the facts of the case and help to determine if a medical malpractice suit is an available option.