Misdiagnosed Ectopic Pregnancy Results in Rupture

[Tusin]

My question involves medical malpractice in the state of: Alaska

Going to try to keep this short and and to the point. If more information is needed just let me know.

Right about Christmas time my wife and I had a positive home pregnancy test.
Following week we setup an appointment with a "Birthing Center" (which is part of a very large medical practice).
Initial orientation went well, and we agreed to have our first ultrasound/dating ultrasound in two weeks.

At the ultrasound the "tech" informed us that she saw the "sac" but no baby, to go home and to expect to miscarry within 4 weeks. If miscarriage does not happen call back. She did not take any measurements, inspect ovaries, check for an ectopic pregnancy. We were not 100% sure the conception date. And we informed them about this multiple times. But as soon as the "tech" saw what she thought was the sac and nothing inside of it, she just stopped doing anything else.

I just brought my wife home today from an emergency surgery due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy that also resulted in the loss of a fallopian tube.

According to the doctors at the hospital (not associated with the birthing center), the sac was actually blood. And were all in shock that during the initial ultrasound no measurements were taken nor ovaries checked as that is "standard". And if they would have caught it then, it would have been as simple as taking a medication.

Any advice/information will be great. Just not sure if it is even worth contacting a local lawyer about.

[Mr. Knowitall]

By my count, 'about Christmas' was around seven weeks ago. Did your wife make the follow-up call?

[KeyWestDan]

If there are medical expenses, if the damage affects future pregnancy, if you could establish emotional damages, then perhaps you might have a case.

The only person who could tell you if there is a case is a medical malpractice attorney. See one.

[Tusin]

My dates were way off. Luckily my wife keeps track We found out we were pregnant (positive home test) the weekend after my daughters birthday (so Jan 8th).

The following week we made an appointment with the birthing center to see what they are all about (initial consultation). The appointment was made for the 18th of February. No exams had taken place.

While there we made an appointment they scheduled the first ultrasound/dating ultrasound for Feb 2nd. And that was when the "tech" informed us about the "empty sac, but nothing inside" and sent my wife home to wait it out for four weeks. And if nothing happens to call them.

Last Thursday was when the ectopic ruptured, and my wife had to have emergency surgery. So a week after the "tech" sent us away.

The person that runs the birthing center called my wife yesterday. I am assuming in regards to us requesting our file from them. According to my wife the person was very apologetic, and sounded nervous. And something I don't quite understand yet, is that the person brought up ectopic before my wife said anything, and that she had been meaning to call us to follow up. Keep in mind I was not on the phone call.

I have been doing quite a bit of research over the past weekend. And while I am pretty dang sure we have the makings of a suit. I am not sure this case would be worth it to a lawyer. No one died (thank god), or has SERIOUS long term medical issues. The only real permanent damage that we are aware of right now (our follow up is scheduled in a week), is the removal of the fallopian tube which hinders our chances of getting pregnant again.

Sorry. I am going to vent a little bit. But this is right on their website:

Q: How do you decide if I’m low risk during pregnancy and labor?

A: Our birth center has been nationally accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers since we opened our doors in 2002. This means we have been thoroughly inspected and have written policies that guide us in providing only the safest care for families. We screen carefully throughout pregnancy and labor and take anyone who is not low risk to the hospital for the safest experience. Our reputation in the community is outstanding because we don’t take unnecessary risks with you and your baby’s health

.... If they just would have "practiced what they preached". According to the doctor at the hospital this could have been treated with medication if it was caught last week. And even if not, it wouldn't have been an "emergency" situation.....