What to Do If You Suspect OB-GYN Malpractice

In the unfortunate event of OB-GYN malpractice, follow these steps for a brighter future.
  1. Prioritize your recovery. Changes to reproductive health and pregnancy can be emotionally charged events. It may take time to recover from OB-GYN negligence or malpractice. Focus on your recovery—and that of your baby if you have one. We encourage you to take the time you need to heal.
  2. Collect and preserve information. Reflect on specifics about why you think the physician was negligent. Write down everything you can remember about your interactions with the OB-GYN and other medical professionals who provided care. Reference calendars, journals, and correspondence (call histories, texts, emails) to establish a chronological timeline. Include the names of people who may have witnessed certain events.
  3. Contact a lawyer. Contact an OB-GYN injury lawyer sooner than later to help strengthen your case and ease your worries. Make sure you select a law firm that you trust. People who have suffered gynaecology care errors may be dealing with life-changing and difficult consequences such as incontinence, fertility issue, and sexual dysfunction. Choose a lawyer which with you can build an honest rapport so you can openly discuss details of your case. Consultations are free.
We’re here to listen

What to Do If You Suspect OB-GYN Malpractice

In the unfortunate event of OB-GYN malpractice, follow these steps for a brighter future.
  1. Prioritize your recovery. Changes to reproductive health and pregnancy can be emotionally charged events. It may take time to recover from OB-GYN negligence or malpractice. Focus on your recovery—and that of your baby if you have one. We encourage you to take the time you need to heal.
  2. Collect and preserve information. Reflect on specifics about why you think the physician was negligent. Write down everything you can remember about your interactions with the OB-GYN and other medical professionals who provided care. Reference calendars, journals, and correspondence (call histories, texts, emails) to establish a chronological timeline. Include the names of people who may have witnessed certain events.
  3. Contact a lawyer. Contact an OB-GYN injury lawyer sooner than later to help strengthen your case and ease your worries. Make sure you select a law firm that you trust. People who have suffered gynaecology care errors may be dealing with life-changing and difficult consequences such as incontinence, fertility issue, and sexual dysfunction. Choose a lawyer which with you can build an honest rapport so you can openly discuss details of your case. Consultations are free.
We’re here to listen

Common Causes of OB-GYN Malpractice

Reproductive health negligence usually happens when an obstetrician-gynecologist (or family doctor in some cases) does not properly care for patients. The malpractice may be deliberate or unintentional, but in either case, the damage is done.

Some common causes of OB-GYN malpractice in Ontario include, but are not limited to:

During Office Visits

  • Misdiagnosis
  • Delayed diagnosis
  • Failure to do a full exam
  • Failure to take a proper history
  • Failure to ask questions and document a complete medical history
  • Failure to order appropriate tests
  • Failure to refer to or consult with an appropriate professional

During Surgery/Procedures

  • Surgical errors (e.g., leaving instruments in patients)
  • Wounding adjacent organs
  • Infections- failing to recognize post-operative infection leading to sepsis
  • Performing the wrong surgery
  • Poor surgical technique
  • Undertaking surgery before more conservative options
  • Failing to undertake surgery that ought to be done

Following Up After Surgery

  • Failure to diagnose infection
  • Perforations
  • Improperly prescribing medication

Common OB-GYN Malpractice Injuries

There are several injuries/conditions that can occur due to OB-GYN negligence or malpractice. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Infertility due to negligent medical treatment or diagnosis errors
  • Birth trauma from failure to properly manage a pregnancy, labour, or delivery
  • Unnecessary hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding or fibroids
  • Unwanted hysterectomy due to injuries during birth (e.g., uterine rupture)
  • Perforation of the uterus, bladder, or bowel
  • Injuries from failed contraception/abortion/sterilization
  • Thrombosis, depression, etc. from prescribing an oral contraceptive
  • Ovarian or cervical cancer due to failure to diagnose or smear test errors/delays
  • Episiotomy issues or other birth-related trauma
  • Fistula injuries from surgery