can i sue my doctor??

[bhenneker]

I am going to try make this as short as possible. In July at around 10wks pregnant I found out I had hyperthyroidism I was sent to an ENDOCRINOLOGIST who decided to do the wait and see method (and me not knowing anything about hyperthyroidism took his word for it and everything would be fine). About two weeks later I ended up bleeding alot and was diagnosed with subchorionic bleeding, which again I took a doctors word that it would heal on it own. And my endo was also noticed and was not concerned( but since then I have learnt that with hyperthyroidism that my body could not heal it's self like a normal person). Then on Sept.2nd my baby girl was born at 18wks alive but due to server prematurity doctors could not do anything. The cause was my placenta pulled away from my wall (placenta abruption). Since then I have been so mad and upset but now I am more mad because I have learnt that untreated hyperthyroidism causes placental abruption and mine was not treated because he wanted to do the wait and see method. I just am looking for some input in my case I feel that if he was doing his job that my daughter would be here. Also after he learnt that she passed he said "good now we can do the radiation".

[jtlmom1577]

Sure, you can sue anyone.  First though, find a new doctor who can treat you and make you well again.  Find a therapist to help you with your loss. Then determine whether or not treating your hyperthyroidism while pregnant was safe.  I am not an expert but it might have been a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't.  When you have done all of the research then decide whether or not you should talk to a lawyer.  He was cold and un-feeling.  Suing him won't bring your baby back.

[ShelleyN720]

I agree with Barb - you would need to find an attorney group that specializes in medical malpractice. Just be aware that the attorneys that defend doctors are monsters and will try to prove that the placenta abruptio was unrelated to the hyperthyroid condition. There are some firms that will represent you and take their cut after a verdict is rendered in the plaintiff's favor.
If you go this route, I hope you have kept very good notes of the conversations and comments made and get all of your medical records together as evidence. It can take several years for cases like this to reach a final verdict from a court of law. (at least in the USA) The delay is in hoping that you will voluntarily dismiss - just to move on with your life despite the gross injustice.
I'd first file a complaint with whatever medical "board" that governs physician's actions. They are obligated to investigate - it doesn't cost anything to do and you will hve some retribution. However, there is a drawback. If word gets out that you've filed an ethics complaint - the medical community is pretty close knit - other doctors might be afraid to take you on as a patient.
I know. I work in an attorney's office.
My heart aches for what you have had to endure.
In the meantime, I pray you have found someone else to treat your hyperthyroid condition.

[Barb135]

I'm very sorry for your loss, and find your doctor's attitude totally disgusting.  

You should get an attorney who knows medical issues to determine if you have grounds for a law suit.  I don't know how hard it is to win a medical malpractice suit in Canada. Your doctor should have known how important your thyroid health is for your baby's development.  

[artfemme]

How heartless. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope someone with knowledge of the law will come to your aid. Many blessings.