{"id":353189,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:39","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/medical-malpractice\/wrongful-death-of-the-mother.html"},"modified":"2025-05-16T13:48:17","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T18:48:17","slug":"wrongful-death-of-the-mother","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/medical-malpractice\/wrongful-death-of-the-mother.html","title":{"rendered":"Wrongful Death During Childbirth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wrongful Death During Childbirth<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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Wrongful death during childbirth occurs when the pregnant parent dies due to medical negligence or misconduct. Families can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their many financial and emotional losses.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

When a family experiences the death of a mother during pregnancy or labor, it can leave survivors devastated, confused, and even angry. Thinking about pursuing justice on behalf of your loved one can seem overwhelming. Know that you are not alone.<\/p>\n

If a mother dies during pregnancy or labor due to a medical professional’s misconduct, surviving family members \u2014 including the newborn \u2014 may be able to bring a wrongful death suit<\/a> to recover damages. Meet with a medical malpractice lawyer<\/a> if you have lost your loved one to learn about your options.<\/p>\n

Types of Injuries That May Cause Maternal Death<\/h2>\n

Maternal mortality\u00a0is a significant concern in the United States.\u00a0A 2024 study<\/a>\u00a0published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that maternal mortality rates may have been overestimated in recent years. However, mothers still die due to complications from pregnancy or delivery at alarming rates.<\/p>\n

If the death was the result of medical malpractice from negligence or intentional acts, these fatalities are also\u00a0wrongful deaths<\/a>.<\/p>\n

During pregnancy, sometimes healthcare providers can focus more on the medical care of the unborn child or infant. They want to prevent\u00a0birth injuries<\/a>. However, healthcare providers must also consider the needs of the mother in a doctor-client relationship. According to the Centers for Disease Control<\/a> (CDC),\u00a0over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths investigated between 2017 and 2019 were preventable.<\/p>\n

The leading causes of maternal death<\/a>\u00a0include the following:<\/p>\n