From the moment a couple learns they are expecting a child, preparations begin. Sadly, some couples are forced to put their plans of becoming parents on hold as complications result in the loss of a baby during the early weeks of pregnancy.

Women who learn they are carrying a baby outside of their uterus often either naturally abort the baby or are forced to take medical action to end the pregnancy. Women who are impacted by an ectopic pregnancy are at an increased risk of suffering numerous health problems and even death. Today, early testing helps doctors determine whether or not a woman's pregnancy may be ectopic and take the necessary steps to ensure for the woman's health and wellbeing.

A couple recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against a hospital related to errors that were recorded in the woman's medical records. According to court documents, the woman was unable to produce urine samples at any of her doctor's appointments, yet her medical records indicated she had done so and that everything was normal.

It was not until the woman experienced severe cramping and visited the emergency department that doctors realized her pregnancy was ectopic. As a result, the woman was forced to undergo an invasive procedure to end her pregnancy. The couple recently filed a lawsuit against the hospital which they claim was negligent in failing to properly and accurately document the woman's test results.

As a result of the hospital's negligence and resulting medical procedure, the couple suffered physically, mentally and emotionally. They are suing to recover damages related to pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses.

Source: The Louisiana Record, "Patient alleges misdiagnosis following East Jefferson General Hospital records mix up," Kyle Barnett, Oct. 31, 2013