What Happens if Preeclampsia Goes Undiagnosed? 

 Posted on August 05, 2026 in Medical Malpractice

Pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery after birth can still involve serious health risks. One condition that can develop during pregnancy or soon after birth is preeclampsia. Doctors and other medical providers should know the warning signs because the condition can get worse quickly and may put both the mother and baby in danger.

Failure to diagnose preeclampsia may be medical malpractice. This happens if a healthcare provider fails to give proper care and the delay leads to harm. If you or a loved one were harmed because preeclampsia was not diagnosed in time, a Rockford, IL birth injury lawyer can review what happened and explain your legal options. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our attorneys have recovered millions for clients, including those involved in serious medical malpractice cases.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that affects blood pressure. It can develop during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because the condition can lead to serious complications. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, possible signs of preeclampsia include:

• High blood pressure
• Excess protein in urine or other signs of kidney problems
• Liver problems 
• Severe headaches 
• Low platelet count 
• Blurry vision or temporary vision loss 
• Fluid buildup in the lungs that causes shortness of breath 
• Pain in the upper abdomen 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Sudden swelling, especially in the face and hands 

Some signs of preeclampsia, such as headaches and swelling, can look like common pregnancy symptoms. Healthcare providers should still take these symptoms seriously and check whether further testing is needed.

What Happens When Preeclampsia Is Left Untreated?

If preeclampsia goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can develop into eclampsia. This condition can quickly become life-threatening. Serious consequences of untreated preeclampsia include:  

• Eclampsia, which is the onset of seizures in people with preeclampsia
• Fetal growth restriction due to a lack of healthy blood flow to the placenta and the baby 
• Premature birth
• Placental abruption, which is where the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely 
• HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening condition that affects the blood and liver
• Organ damage and failure 
• Long-term risk of cardiovascular disease 
• Death of the mother or baby in the most severe cases 

 If a patient is diagnosed with preeclampsia, they will usually need careful monitoring for signs that the condition is getting worse. Treatment depends on how severe the condition is and how far along the pregnancy is. In some cases, early delivery of the baby may be necessary.

What Legal Options Are Available After a Death Caused by Eclampsia?

Losing a loved one to eclampsia is heartbreaking. It’s even harder when there are questions about whether warning signs were missed. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, some family members can claim compensation if medical negligence leads to a death.

The claim is filed by the personal representative of the estate for the benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin. Compensation may address financial losses, as well as grief, sorrow, and mental suffering.

These cases require proof that a healthcare provider’s negligence caused or contributed to the death. This often involves showing that earlier testing or treatment could have led to a different outcome. An attorney can help gather medical records and expert opinions to support the claim.

When Is a Failure to Diagnose Considered Medical Malpractice in 2026?

Doctors must provide proper care to their patients. This means giving the level of care that another careful doctor would give in a similar situation. When preeclampsia may be present, a doctor may need to check the patient’s blood pressure, review her symptoms, and order tests.

A missed diagnosis may be medical malpractice when a doctor does not respond properly to warning signs. High blood pressure, swelling, headaches, and vision changes are common warning signs that may require further attention. If a doctor dismisses these symptoms or fails to order appropriate tests, the patient's health may be put at serious risk.

Not every missed diagnosis counts as malpractice. The mistake must fall below the accepted standard of care, and it must cause real harm. This is why medical records and expert testimony play such a large role in these claims.

How Is the Value of a Medical Malpractice Claim Determined in Illinois?

The value of a malpractice claim depends on many factors. Medical bills are often a major part of the total, including hospital stays, surgery, and ongoing treatment. Lost income can also be included if the illness kept the patient from working.

A claim may also include compensation for pain and suffering. This may address the physical pain and emotional harm caused by a preventable injury. In wrongful death cases, compensation may also reflect the loss of a loved one’s guidance, care, and support.

The amount of compensation depends on the harm caused in each case. An attorney can help estimate available compensation by reviewing medical records, financial losses, and long-term effects.

What Evidence Do You Need for an Undiagnosed Preeclampsia Injury Claim?

Strong evidence can make a real difference in a preeclampsia malpractice claim. Medical records are the starting point, showing test results, symptoms, and any notes from doctor visits. These records can reveal whether warning signs were reported but overlooked.

Expert medical opinions are also important. A qualified expert can explain what a careful doctor should have done and how the failure to act caused harm. Witness statements from family members can describe the symptoms the patient had before diagnosis. In Illinois, the plaintiff or their attorney must file an affidavit showing that a qualified healthcare professional reviewed the case and found a reasonable basis for the claim. A written report from the reviewing professional must usually be attached.

Finally, keeping a record of medical bills, missed work, and other losses can support the financial side of the claim. Together, this evidence can help build a clear picture of what went wrong and why it matters for the case.

Call a Rockford, IL Medical Malpractice Attorney

The consequences of undiagnosed preeclampsia can be severe and, in some cases, even fatal. If you were harmed because preeclampsia was not diagnosed in time, or if you lost a loved one, you may have grounds to seek compensation. It is important to act quickly so that evidence can be preserved and legal deadlines are not missed.

Our experienced, compassionate Winnebago County, IL birth injury lawyers are here to help. We offer no-pressure, complimentary consultations. Call Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, today at 815-215-7561.