San Antonio Placenta Accreta Lawyer
The San Antonio placenta accreta lawyers at Janicek Law represent women and their families in cases involving the failure to diagnose or treat placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), including placenta accreta, placenta increta, and placenta percreta. We file lawsuits when negligent medical providers overlook critical risk factors like previous c-section deliveries, placenta previa, or other uterine surgeries, fail to recognize signs of placental invasion seen on MRI or ultrasound findings, or risk high-risk patients lives by using expectant management techniques instead of adequately preparing with blood banks and a multi-faceted approach.
When doctors delay or fail to diagnose or mismanage PAS, women with placenta accreta spectrum can suffer permanent loss of fertility, life-threatening blood loss, or death, while babies born early can suffer oxygen deprivation, extended NICU stays, permanent conditions, or die shortly after surgery.
With decades of experience in maternal and fetal harm litigation, our PAS lawyers work with medical experts to prove liability, calculate damages, and build a strong case for trial or settlement. As a leading childbirth injury law firm in San Antonio, we fight to secure maximum compensation on behalf of victims.
We offer free consultations and take PAS cases on a contingency fee basis, so victims don’t pay legal fees unless we win. Call 210-366-4949 or use our online contact form to get skilled legal assistance from attorneys who understand the devastating effects of PAS malpractice and have the experience and resources to hold negligent hospitals responsible.
What Is Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS)?
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a high-risk pregnancy disorder where the placenta is attached abnormally to the womb, sometimes invading the uterine wall, muscle, or even nearby structures like the bladder or vessels. This once-rare condition now occurs more frequently due to many doctors using cesarean sections on women capable of vaginal deliveries, necessitating a systemic review of obstetrician and gynecologist practices.
The condition occurs more in women with previous uterine surgery, such as cesarean deliveries, hysteroscopic resection, fibroid removal, or placenta previa. These surgeries can scar the uterus, increasing the likelihood of placentas firmly attaching when they shouldn’t.
Additionally, while not confirmed by the American College of Obstetricians, many obstetricians and gynecologists believe the risk factors for placenta accreta increase with IVF and multiple gestation. As the number of uterine procedures rises, the prevalence of placenta accreta increases, and more accreta patients, especially those who want more children, deliver at earlier gestational ages.
When this condition occurs, conservative management, like leaving the placenta, is sometimes used to preserve the uterus after delivering at earlier gestational ages. However, the failure rate of conservative treatments is high. Even with antifibrinolytic therapy such as tranexamic acid, platelet transfusion, and resuscitation strategies, many patients still require a cesarean hysterectomy.
Pregnant patients who don’t have an earlier diagnosis of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta who attempt vaginal delivery can cause them to experience bleeding, often leading to heavy bleeding that results in an uncontrollable hemorrhage. This causes the doctor to order an emergency c-section hysterectomy and lose the possibility of any future pregnancies.
When obstetric practices don’t plan before patients deliver, placenta accreta patients often deliver babies early, increasing the risk of unstable blood gas levels, prolonged hospitalization, prematurity complications, and developmental delays for the baby. Patients face life-threatening risks, including blood clots, infection, and postpartum period complications like hypoperfusion, clotting disorders, and maternal death.
Because of the high risks to both mother and neonate, obstetrics providers must stay aware of key placenta accreta spectrum signs and other risk factors, such as a low-lying placenta over scarring. Early diagnosis helps reduce the problems associated with these risk factors for infection, hypoperfusion, massive blood transfusions, and permanent damage to the womb and the woman’s fertility. According to the latest committee opinions, education and research, improving the accuracy of prediction, and following evidence-based indications are critical to managing the rising prevalence of PAS safely.
Placenta Accreta
Placenta accreta is a pregnancy condition in which the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall by partially invading the muscle (myometrium), but without penetrating it as deeply as in placenta increta or passing through it.
It is often associated with a prior uterine surgery, prior c-section deliveries, or scarring. In these cases, the placenta firmly attaches and fails to detach during vaginal delivery or cesarean section, which may lead to severe vaginal bleeding, heavy bleeding internally, and maternal mortality. The diagnosis of placenta accreta usually includes ultrasounds, MRIs, and confirmation by high-risk pregnancy doctors.
Sometimes, conservative management can preserve the woman’s fertility, but in most cases, hysterectomies are necessary to manage the placenta or uteroplacental tissue and prevent life-threatening blood loss. Women with placenta accreta may experience other complications, such as severe vaginal bleeding during the third trimester, the inability to have more children, and fetal death.
If you or a loved one suffered complications, a San Antonio placenta accreta lawyer can help.
Risk Factors and Increased Risk of Incidence
The incidence of placenta accreta has risen significantly due to the increased rate of cesarean deliveries and other uterine surgeries. Key risk factors for placenta accreta include prior c-sections, advanced maternal age, low-lying placenta, placenta previa, and an increase significantly with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries.
Nulliparous women (women who have never given birth to a live baby) are at lower risk, while studies suggest women with a history of D&Cs, uterine incision, or placental abnormalities have a higher risk. Accurate prenatal identification, early diagnosis, and close monitoring in a high-risk pregnancy setting are essential to manage placenta accreta.
Placenta Increta
Placenta percreta, the most severe form of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), is more likely to develop when trophoblast invasion reaches adjacent organs. This condition occurs when the placenta penetrates the muscle but doesn’t pass the outer layer of the uterus. Pregnant women with prior c-sections, prior uterine surgeries, or scarring have a higher risk of developing complications from the placenta accreta spectrum. Diagnosis typically occurs in the antenatal period using ultrasound findings and MRIs. Due to the life-threatening risk factors for heavy bleeding, early diagnosis and plans for delivery are crucial. Obstetricians and gynecologists typically involve maternal-fetal medicine specialists and massive blood transfusion protocols with packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and other blood products. Placenta accreta, increta, and percreta cases often require delivery in hospitals with access to intensive care units for management.
If you suffered damage to the placenta, pelvis, bladder, or other organs, or if your baby died as a result of this condition, contact a San Antonio placenta increta lawyer for a free consultation.
Placenta Percreta
This is the most dangerous form of placenta accreta spectrum PAS, in which the tissue penetrates the uterine wall and invades surrounding organs, typically the bladder. This carries a high risk of life-threatening bleeding, damage to other organs, and maternal death. Women diagnosed with placenta percreta often have a history of multiple repeat cesarean deliveries, uterine curettage, or other risk factors. MRIs and ultrasounds are used for early diagnosis, allowing time for delivery care in a specialized labor and delivery care unit, and blood banks to decrease blood loss, risk of blood clots, and damage to the bladder, rectum, or other organs. Tissues can fuse to the bladder or pelvis, requiring multidisciplinary involvement from pelvic surgeons, general surgeons, obstetricians, and gynecologists to minimize complications and preserve the woman’s adjacent organs and fertility where possible.
If you suffered damage to the placenta, pelvis, bladder, or other organs, or if your baby died as a result of this condition, contact a San Antonio placenta percreta lawyer for a free consultation.
The Differences Between Placenta Complications
Placenta Previa vs. Placenta Accreta
Placenta previa and placenta accreta are distinct but related conditions that significantly impact pregnancy and delivery outcomes. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, obstructing the birth canal and increasing the likelihood of vaginal bleeding, preterm labor, and cesarean sections. In contrast, placenta accreta occurs when the placenta firmly attaches to the uterine wall, failing to detach after childbirth, leading to postpartum hemorrhage and the need for hysterectomy.
Placenta accreta spectrum and previa often coexist, especially in pregnant women with previous c-sections, creating a compounded increased risk. While placenta accreta spectrum affects the removal of the placenta or uteroplacental tissue, previa affects the route of delivery. With both, there is a higher risk of complications. Early diagnosis using ultrasonography and MRI is critical for both conditions to reduce risks to both mother and baby.
If you were not diagnosed before delivery, or if you were diagnosed and suffered severe complications, contact a San Antonio placenta previa lawyer for a free consultation.
Placenta Accreta vs. Retained Placenta
Placenta accreta and retained placenta both involve abnormal attachment or removal of the placenta, but they differ in cause, severity, and management. Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta firmly attaches to the uterine wall, often due to invasion into uterine scars from cesarean deliveries, uterine curettage, or other uterine surgery. In contrast, a retained placenta results when the placenta fails to detach and exit the uterus shortly after delivery (afterbirth), without being embedded.
While retained placentas can be removed without damaging other organs, placenta accreta spectrum often requires c-section hysterectomies due to the risk of life-threatening blood loss, future fertility loss, and death. Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) includes more invasive forms, which are not seen in retained placenta cases. Accurate and early diagnosis of placenta accreta using magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound during the antenatal period allows for surgical planning, blood transfusion readiness, and involvement of gynecologic oncologists to manage placental invasion and prevent maternal death.
Placental Abruption vs. Placenta Accreta
Placental abruption and placenta accreta spectrum are both dangerous complications, but involve opposite pathological processes. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall, typically in the third trimester, causing heavy bleeding, fetal distress, and potential neonatal death.
In contrast, placenta accreta happens when the placenta is attached too deeply and fails to detach after birth, increasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, c-section hysterectomy, and maternal death.
Abruption is usually sudden, linked to trauma or high blood pressure, and may require emergency delivery, while placenta accreta spectrum is often predicted early through antenatal diagnosis in women with previous cesarean deliveries, uterine scar, or placenta previa.
Both conditions can lead to massive blood transfusions, intensive care unit admission, and maternal morbidity, but placenta accreta is more likely to result in invasive placentation and surgical removal of the uterus. Understanding the distinction is vital for appropriate obstetric practice and management of high-risk pregnancies.
If you suffered from this condition, contact a San Antonio placental abruption lawyer for a free consultation.
When Is Placenta Accreta Diagnosed?
Placenta accreta is usually diagnosed during the antenatal period, often in the second or third trimester, using a combination of ultrasound findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm. The diagnosis of placenta accreta is more likely in pregnant women with previous cesarean sections, low-lying placenta, or placenta previa, especially when there is a uterine scar from prior uterine surgeries. Early prenatal identification allows for coordination with maternal fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology specialists, and anesthesia teams to reduce maternal morbidity, prepare for massive blood transfusion protocols, and potentially cesarean hysterectomies. Women with placenta accreta are often admitted for close monitoring at tertiary care hospitals with access to blood products, intensive care units, and surgical support for high-risk patients. The goal of early diagnosis is to employ placenta accreta protocols to decrease blood loss, prevent maternal death, and protect the child’s health by minimizing the risks associated with placenta accreta spectrum PAS.
When Does the Placenta Attach?
In normal pregnancies, the placenta attaches to the uterine wall early in pregnancy, typically by the end of the first trimester. In a healthy pregnancy, the invasion allows the placenta to embed in the lining, creating the connection to supply oxygen and nutrients to support the fetus.
In high-risk pregnancies, especially those involving prior uterine surgeries, previous cesarean deliveries, or a uterine scar, this is abnormal, increasing the risk of placenta accreta spectrum.
Abnormal early placental attachment can result in serious pregnancy complications later, including life-threatening bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal morbidity. Ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect abnormal placental invasion as early as the second trimester, enabling proactive delivery planning and reducing the chance of injury or death.
Pregnancy Complications and Birth Injuries from PAS Malpractice
Maternal Injuries and Maternal Death
Women with placenta accreta face an extreme risk of maternal morbidity when the condition is not managed correctly. Common injuries include postpartum hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation, kidney failure, and damage to adjacent organs such as the bladder, uterus, or bowel during attempted surgical removal of deeply embedded placental tissue. In cases of placenta increta or placenta percreta, the placenta passes through the uterine wall and may invade surrounding organs, increasing surgical difficulty and the potential for fatal blood loss. If massive transfusion plans or critical care resources are unavailable or delayed, life-threatening complications can arise, resulting in preventable maternal mortality. Malpractice related to placenta accreta spectrum PAS often involves inadequate delivery care, failure to anticipate increased bleeding, or errors during cesarean hysterectomy. Even survivors may suffer long-term harm such as pelvic pain, fluid overload, and permanent loss of the uterus, directly impacting future pregnancies and quality of life.
If you or your loved one was injured or died during labor, contact a San Antonio OBGYN malpractice lawyer from our law firm for a free consultation.
Injuries to the Baby and Neonatal Morbidity
When doctors fail to provide an early diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), if placenta accreta is negligently managed, or if it’s completely missed, the risks to the baby are as severe. Failure to provide a diagnosis of placenta accreta through ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, or to recognize risk factors like previous uterine surgery, placenta previa, or multiple cesarean deliveries, often leads to rushed, uncoordinated deliveries. As a result, babies born in these emergencies are frequently delivered early, exposing them to high failure rates due to respiratory distress, hypoperfusion, and oxygen deprivation. Inadequate delivery planning, absence of maternal fetal medicine oversight, and delayed access to blood gas analysis or neonatal intensive care unit support can further compromise outcomes. Some babies born experience permanent birth injuries, especially when providers fail to initiate massive transfusion protocols or anticipate complications. Medical malpractice in PAS cases often affects both mother and baby, with delayed recognition, lack of resources, or surgical errors during delivery contributing to life-altering or fatal harm.
Families facing these outcomes should consult our San Antonio PAS attorneys to pursue justice and maximum compensation.
When Are Placenta Accreta, Increta, Percreta, And Previa Injuries Considered Medical Malpractice In Texas?
Failure To Provide Placenta Accreta Treatment
In Texas, failure to provide placenta accreta treatment may constitute medical malpractice when a healthcare provider does not respond appropriately to a confirmed or suspected placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) diagnosis. Once placenta accreta, placenta increta, or placenta percreta is identified, treatment must include coordinated delivery planning, availability of massive transfusion protocols, and preparation for cesarean hysterectomy. Omission of standard treatments such as securing blood products, involving gynecologic oncologists, or preparing an adequately staffed labor and delivery unit can result in life-threatening bleeding, loss of future fertility, or death. Medical teams must be ready to manage placental invasion into the uterine wall and potentially into surrounding organs. Neglecting to provide this level of care after a diagnosis exposes pregnant women and their babies to preventable major complications, such as organ damage, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal morbidity, making a malpractice claim legally actionable under Texas law.
Failure To Diagnose Placenta Accreta Symptoms
Medical malpractice in PAS cases often begins with a failure to provide early diagnoses by missing placenta accreta symptoms, especially when patients present with signs like vaginal bleeding, low lying placenta, or abnormal ultrasound findings. Placenta accreta occurs more frequently in women with prior uterine surgeries, and standard obstetric practice requires high-risk patients to be screened using magnetic resonance imaging or advanced ultrasonography. When doctors ignore symptoms, fail to order appropriate imaging, or misinterpret the presence of deeply embedded placental tissue, the delay can result in unmanaged placental invasion, leading to uncontrolled blood loss, emergency surgery, organ failure, brain death of the mother, or maternal death. Early antenatal diagnosis is critical to reducing maternal morbidity, improving child health, and preventing complications that could have been avoided with timely intervention.
Failure To Identify PAS Risk Factors
Failure to identify PAS risk factors is a leading basis for medical malpractice in Texas when doctors neglect to screen or counsel patients appropriately. Known risk factors for placenta accreta include previous cesarean deliveries, uterine curettage, prior uterine surgeries, placenta previa, and advanced maternal age. In high-risk pregnancy cases, obstetricians are expected to evaluate these histories, especially when the placenta attaches over a uterine scar or abnormal placental tissue is detected. Missing these indicators increases the risk of placenta accreta, placenta increta, or placenta percreta going unnoticed until life-threatening complications arise. When healthcare providers fail to flag these risks and refer patients for maternal-fetal medicine consultation, they create preventable conditions that can result in maternal injury, massive transfusion, or cesarean hysterectomy, forming a basis for a viable malpractice claim.
Placenta Accreta Ultrasound Mistakes
Placenta accreta ultrasound mistakes can lead to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases of placenta accreta spectrum PAS, resulting in severe complications and potential maternal death. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging tool used to detect placental abnormalities, such as placenta accreta, placenta increta, or placenta percreta, especially in patients with previous cesarean sections or placenta previa. Errors may include misreading the extent of trophoblast invasion, failing to recognize signs of invasive placentation, or overlooking placental tissue overlapping a uterine scar. These mistakes delay essential antenatal diagnosis, eliminate the chance for proper delivery planning, and prevent preparation for massive blood loss, blood transfusion, and ICU admission. When these ultrasound errors result in injury to the mother or baby, or escalate to emergency situations requiring unplanned cesarean hysterectomy, they often meet the criteria for medical malpractice under Texas law.
Compensation for Failure to Treat or Diagnose Placenta Accreta, Increta, and Percreta
When medical professionals fail to diagnose or treat placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), resulting in catastrophic injury or maternal death, the affected family may pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Damages may include recovery for medical expenses, surgical complications, neonatal care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can also seek compensation for loss of inheritance, particularly if the patient was a wage earner expected to provide financial contributions over time, as well as for loss of care, maintenance, support, and household services.
For example, when the deceased patient leaves behind babies, the surviving parent may be forced to pay for daycare, nannies, or full-time sitters to replace the daily caregiving role she provided. These costs represent measurable losses tied directly to the negligent medical care and may be included in a malpractice settlement or verdict.
A San Antonio PAS lawyer from our legal team can help families document and recover these economic and non-economic damages in full.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) Birth Injury Lawsuits
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a maternal birth injury or wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of injury or death. Eligible claimants include the spouse, parents of the decedent, the estate, and the children. If the husband or parents of the deceased fail to bring a claim within the statutory period, minor children still retain the right to file a lawsuit independently, as their statute of limitations is tolled until they reach the age of majority. This ensures that a valid claim may still proceed even if other parties’ rights expire. However, because these deadlines can vary based on specific facts, and delays may jeopardize critical evidence or bar recovery entirely, it is always best to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
An experienced San Antonio placenta accreta malpractice lawyer can help ensure your legal rights are preserved and your medical malpractice claim is filed within the applicable legal time frame.
San Antonio PAS Lawyer
If you believe a medical provider failed to diagnose or properly manage placenta accreta, placenta increta, or placenta percreta, resulting in serious harm to you or your child, the San Antonio PAS attorneys at Janicek Law are ready to help. We offer a free consultation to review your case, explain your legal options, and determine whether medical malpractice contributed to your injuries or loss. To speak with an experienced attorney, call 210-366-4949 or fill out our online contact form.
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