A Cesarean section (C-section) is often used as an alternative to vaginal birth in cases where a mother or baby faces unusual risk during labor and delivery. Obstetricians are trained to recognize elevated risks and respond with actions that reduce the level of danger. If a complication during childbirth arose and your doctor failed to order a C-section at the appropriate time, causing your child to suffer serious birth injury, your family may have a claim for medical negligence.
C-Section Timing
C-section injuries are one type of labor and delivery negligence that can have serious, life-threatening consequences for a baby. Some examples of scenarios that might warrant a C-section include:
- Prolonged or difficult labor
- High birth weight
- Large head
- Child’s elevated or slowed heart rate
- Stopped labor
- Umbilical cord strangulation
- Placenta problems
- Breech positioning
- Shoulder dystocia
There are a variety of physical injuries that may occur during vaginal delivery of a high-risk child, such as intra-abdominal injuries, Erb’s palsy, or cranial and spinal cord injuries. Children who failed to receive a C-section birth may also suffer from brain damage due to lack of oxygen, resulting in severe disorders like cerebral palsy.
In some birth injury cases, C-sections were ordered on time but were performed carelessly. Complications that can happen during a mishandled C-section include blood loss, anesthesia problems, breathing problems, blood clots, organ damage, hemorrhage, and nerve damage in both mother and child.
Proving C-Section Malpractice
Many C-section injury claims revolve around the fact that a medical professional exposed a child to an unnecessary amount of risk by delaying or denying a C-section procedure. A doctor may also be considered negligent if he or she made a mistake during a C-section delivery that compromised the child’s safety.
If you were the victim of a delayed or mismanaged Cesarean section, you may have a claim against the negligent medical professional. Any recovery may provide for long-term medical care and other expenses that will improve your child’s quality of life.
To learn more about C-section injuries and your legal rights, please contact the Goldwater Law Firm, PC today.
