Childbirth is one of the most anticipated experiences of a mother’s life, and most of the time the healthcare providers do their job admirably. However, on the rare times when a cesarean section delivery goes wrong due to medical negligence, both mother and child can suffer a serious birth injury. If you or your child suffered injuries in this way, a Fort Washington C-section injury lawyer from the compassionate team at Friedman Schuman Layser will fight hard for a settlement or verdict to address your needs.
What Is a C-Section?
A cesarean section birth, also known as a C-section, involves delivering a child through surgical incisions into the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A C-section is an alternative to vaginal birth when the passage of the baby through the birth canal might prove dangerous. It might be planned if pregnancy complications arise, or by the mother’s choice in some instances. In many cases, a C-section is an emergency procedure done when complications arise after labor starts, including when the labor involves:
- The baby’s heart being under stress
- The baby being in an unusual position
- Twins or triplets
- Issues with the placenta, such as placenta previa
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Preeclampsia
- Blockages in the birth canal
The decision to perform a C-section birth is crucial, and doctors must carefully consider the risks involved. As with any surgical procedure, mistakes are possible. Our Fort Washington attorneys can help your family navigate the legal options after a C-section injury due to negligence.
Causes of C-Section Injuries
A C-section must be performed delicately, with precise attention given to the mother’s and baby’s vital signs. The pressure of surgical tools or mistakes during the extraction process can harm the baby, causing minor or severe injuries, and are in some cases permanent. Doctors and medical staff involved in a C-section must follow all standard protocols and act as reasonably as professionals in their positions would be expected to act. When doctors make mistakes before, during, or after a C-section, the effects of those mistakes are magnified when a vulnerable infant is involved.
A delayed C-section, when the procedure should have begun sooner but was not, can lead to lifelong harm to the baby. Our Fort Washington lawyers can help you seek compensation if a C-section surgical error caused serious injuries.
Common Injuries Involved With C-Sections
Negligence during a C-section can cause a child different types of injuries if medical professionals are not careful, including:
- Brain damage (e.g., due to lack of oxygen)
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Cerebral palsy (a brain disorder affecting body movement and coordination)
- Erb’s palsy (nerve damage to shoulders and arms)
- Breathing problems, which are more common in C-section births
- Skull fractures
Mothers also face risks during a C-section, including:
- Infection, such as endometriosis
- Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis
- Abnormal blood loss
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Surgical injury, such as cuts to the bladder or bowels
Doctors are trained to avoid such complications whenever possible and treat them immediately when they arise. Errors or delays in treating birth complications can have catastrophic consequences. If you or a family member suffered harm due to suspected medical negligence, our knowledgeable C-section injury attorneys in Fort Washington can investigate and build a case against the liable parties.
Contact a C-Section Injury Attorney in Fort Washington Today
The birth of a new baby should be a joyous time, but for some families, it can come with heartache. A C-section can be a risky procedure, and doctors must evaluate all the benefits and risks involved. If medical negligence leads to complications during a C-section, our Fort Washington C-section injury lawyer can pursue compensation for all losses related to this incident. Contact our experienced legal team today for a complimentary case evaluation.