C-Sections: Surgical Errors And Delayed C-Sections
The CDC estimates that, in 2020, 31.8% of all deliveries occurred by cesarean. A cesarean delivery (C-section) is a type of surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through cuts in the uterus and abdomen. Often, C-sections are planned ahead of time, and other times C-sections are done as a last resort. However, regardless of whether a C-section is planned ahead of time or done as a last resort preventable mistakes sometimes occur. When a doctor makes a mistake during cesarean delivery and causes injury, you may have a valid medical malpractice case. When a doctor commits an error during a C-section, you may have the right to file a claim and recover compensation. Also, you may have a valid medical malpractice case if a doctor’s or other medical professional’s negligence results in a delayed C-section and thus harm.
Potential Risks of a C-Section
A C-section has its risks. For example, even when a doctor performs the surgery without making any mistake, there is a risk of bleeding heavily. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can happen after a C-section. Although rare, PPH is a serious condition. Usually, PPH occurs within a day of delivery, but it can happen up to 12 weeks after childbirth.
Surgical Errors
A doctor has a duty to conduct a C-section in a non-negligent manner. But the sad reality is that, sometimes, doctors are negligent during C-section procedures. Unfortunately, a doctor’s negligence during a C-section can have devastating consequences. C-section errors can result in, among other things, the following;
- Lacerated internal organs and bowels
- Oxygen deprivation
- Broken bones
- Lacerations on the child
- Death
For instance, lacerations on a child can occur when a nurse or a doctor improperly uses medical instruments. If a cut is deep enough and happens in the ears, face, or head, it can cause long-lasting damage to nerves.
Fortunately, if injuries and damages during a C-section occur due to negligence, victims can recover compensation from the negligent party or parties.
Delayed C-Sections
Sometimes, doctors wait too long to perform a C-section, and that can result in devastating consequences. The following are some reasons why mothers fail to receive a timely cesarean delivery:
- A doctor is not keen on monitoring the mother or baby, so they fail to recognize signs of fetal distress or other complications.
- There is no room to perform a C-section, so the mother has to wait
- The doctor tries to induce delivery through other means and puts off performing a C-section
- A doctor attributes a complication to something else, therefore, puts off conducting a C-section
Often, delays can be traced back to a mistake made by a doctor or other medical professional who failed to provide the necessary care. If a doctor or medical professional fails to provide the necessary care and leads to a mother waiting too long for a C-section, they can be held liable for resulting injuries and damages. Below are some of the injuries that a delayed C-section can cause;
- Permanent brain injury to the baby
- Stroke or other complications for the mother
- Death
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you were a victim of medical malpractice during delivery, contact an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at Carroll Law Firm. Call 404-816-4555 today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
Resource:
cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr70/nvsr70-17.pdf
