What is a C-Section?
A cesarean section, more commonly known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure that takes place if complications arise during delivery. Contrary to natural childbirth, a C-section is performed by making a surgical incision through the mother’s abdomen and into her uterus to deliver the baby.
In most instances, C-sections are an emergency surgery, the need for which is not always obvious until the mother is in labor. There are also many cases where C-sections are planned ahead of time. For instance, if a woman has had a C-section before, the procedure is strongly recommended for any subsequent births. Another example of a pre-planned C-section is when certain maternal complications or medical conditions have been identified and the doctor has determined that a C-section is the safest option.
Planned or unplanned, a C-section is a major surgery and all expectant mothers need to know what to expect if one becomes necessary.
When is a C-Section Medically Necessary?
A C-section becomes medically necessary when the doctor has determined that a vaginal delivery could pose serious complications including the risk of serious injury or death to the mother and/or her baby. With this in mind, multiple situations could necessitate an emergency C-section. Some of the most common are:
- Fetal distress
- Uterine rupture
- Stalled labor
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Irregular fetal heartbeat
- Multiple births
- Placenta previa
- Abnormal fetal positioning
- Obstructed birth canal
- Maternal pelvis shape
- Pre-eclampsia
If one or more of these conditions are present, it can be a race against the clock to deliver the infant before they sustain irreversible injuries. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, emergency C-sections must be performed no more than 30 minutes after identifying the warning signs. In some instances, the emergency procedure should be performed much sooner.
What if the Doctor Fails to Order a Necessary C-Section?
If an obstetrician fails to identify the signs that indicate an emergency C-section may be necessary or fails to perform a C-section in a timely manner, severe injuries can occur. In both of these cases, the health of the mother and her baby are at risk of serious, permanent injury and even death. If a medical professional fails to order a necessary C-section, some of the complications that could arise are:
Fetal Complications
- Oxygen deprivation (birth asphyxia)
- Brain damage/Traumatic brain injury
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
- Erb’s palsy (brachial-plexus injury)
- Cerebral palsy
- Hypotension
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Maternal Complications
- Internal bleeding
- Sepsis and other major infections
- Heart problems
- Nerve damage
- Uterine rupture
- Prolapsed uterus
- Wrongful death
If your child sustained a serious injury due to negligent medical care, you may have grounds for a birth injury lawsuit. The birth injury lawyers at Rasansky | McKenzie Law can help you prove liability and pursue financial recovery from all appropriate parties.
C-Section Malpractice Cases
When it comes to delayed C-sections, there are several different kinds of medical malpractice claims. These include failure to perform a C-section, failure to perform a C-section in a timely manner, and surgical errors made during the procedure. Each of these scenarios exemplifies medical negligence. As such, each also has the potential to be a successful medical malpractice lawsuit.
Lawsuits for Surgical Errors
Recognizing the necessity of an emergency C-section is just one tiny element of an obstetrician’s overall responsibilities. Once the procedure is in progress, the doctor is still obligated to perform the operation in accordance with the medical standard of care. Sadly, this does not always happen. If a surgeon negligently performs the procedure, serious injuries can occur in both the mother and the baby. This could be anything from post-operative infection to internal organ damage to blood clots.
Lawsuits for Delayed C-Sections
As previously mentioned, it is not enough for a doctor to simply identify the need for a C-section; appropriate action must be taken as soon as the need presents itself. For instance, if a doctor detects an irregular fetal heart rate but puts off performing a C-section and, as a result, the infant is injured or dies, this would be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Lawsuits for Failure to Perform
Many times, the baby or the mother has a condition that makes them ill-suited to vaginal delivery. In this situation, a C-section could be a life-saving alternative for both. If a doctor fails to identify the need for the procedure or perform the procedure promptly, the consequences can be disastrous. In the event that the baby survives, they will almost certainly have a lifelong disability such as cerebral palsy.
Talk to a Dallas Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If you or your newborn sustained serious injuries caused by medical negligence during a C-section delivery, you are entitled to receive compensation. Although no amount of money will be enough to reverse the effects of a delayed C-section, it can help you with the costs associated with the injury. By partnering with a skilled Dallas birth injury lawyer who is familiar with the complexities of both medical malpractice and birth injury lawsuits, you are giving your case its best chance of success. To schedule a free case review with a Dallas birth injury attorney from Rasansky | McKenzie Law, call (214) 651-6100 or fill out our online form.