In the United States, approximately one in three births are conducted via cesarean section (more commonly known as C-section). In Indiana, 29.7 percent of babies are delivered via c-section. While a C-section can be a safe procedure — and may be necessary — it still presents a substantial degree of risk.
A C-section is a surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It may be scheduled in advance of a delivery, or become necessary during the labor process for emergency reasons.
There are many reasons why a C-section may be necessary, such as when the infant is too large, in breech position, or where complications occur during labor. However, the rate of C-section surgeries has increased dramatically in recent years — which can lead to a greater number of C-section errors.
While most C-sections do not involve complications, if an error occurs, it can lead to devastating, life-long consequences. If you or your child suffered an injury from a C-section error, you may be entitled to compensation. At Doeherman Buba, our experienced birth injury lawyers have more than five decades of combined experience working with families who have experienced this type of medical negligence.
Potential for Errors in a C-Section Delivery
During a C-section, doctors and other medical professionals may commit any number of mistakes that could have a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of the mother and baby. Generally, there are two main types of errors that occur with C-sections: failure to perform the C-section in a timely manner and performing the procedure itself incorrectly.
A failure to notice distress is a common source of C-section errors. During this surgical procedure, a doctor must constantly monitor both the mother and baby’s vital signs to determine if either is in distress. A failure to do so can put both patients at risk of injury.
In many cases, doctors are able to determine the need for a C-section before the delivery date. Some conditions, such as placenta previa, pre-eclampsia, and a placenta abruption, may make vaginal childbirth dangerous. If a physician fails to schedule a C-section where it is indicated, that may be a sign that he or she acted negligently, putting both the mother and baby at risk of injury.
Alternatively, if the need for a C-section arises in an emergency, and a doctor fails to act quickly enough, that could lead to serious injuries for both the mother and baby. Performing a C-section at the right time can often make the difference between life and death.
Even if a C-section is performed at the right time, if it is not done properly, it can put both the mother and baby at risk. An incision that is too deep could harm the infant, while other forms of negligence can lead to serious complications and injuries to the mother.
Birth Injuries Related to C-Section Errors
Like any surgery, a cesarean section involves a number of risks. Because a C-section has the potential to impact both a mother and an infant, this surgical procedure may lead to injuries to one or both patients.
For mothers, C-sections may lead to complications such as infection at the incision site, excessive loss of blood, injuries caused by the anesthesia used, or damage to the bladder or bowels. A mother may also suffer from blood clots or internal bleeding after a C-section.
For babies, the risks of a C-section may include lacerations, respiratory problems, the need for treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit and premature birth.
Beyond these risks, an error made before or during a C-section has the potential to cause permanent injuries. A baby who suffers a C-section error may have injuries such as:
• Oxygen deprivation, typically from a failure to perform a C-section in a timely manner;
• Skin lacerations;
• Clavicle fractures;
• Skull fractures;
• Erb’s Palsy;
• Brachial plexus injuries.
If you or your child has suffered from a C-section error injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Damages for this type of injury may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and emotional suffering.
How a Indianapolis C-Section Errors Attorney Can Help
At Doehrman Buba, we understand how devastating it is for families when their infant suffers an injury during birth. We are here to help. With more than 50 years of combined experience working with clients throughout Indiana and across the country, we have the knowledge and skill to help you get the compensation that you deserve.
If you or your child has suffered a C-section error injury, you may be able to file a legal claim against the responsible parties. Our firm offers free initial consultations, where we explain your legal rights and options, and we never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis C-Section errors attorney, contact us today at 888-494-3765 or reach out online anytime.