While often necessary to protect the health of mother and child, cesarean section (C-section) deliveries carry significant risks. When medical professionals fail to follow the proper standard of care, both mothers and infants may suffer preventable injuries.
Common C-Section Injuries to Mothers
C-section injuries to mothers may result from surgical errors, anesthesia complications, or postoperative negligence. Some of the most common maternal injuries include:
- Hemorrhaging: Excessive blood loss can occur if surgeons damage blood vessels or fail to control bleeding during surgery.
- Infections: Poor sterilization or post-operative care may lead to infections at the incision site or within the uterus.
- Bladder or Bowel Damage: Surgeons may accidentally puncture the bladder or bowel during the procedure.
- Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can cause respiratory issues, heart problems, or awareness during surgery.
- Blood Clots: Lack of mobility after surgery can increase the risk of blood clots, which can travel to the lungs or brain.
These injuries often require additional surgeries, extended hospital stays, or long-term rehabilitation. In some cases, mothers may lose the ability to have more children or suffer permanent physical limitations.
C-Section Injuries to Infants
Newborns are also at risk of harm during improperly handled C-sections. Common injuries to infants include:
- Lacerations: Doctors may accidentally cut the baby while making the uterine incision.
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: Improper pulling or positioning can cause nerve damage, leading to weakness or paralysis in the arm.
- Fractures: Improper delivery techniques can result in broken bones, especially in the collarbone or skull.
- Oxygen Deprivation: Delays in initiating the C-section or failure to monitor fetal distress may cause hypoxia, leading to brain damage or cerebral palsy.
These injuries can cause long-term developmental delays, motor function issues, or permanent disability.
Causes of C-Section Injuries
Medical negligence often plays a central role in C-section injuries. Common causes include:
- Failure to perform an emergency C-section when fetal distress is present
- Inadequate monitoring of mother or baby before and during surgery
- Poor surgical technique or lack of experience
- Delayed decision-making by medical staff
- Failure to follow post-operative care standards
When hospitals and physicians fail to uphold their duty of care, families have the right to hold them accountable by pursuing medical malpractice claims.
Why Hiring an Attorney Is Critical
C-section injury cases involve complex medical and legal issues. Victims must prove that medical professionals acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused the injury. Hospitals and insurance companies often use aggressive defense strategies to avoid liability. Hiring an experienced Charleston Birth Injury Attorney provides the following critical advantages:
- Access to Medical Experts: Medical malpractice attorneys work with specialists who can review records and testify to the standard of care.
- Investigation Resources: A legal team can uncover negligence by analyzing hospital procedures, staff actions, and electronic fetal monitoring.
- Negotiation Skills: Attorneys can calculate full damages and fight for fair compensation that covers medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Trial Experience: If negotiations fail, a skilled attorney can take the case to court and present a compelling argument before a jury.
Families deserve answers and accountability when medical errors cause harm during childbirth. Contact Tiano O’Dell PLLC to discuss your options today in a free consultation. Call (304) 720-6700 or send us a message online.
