According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 30% of babies were delivered by cesarean section in 2018. A cesarean section is a major operation and does come with some health risks.
If a doctor or nurse acted negligently during your cesarean section, and either you or your baby suffered injuries as a result of that negligence, you could potentially recover compensation. A Los Angeles cesarean sections lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help you determine whether you have a medical malpractice claim. Call a member of our team today at (800) 794-0444.
Risks of Cesarean Sections
A cesarean section is a major operation and can come with considerable risks to your health as well as the child. A cesarean section, if not performed as a selective procedure, is typically called for when some kind of emergency prevents a vaginal birth.
There can be limited time to act for the doctor, midwife, and nurses. Time pressure and inexperienced medical personnel can potentially cause injuries. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the risks of a cesarean section can include:
- Surgical injury to you or the child
- Infection of the uterus or the operation wound
- Heavy bleeding during and after delivery
- Adverse reactions to the anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Breathing problems in the child
- Increased health risks in future pregnancies
There can also be an elevated risk of birth injuries to the baby, especially if the medical team does not perform the cesarean in a timely manner. Conditions such as cerebral palsy and hypoxia (lack of oxygen) can occur when a cesarean section takes too long. These types of birth injuries can be disabling mentally as well as physically.
Birth injuries can also be extremely costly and may require extensive ongoing medical treatment. If you suspect that your baby suffers from a birth defect due to medical mistakes, you might have legal recourse and could potentially hold a doctor, midwife, nurse, or hospital to account for your damages. Your Los Angeles cesarean sections lawyer can advise you regarding any legal options open to you.
Legal Options Are Available
If you can prove that a hospital’s or medical provider’s negligence caused your injuries or your baby’s birth injury, you could file a medical malpractice case and potentially recover compensation, for example for:
- Medical bills
- Medical devices
- Physical therapies
- Costs to adapt your home to the needs of your child
- Cost of hiring a caregiver
However, even if the medical team is responsible for your child’s injuries, it can be challenging to hold them to account in a medical malpractice case. The legal issues are complex and can be confusing without having a lawyer by your side.
Reasons for a Cesarean Section
There can be several medical reasons for a cesarean section, but sometimes, a doctor orders an unnecessary C-section, and you or your child might suffer injuries. The following are valid reasons for C-sections:
Prolonged Labor
Prolonged labor occurs when a new mother is in labor for 20 hours or more. If a mother has given birth before, 14 hours or more is generally classified as prolonged labor. If labor is not moving along as it should, according to MedlinePlus, someone giving birth might have to undergo a C-section.
Abnormal Position
If the baby is not positioned with the head near the birth canal, a cesarean section may be the safest way to deliver the baby.
Distress
If the baby is in distress due to a health condition, or does not receive enough oxygen, a doctor may decide to do an emergency cesarean section.
The Health of the Laboring Person
If the person in labor suffers from a health condition that makes a vaginal birth too dangerous, for example, high blood pressure or diabetes, a doctor may decide on a cesarean section. If they suffer from an infection, for example, HIV or genital herpes, a cesarean section may also be the safest way to deliver the baby.
Birth of Multiple Infants
A cesarean can be the safest way to deliver multiple infants for various reasons. For example, if the positioning of the babies is less than ideal, or the medical team wants to avoid a prolonged labor.
There can be many other medical reasons for a cesarean section, such as any unexpected emergency during birth.
Unfortunately, cesarean sections can sometimes go wrong due to medical malpractice. The consequences of a medical error during a cesarean can be wide-reaching for mother as well as baby and result in spiraling medical costs. If this has happened to you, consult with a lawyer for help as soon as possible.
For a free legal consultation with a Cesarean Sections Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Contact Us Today for Help
Medical malpractice during delivery can be devastating for the entire family. What should have been the happiest time in your life can be a traumatizing event with the potential to affect your baby’s entire life.
However, if someone else caused your injuries or your baby’s injuries through their negligence and carelessness, we could help you get compensation and justice. You do not have to be afraid of taking on a hospital or medical team, as we can do the work for you.
We can build your entire case, gather the evidence needed to prove your claim, and negotiate with the defendants and insurance companies on your behalf. You will have time to concentrate on what matters most, which is your family and your recovery.
California Statute of Limitations
Do not wait to contact us as the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.5 sets a deadline for medical malpractice cases. You generally have one year after the discovery of an injury, or three years after the date of the actual injury to file your claim. Consulting with your Los Angeles cesarean sections lawyer as soon as you can might help with the gathering of evidence and witnesses for your claim.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to find out if we could help you receive compensation at (800) 794-0444.
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