Seeking Justice After a Birth Injury Caused by Delayed Caesarean Section

 Posted on July 07, 2022 in Medical Malpractice

Few life experiences rival the birth of a new baby. Sadly, what should be a joyous occasion can turn into a nightmare if medical professionals do not uphold their duty to provide competent medical care. Preventable birth injuries can be caused by many different factors. Sometimes, a hospital is understaffed and stretched too thin to provide patients with the personalized attention they deserve. Other times, medical staff are simply careless and act negligently. Whatever the reason, finding out that your baby has suffered an avoidable injury is devastating.

If your child was harmed due to a delayed C-section or failure to perform a necessary C-section, you may be able to seek justice on your baby’s behalf through a medical malpractice claim.

Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section May Constitute Medical Negligence

Doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other medical professionals have a legal duty to provide reasonably skilled medical care to patients. This includes monitoring patients for signs that something is not right. Approximately a third of all newborns are delivered via Cesarean delivery or C-section. Some C-sections are planned in advance and others are performed on an emergency basis due to complications with the mother or infant.

An emergency C-section may be needed if the baby is in an abnormal position in the mother’s womb or the baby shows signs of fetal distress. Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord may also necessitate a C-section delivery. If a doctor fails to recognize complications and take swift action, the baby can suffer irreparable harm.

Consequences of a Delayed C-Section

If doctors proceed with a vaginal delivery when a C-section is safer, or wait too long to perform a C-section, the baby’s very life may be put in jeopardy. One of the biggest risks associated with prolonged labor is oxygen deprivation. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a type of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation that can lead to intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, visual or hearing impairment, seizures, and cerebral palsy. The baby may need special medical care for the rest of his or her life. Tragically, some infants are not able to survive brain damage caused by a delayed C-section.

Delayed C-Section Medical Malpractice Claims

If your baby was injured or killed due to substandard medical care during labor or delivery, you may be able to seek justice through a medical malpractice claim. You may be able to hold the at-fault parties accountable and pursue financial compensation for past and future damages. Financial reimbursement may be available for economic damages like doctor’s visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, medical devices, lost income, and more. Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, may also be available.

Contact a Springfield Birth Injury Attorney

If your baby was harmed by negligent medical care, contact our Bloomington medical malpractice lawyers to discuss your legal options. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 for a free case assessment.

Source:

https://ufhealth.org/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie