A Caesarean section—also known as a C-section—is a surgical procedure that may be used to deliver a baby if a vaginal birth is not possible or not safe. This may be due to the mother’s health, the baby’s health, or other complications that arise during labor. While C-sections are relatively common, they are still serious surgical procedures that carry certain risks. When medical professionals make mistakes during C-sections or fail to provide a reasonable standard of care, mothers and/or babies can suffer serious injuries as a result.
At James Wood Law, our Albuquerque C-section injury lawyers can help you take legal action if you or your child was harmed due to medical negligence. We can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We know how to take on large hospitals, insurance companies, and their legal teams, and we are prepared to put our experience and resources to work for you.
When performed correctly and with the proper standard of care, a C-section should not cause injury to the mother or the baby. However, when medical professionals are negligent, mistakes can occur that result in serious harm to one or both patients.
A C-section injury refers to any harm or complication that occurs to the mother or baby during or as a result of a cesarean section (C-section) delivery. C-sections are surgical procedures used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. While C-sections are generally safe, complications and injuries can still occur. These injuries can be due to various factors, including surgical errors, medical negligence, or underlying health conditions.
Common Types of C-Section Injuries Suffered by the Mother Include:
Infection: Post-operative infections can occur at the incision site, within the uterus, or in other pelvic organs.
Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require blood transfusions or additional surgical intervention.
Blood Clots: Increased risk of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
Injury to Organs: Accidental injury to surrounding organs, such as the bladder or intestines, during the surgery.
Adhesions: Scar tissue that can form after surgery, potentially leading to chronic pain and complications in future pregnancies.
Anesthesia Complications: Adverse reactions to anesthesia, including allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
Uterine Rupture: In rare cases, the uterine scar from a previous C-section can tear during a subsequent pregnancy or labor.
Prolonged Recovery: Longer recovery times compared to vaginal deliveries, with potential for ongoing pain and mobility issues.
The Following Are the Common Types of C-Section Injuries Suffered by the Newborn Child:
Respiratory Problems: Babies born via C-section are at higher risk for breathing difficulties, such as transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).
Surgical Injuries: Accidental cuts or lacerations from the surgical instruments used during the C-section.
Premature Birth: In some cases, C-sections are performed before the baby is fully developed, leading to complications associated with prematurity.
Low APGAR Scores: Babies delivered by C-section might have lower APGAR scores immediately after birth, indicating initial difficulties in adjusting to life outside the womb.
Breastfeeding Difficulties: Potential challenges with breastfeeding due to separation from the mother immediately after birth or the effects of anesthesia.
These and other C-section injuries can occur when medical professionals fail to provide the appropriate standard of care. This might include failing to properly monitor the mother and/or baby, failing to recognize signs of distress, failing to respond to signs of distress in a timely manner, failing to perform the C-section when necessary, causing injury during the C-section, or failing to provide the appropriate follow-up care.
How to Prove C-Section Malpractice
Proving that you or your child was the victim of C-section malpractice can be difficult. In order to do so, you must be able to show that the medical professional(s) involved in your care failed to provide the appropriate standard of care. This means that you must be able to demonstrate that another medical professional with the same background and in the same situation would have acted differently.
At James Wood Law, we know how to investigate C-section malpractice claims and gather the necessary evidence to prove liability. We can work to obtain your medical records, interview witnesses, and consult with leading medical experts who can help us understand the details of your case. Our Albuquerque C-section injury attorneys can guide you through the legal process while protecting your rights and best interests.
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