Serving Victims of Medical Malpractice in the St. Louis Area
Cesarean section deliveries are performed daily in hospitals around the United States, and the reasons for these procedures can vary. From a mother who has previously had a C-section to complications during delivery or the expectations of a larger baby, the reasons will depend on the mother, medical history, the baby, and the treating physician’s experience and opinion. C-sections are a major abdominal surgery and, just like any surgery, they carry risks that some patients may not be aware of. While the majority of C-sections performed here in St. Louis occur without complication, some complications occur that are highly preventable. Expectant mothers should always weigh their options when they are presented with the idea of a C-section – and listen to all risks and benefits associated with the procedure before giving their consent.
When a C-section is performed and it was not necessary, the physician could be held liable for any injuries that occur, or for simply forcing a patient into a procedure that was not medically necessary. But, proving medical malpractice in C-section complications can be difficult – especially because the procedure itself is considered major surgery (and inherently carries risks).
Instances Where a Doctor Could Be Considered Negligent
Just because you had complications with your C-section does not mean you have a malpractice case. Instead, you would need to prove that your physician acted negligently, and that negligence was the direct cause of your injury or complication. For example, if your doctor failed to recommend a C-section delivery when the circumstances warranted it, thus forcing you to have an emergency C-section when regular delivery failed. Another instance where a doctor could be considered negligent is causing damage during the C-section – such as severing a nerve or not checking a mother’s clotting factors before beginning surgery.
What are the Common Injuries Seen with C-section Deliveries?
C-section injuries can vary depending on the type of C-section performed, but some of the more common include:
- Hypoxic brain injuries do to lack of oxygen
- Infection by the mother or baby post-op
- Aspiration of meconium
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Anesthesia complications
- Scarring
- Infant respiratory distress
- Mother respiratory distress
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Brain damage to the baby due to a delayed C-section
C-sections are becoming increasingly common – and some physicians prefer them as a way to avoid any claims for malpractice later.
Were You Injured in a C-Section? Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries from a C-section, contact a medical malpractice attorney in the St. Louis area to discuss your case and preserve your rights to compensation. The more C-sections performed in the United States, the more likely errors will occur. With Cesarean sections making up 20 percent of births thus far in the country, it is likely that more injuries and errors will be seen. Hold doctors accountable for their actions by contacting the medical malpractice attorneys at Carey, Danis & Lowe Attorneys at Law toll free at 877-678-3400, or fill out our online contact form with your legal questions.
