Nothing is more important for expectant parents than the joy of a safe and healthy delivery. In some cases, a C-section, or cesarean section, becomes necessary to protect the health of both mother and baby. Yet, many are delayed, often arising from complications that emerge during labor.
Delayed C-sections due to improper assessment can lead to birth injuries for both the mother and child. Unfortunately, delayed procedures are a common form of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania. If you or your child suffered due to such a delay, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Our medical malpractice birth injury lawyers can help you prove your claim to seek justice.
Signs Indicating the Need for a C-Section
A C-section may be necessary in various situations where a standard vaginal delivery could put the baby or mother at risk. Some indicators include:
- Fetal distress. Abnormal heart rate or oxygen levels in the fetus indicate that immediate intervention is needed. Prolonged fetal distress without prompt C-section intervention can lead to irreversible brain damage or other severe injuries.
- Prolonged labor. If labor is not progressing as it should, a C-section might be required. Delaying in such cases can increase risks for both mother and child, significantly if labor extends over a significant period without signs of improvement.
- Placental complications. Conditions like placenta previa or placental abruption may necessitate an immediate C-section to prevent potentially life-threatening bleeding and oxygen deprivation.
- Breech or abnormal positioning. When a baby is positioned feet-first (breech) or in another unsafe position, a vaginal birth may not be viable. In such cases, a doctor should assess the risks and recommend a timely C-section.
If these or other high-risk conditions are present, and the medical team does not take appropriate action, this failure could lead to various birth injuries.
Birth Injuries from Delayed C-Section
When a C-section is delayed, it can result in severe and sometimes permanent injuries to the newborn. According to statistics, nearly 50% of birth injuries could have been prevented with timely medical intervention. Some common injuries associated with delayed C-sections include:
- Cerebral palsy. Caused by oxygen deprivation, cerebral palsy can lead to lifelong motor and cognitive impairments.
- Erb’s palsy. This condition involves nerve damage affecting the arm and shoulder, often due to difficult labor.
- Brain damage. Oxygen deprivation can lead to significant brain damage, impacting development and quality of life.
Your attorney will demonstrate the direct connection between the delay and your child’s injuries. This step includes gathering evidence of the birth injuries, often with the help of medical professionals who can confirm the extent of the condition and its impact on the child’s life.
Importantly, an attorney will help calculate the recoverable damages, assessing your needs for medical treatment costs, ongoing care, and therapeutic needs. They will also consider the pain and suffering of the family to ensure the potential compensation reflects the full impact of the injury.
Call a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Harrisburg Today
Delayed C-sections can cause irreparable harm to both the child and the family. At Marzella & Associates, we understand such cases cause distress and take a significant emotional toll. We’re ready to help you pursue timely justice. If you suspect a delayed C-section resulted in injuries to your child, we can help determine the medical negligence involved to build a strong medical malpractice case. Contact us now to discuss your situation and explore options for seeking compensation.