Why Timely Cesarean Sections Are Important

Cesarean sections (or “c-sections”) are a common procedure performed during difficult births. While some are planned, they are often decided upon in the heat of the moment and in response to a variety of factors. Unfortunately, there is often no clear indication as to when is the right time to perform a c-section. The physician must ultimately rely upon their training, experience, and judgment to decide when a c-section is appropriate. This means that sometimes they can get it wrong. If you believe that you or your child has suffered harm related to your c-section, you should contact a birth injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

Timing is Critical When it Comes to C-Sections

Doctors and nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to monitor the baby’s vital signs during labor to watch for signs of fetal distress. If the baby’s heart rate is too fast or too slow, it could indicate that the baby’s brain is not receiving enough oxygen. In these situations, the doctor needs to be able to identify the situation and take immediate action. If the situation cannot be remedied, then they should perform a c-section in order to deliver the baby as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the baby could suffer brain damage and other life-long health problems that result in permanent disabilities. 

Other potential reasons why c-sections are performed include the following: 

• Prolonged labor
• Abnormal birth position
• Placental complications
• Cephalopelvic disproportion
• Prolapsed umbilical cords

Failure to perform a timely c-section in order to respond to any one of these factors could result in harm to the mother, the baby, or both. 

It can be very difficult to prove that a c-section should have been performed or was unreasonably delayed. In addition to the doctor’s negligence, the hospital may also be at fault. You should contact a birth injury lawyer if you suspect your child suffered a birth injury due to a delayed c-section or because a c-section should have been performed but wasn’t. 

C-Sections and Cerebral Palsy

Researchers believe that one of the causes of cerebral palsy is inadequate oxygen to the baby’s brain during delivery. As mentioned above, failure to perform or unreasonably delaying a c-section can result in irreversible brain damage for the baby. Children with cerebral palsy face a lifetime of developmental delays and permanent disabilities. They may be unable to care for themselves or hold gainful employment. If your baby has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may have a claim for medical malpractice. An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you get the compensation your child needs if you believe that you did not receive a timely c-section.  

Contact Birth Injury Lawyer Thomas E. Pyles if Your Child Suffered a C-Section Related Injury

Birth injury attorney Thomas E. Pyles has over 30 years of experience in helping families get fair compensation for their birth injury claims. If you suspect that you or your child suffered harm due to a delayed c-section, contact us today by calling 301-705-5006 to schedule a free consultation.