Infant Injury During Difficult Delivery or C-section
Get a Free Consultation with our Birth Injury Lawyers and let us investigateIf a child suffered a preventable injury during delivery, we can help hold those responsible accountable.
Medical error during an emergency c-section can cause catastrophic birth injuries leading to cerebral palsy or other serious condition. We have helped families in Luzerne, Lackawanna and surrounding counties recover compensation for birth injuries due to medical medical negligence.
Childbirth is an exciting time in a couple’s life; the anticipation of a new baby is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. There are many thoughts that will go through your head as you develop your birth plan, dreaming of a relatively simple, uncomplicated delivery. Sometimes, though, there can be complications that necessitate an emergency c-section. Emergency C-section complications can be serious and have catastrophic consequences.
C-sections are common, so common, in fact, that 1 in 3 women in the U.S. has c-section births. The operation itself is considered to be very safe. However, there are definitely times where the plans go awry, and some of those occur when doctors make major mistakes during the operation. C-Section negligence, unfortunately, happens, often during an emergency situation where time is of the essence.
Contact us below or call (570)825-9000 for a FREE birth injury case evaluation:
Birth Injury Due to C-section Errors
If a medical provider fails to perform a C-section if necessary, fails to perform the C-section safely, or fails to initiate the C-section within the proper amount of time, and the baby is seriously injured, it may be considered medical error. In the event that obvious fetal warning signs appear, making it apparent that the unborn child could be harmed during the delivery process, it becomes necessary for the attending physician to call for an emergency C-section. Unfortunately medical providers do not always recognize these risk factors.
In other cases it would be prudent for a medical provider to schedule a C-section due to risk factors that would have been apparent during the pregnancy. Medical negligence can often lead to a c-section.
After your surgery, you are not out of the woods. Like any surgery, complications can arise. There is a lengthy recovery time Your c-section scar can become infected.
We have helped victims of medical malpractice in Luzerne, Lackawanna and surrounding counties for over 30 years. The road ahead will never be easy, but if a medical provider is responsible for your child’s injury our team of attorneys will hold them accountable.
No cost or fees until we get compensation for your family.
An emergency C-section may be required under the following conditions:.
- Fetal distress during labor
- Cord prolapse
- Uterine rupture
- Failure to progress in labor
If your child was delivered by emergency C-section and suffered a serious injury such as cerebral palsy or brain injury, Latona Law Firm can evaluate your case and get answers. Act Now by completing the Have a Case Form or call us directly at 570-825-9000. Every Case Form or call is evaluated by one of our experienced medical malpractice attorneys.
Common Medical Errors That Cause Cerebral Palsy
While cerebral palsy is not usually preventable, there are situations where it may have been prevented. Doctors, nurses, or other caregivers may not have properly identified, monitored, or treated symptoms late in the pregnancy, during delivery, or while the baby was still at the hospital.
- Leaving a child in the birth canal too long causing a lack of oxygen to the brain
- Lack of recognition and treatment of seizures following delivery
- Failure to detect a prolapsed cord
- Excessive use of vacuum extraction
- Failure to perform a C-section in the presence of fetal distress
- Not responding to changes in the fetal heart rate
- When risk factors are present, did not adjust or plan for a c-section.
- Failure to timely diagnose and treat jaundice, sepsis and meningitis
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that appear early in childhood. These disorders can range from mild to severe and mostly affect motor coordination and muscle movement. Cerebral palsy is characterized by damage to the brain and can be manifested both physically and intellectually.
Physical impairments may include movement, balance and posture. Legs, arms and facial muscles may be affected. All or some of the limbs may be involved. Intellectual impairments may include an inability to think or learn at an age appropriate level.
Cerebral Palsy Signs and Symptoms
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Physical impairments may include movement, balance, and posture. Legs, arms, and facial muscles may also be affected. All or some of the limbs may be involved. Furthermore, intellectual impairments may include an inability to think or learn at an age appropriate level. Most often, injury to the child’s brain occurs during pregnancy, during childbirth, or shortly after childbirth. As a result, speech, reading, writing, and communication can also be affected. Also, seizures, vision and hearing, eating and developmental delays are also common. Finally, movement, balance, and posture are also often affected by cerebral palsy.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy
Seizures
Speech delays
Delayed milestones
Problems with muscle tone
Intellectual disabilities
Involuntary movements or tremors
Lack of muscle coordination (ataxia)
Difficulty with sucking or eating
And others