Can legal action be taken if a doctor makes a mistake while performing a C-section?
C-section, short for cesarean delivery, is a method doctors often use when delivering a baby. While C-sections can be planned, they also occur unexpectedly when issues arise during natural labor or when labor isn’t progressing. Like all types of surgical procedures, C-sections carry risks, both to the baby and the delivering mother. Below is a brief description of a few of these.
Risks to Baby
According to the Mayo Clinic, babies are at risk of the following during a C-section:
- Developing issues with breathing. Babies that are delivered by C-section “are more likely to develop transient tachypnea” which is “a breathing problem marked by abnormally fast breathing during the first few days after birth.”
- Suffering an injury during surgery. As a C-section is being performed, there is a chance that the baby could accidentally get nicked.
Risks to Delivering Mom
A mother who undergoes a C-section faces the following risks, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- A new mom could develop an infection on the lining of the uterus after undergoing a C-section.
- Postpartum hemorrhage. This is when a new mom experiences heavy bleeding both during and after delivering her baby.
- Wound infection. A new mom could potentially develop an infection where the incision was made.
- Reactions to anesthesia. Sometimes, after anesthesia has been administered, it can cause an individual to experience adverse reactions.
- injuries. During surgery, there is the potential that the treating surgeon may nick or injure other parts of the body that are close to the uterus such as the bladder or bowel, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What if a doctor in Fort Lauderdale makes a mistake during a C-section?
If a new mom experienced any of the conditions listed above and they believe it was caused by a doctor’s negligence, they can speak with a Fort Lauderdale, FL medical malpractice lawyer to find out if they have a viable case. In the event an individual experienced something different and would like to receive a case evaluation, Madalon Law is ready to provide it.
Although surgical procedures carry risks and patients are required to sign certain types of waivers that reduce a doctor’s liability if something goes wrong, they can still be held accountable for the medical errors they make. Doctors are expected to follow certain standards and when they become too lax or inattentive, they need to be recognized for their carelessness and negligence.
If a new mom experienced any adverse effects during delivery and believes an error was made, she can contact Madalon Law at 954-923-0072 to speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale, FL medical malpractice lawyer.
You can reach Madalon Law at:
100 N. Federal Highway, #CU5
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-923-0072
Website: www.madalonlaw.com