Giving birth is one of the most spectacular and frightening experiences in a woman's life. It is beautiful and difficult, showing a woman what she is truly capable of doing. It also comes with a plethora of possible issues, ranging from small nuisances to life-threatening complications. For some women, the idea of a normal birth goes out the window when they hear the words "cesarean section," which is not without it's own range of problems. But when does it go from complications related to healing to medical malpractice?
While the variety of problems associated with medical malpractice during a c-section is great, the law breaks them down into two categories: failure to perform a c-section and failure to perform a c-section properly.
Failure to Perform a C-Section
In the blink of an eye, the birthing process can go from what's considered a normal labor experience to something life altering. This is the reason c-sections are one of the most common major surgeries performed in the United States. Doctors sometimes have to make the choice to remove the baby via c-section to save the baby and the mother's lives. However, if a doctor stalls on ordering for a c-section and it is ultimately the reason either the child or mother loses their life, this is considered medical malpractice. If there is proof of negligence on the doctor's part as far as being advised to perform a c-section and refusing, a case can certainly be made.
Failure to Perform a C-Section Properly
Unfortunately, sometimes doctors also fail to perform a c-section properly, which can result in lifelong or fatal issues. For instance, if a doctor's incision is too deep, it has the potential of harming the placenta and child. Even the mother can face lifelong damages if the nerves are cut improperly during the procedure. You will also hear of cases where the child was severely injured or even died due to poor c-section practices.
This procedure is rapidly rising in the United States, and oftentimes women are told after their first one that each subsequent pregnancy will result in a c-section birth. While the procedure itself is beyond control, finding a competent OB/GYN will result in a less stressful pregnancy, as hopefully a safer delivery. However, if issues arise stemming from a c-section and the doctor is suspected, seek the advice of a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice, such as Davidson Law Center Inc. A single consultation can decide if a case is worth pursuing.
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