Cesarean sections (C-sections) are often performed to protect the health and safety of both mother and child during childbirth. While many C-sections are successful and necessary, errors during the procedure—especially those caused by medical negligence—can lead to severe, long-lasting injuries. In some tragic cases, these mistakes may result in permanent disability or even the death of the mother or baby.
Our Jacksonville birth injury attorneys are here to help families understand their legal rights after a C-section injury. If you believe your injury was caused by medical malpractice, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
What Is a C-Section?
C-sections account for about one-third of births in the United States. Cesarean births are surgical procedures used to deliver babies by making an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A physician removes the baby from the mother’s uterus and then closes the incision with stitches.
There are many reasons why a doctor determines a C-section is necessary, including but not limited to:
- The labor contractions do not widen the cervix enough for the baby to be born and/or move the baby through the birth canal.
- The baby is in the wrong position to be born head first (i.e., breech position).
- Fetal distress caused by low oxygen levels or dangerous heart rates.
- Being pregnant with multiple babies can increase the need for a C-section, especially in pre-term deliveries and when the babies are not positioned correctly for a natural birth.
- The mother has a specific health condition that makes a vaginal birth more dangerous, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Problems with the umbilical cord or placenta, including umbilical cord prolapse, placenta previa, or placental abruption.
- The mother has certain infections that could make a vaginal birth dangerous for the baby, including HIV and herpes.
- The baby’s large size increases the risk of shoulder dystocia or other problems.
If the mother had a prior C-section, the doctor may recommend a C-section for a subsequent birth. In some cases, a C-section is planned and scheduled because of known risks. In other cases, a C-section is performed because an unexpected situation places the mother or child in danger.
Common Causes of C-Section Injuries
As with all surgical procedures, C-sections pose several risks, including blood loss, infection, blood clots, and injury to surrounding organs. Cesarean deliveries also result in a longer recovery period for the mother and an increased risk of specific medical conditions with future pregnancies.
However, C-section injuries can also be the result of medical errors and malpractice.
Causes of C-section injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Delayed decision to perform a C-section
- Injuries caused by performing a C-section earlier than medically necessary
- Anesthesia errors during the C-section
- Failing to monitor the baby and the mother’s vital signs
- Improper use of surgical tools, including forceps
- Failing to recognize and/or stop excessive bleeding during or after the C-section
- Making the C-section incision too deep, causing injury to the infant
- Improper disinfecting and scrubbing procedures
Many C-section injuries are preventable. The doctor and/or other medical providers make mistakes that lead to the injuries. If you or your baby sustained injuries because of a C-section, you may have a medical malpractice claim against the doctor and other parties.
Common C-Section Injuries for the Mother and Baby
When medical providers are negligent or reckless, the mother and infant can sustain severe injuries.
Common C-section injuries suffered by mothers include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Uterine rupture
- Blood clots
- Anesthesia injuries
- Infections
- Damage to the mother’s bladder, bowels, and other internal organs
The infant may also sustain one or more injuries during a C-section.
Common C-section injuries for infants include:
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
- Facial nerve palsy
- Brain damage
- Skull fractures
- Cephalohematoma
- Broken collarbones
- Skin lacerations
Proving medical malpractice for a C-section injury requires medical records and expert testimony establishing that the doctor failed to meet the standard of care required for the circumstances. You must also prove that the doctor’s breach of the standard of care was the direct and proximate cause of the C-section injury.
Damages Available for a C-Section Injury Claim in Jacksonville, FL
If you or your child were injured during a C-section, you may have a claim for damages. The negligent doctor, hospital, or other medical provider may be liable for your economic and non-economic damages.
Damages available for a C-section malpractice claim include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The time to file a medical malpractice claim for C-section injuries is limited by Florida’s statute of limitations. The sooner you contact a Jacksonville medical malpractice lawyer, the better your chance of receiving justice for the harm you and your infant have sustained.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Jacksonville C-Section Injury Lawyers
Call Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (904) 396-1100 for a free case evaluation from a medical malpractice lawyer. Our experienced Jacksonville C-section injury lawyers can help you pursue claims against the doctors, hospital, and other parties responsible for causing you and your baby harm during labor and delivery.
