When an OB/GYN realizes that a C-section will be necessary for a mother to go through, the doctor has a duty to perform the procedure with due diligence and lack of negligence.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Severe complications from C-sections do not happen often, but if they arise, you should be prepared to seek justice if you have reason to believe that your doctor committed malpractice. Below are the most common errors that occur during cesarean delivery.
Lacerated Bowels and Internal Organs
We do not see bowel and internal injuries too often, but they are not unheard of. The scarring and damage that may occur create risks for other internal organs to be injured.
Malpractice that results in a bowel or organ injury typically takes place during the postoperative period. It usually occurs when the doctor does not realize that something is going wrong, and they are not adequately listening to the patient or reacting to their condition appropriately. This type of error is hazardous because fecal material may begin to get into the patient’s peritoneal cavity.
Broken Bones
Research shows that for every one in 1,000 births, a broken bone injury occurs. This is not a high rate, but it is high enough to raise eyebrows.
Bone fractures may take place if a physician is attempting to pull or reposition the baby. However, in some cases, the physician is not gentle enough, and the baby’s arms or legs break under pressure.
Oxygen Deprivation
Uterine rupture is a complication that sometimes occurs during delivery, which puts the child in a lot of danger. When the uterus ruptures, the baby and placenta can fall into the mother’s abdomen. The baby can begin to lose oxygen when the mother loses too much blood. There is not an ample supply of oxygen-carrying blood being delivered from her to the baby by means of the umbilical cord.
Oxygen can also be deprived if the rupture causes the placenta to be severed from circulation. This makes it impossible for the umbilical cord to fulfill its duties of providing oxygen to the baby. Some pregnancies are more susceptible to rupture than others, but if your uterus ruptures due to a mistake by your physician, you have some options to seek justice and compensation for your losses.
Lacerations on the Child
Cuts inflicting a child during delivery are called fetal lacerations. These lacerations sometimes occur when a doctor or nurse improperly uses birth assisting instruments, like a scalpel or other sharp tools to aid in the baby’s delivery.
These cuts are typically found by the newborn’s ears, face, and head. Some of these cuts are not incredibly serious. They might be minor and easily treated. However, some cases require stitches or reconstructive surgery on the child.
If the cut is deep enough and happens in the trouble spots like the ears, face, and head, it has the possibility of causing long-lasting damage to nerves that control senses or movement.
If these damages occur due to carelessness, the experienced attorneys here are knowledgeable in handling these claims.
Improper Wound Closure
A surgical site infection is the most common complication that occurs during C-sections. Roughly 3-15 out of every 100 births are affected by an infection due to the improper closure of a wound.
Each surgical team member needs to be fully aware of the risks involved with closing the wound. If the staff stays educated on the best methods to use for skin closure, wound dressing, tissue closure, aseptic and scrub techniques, and correctly performing a postoperative assessment, the chances of infections go down exponentially.
What to do if You are Affected by Malpractice
From time to time, medical errors occur, and if you find yourself a victim of medical malpractice during your baby’s delivery, contact our firm today to speak with our experienced attorneys. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call the birth injury attorneys at Garau Germano, P.C.today by calling 317-978-9973 to discuss the details of your case.