According to reports from the American Pregnancy Association, more than 1 in 4 women have experienced a C-section delivery. This type of delivery can save the life of a baby or mother, but it can also lead to instances of serious personal injury if medical malpractice is committed by the physician.
Common Risks Associated With a C-Section Delivery
A C-section birth occurs through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than through the vagina. In terms of risks to the mother regarding C-section births, many of the most common risks of personal injury are those that are associated with any type of abdominal surgery. These risks can include:
- Risk of infection, which can occur at the incision site, in the uterus, or other pelvic organs including the bladder.
- Increased blood loss or hemorrhages. A C-section delivery results in more blood loss compared to vaginal birth. This can lead to anemia or a blood transfusion if the bleeding is not properly managed.
- Internal organ injury.
- Adhesions are caused by scar tissue that forms inside the pelvic region, causing blockage and pain. Adhesions can also cause future pregnancy complications such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
- Extended hospital stays and recovery time. Recovery after a C-section can take weeks to months, impacting the mother’s ability to bond with their baby.
- Risk of additional surgeries, including a possible hysterectomy, bladder repair, or another cesarean.
- Negative reaction to medications, including the anesthesia given during labor and delivery or pain medication administered after the birth.
In addition to all of these complications and risks of personal injury to the mother during and after a C-section, there are also risks of complications for the baby. Some common risks and complications to the baby during and after a C-section birth include:
- Premature birth occurs due to the incorrect calculation of the baby’s gestational age. Premature births are often associated with low birth weight and subsequent health complications.
- Respiratory problems. C-section births are more likely to need assistance with breathing and immediate care after birth.
- Low APGAR scores. According to the American Pregnancy Association, babies born by C-section are 50% more likely to have lower APGAR scores compared to babies born vaginally.
- Fetal injury. In some cases, a delivering physician may commit medical malpractice by nicking or cutting the baby during the initial C-section incision.
Medical Malpractice Claims in Nevada
Nevada state law defines a medical malpractice case as a “cause of action against a health care provider or physician for treatment, lack of treatment, or other claimed departure from standards of medical care.” Plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases must be able to prove to the court that the physician in question acted in a manner negligent enough to depart from the normal and expected medical standard of care.
The medical standard of care is typically defined as the level and type of care that a reasonably competent and skilled healthcare professional, with a similar background and in the same medical community, would have provided under the circumstances that led to the alleged instance of medical malpractice.
Personal injury attorneys will work with medical experts to obtain and present a medical standard of care to a court. This document can be used to help prove that the defendant failed to meet the accepted standard of care, and caused injuries to the baby.
Professional Legal Counsel in Las Vegas
For years, the attorneys at H&P Law have been helping victims of medical malpractice in Las Vegas as they fight for compensation for their injuries. Contact H&P Law today for insight into your case.
