Delayed C-Sections can Cause Birth Injuries
Over 30% of all babies born in the United States are delivered by C-Section. Even though a large number of C-Sections are performed each year, doctors may still delay the surgery to the detriment of the child. Delayed C-Sections, when they are necessary immediately, can cause birth injuries including cerebral palsy.
C-sections should be performed when a baby is in distress during birth, or when problems are identified during pregnancy that will complicate delivery. Doctors are trained to recognize when an immediate C-Section is necessary to protect the health of a child. Sometimes, doctors are negligent and cause birth injuries because they delay the C-Section.
Injuries when C-Sections Are Delayed
In some instances, physicians fail to schedule a C-section despite warning signs. Physicians may be worried about the climbing number of C-Sections and wait too long. They may fail to schedule an operating room and delay the surgery. Or they may just fail to recognize the signs of fetal distress.
Whatever the reason a doctor has for delaying a C-Section, a delayed C-section can lead to a variety of injuries including:
- Oxygen deprivation, leading to infant brain damage, cerebral palsy, and autism
- Physical injuries
- Physical and developmental delays
- Death
The doctor may not always be the only party at fault. A busy birthing unit may be part of the problem. Overworked nurses may not recognize signs of fetal distress in time to notify the doctor. The hospital may not be adequately staffed for an emergency C-section. The decision not to perform a C-Section may also be based upon cost and insurance coverage.
Timely C-Sections Can Be Necessary to Prevent Birth Injuries
Once the decision is made that an emergency C-Section is needed, the doctor and surgical staff must act quickly. Failing to do so, may be neglectful and result in harm to the baby. There are several reasons that a doctor may feel a C-Section is necessary, including:
- Slow fetal heart rate
- Placenta previa
- Uterine rupture
- Umbilical cord prolapse
Doctors can miss the signs and symptoms indicating these problems exist. Improper fetal monitoring and failure to communicate clearly with birthing staff are common mistakes that may delay necessary intervention.
You May Need the Help of an Attorney Experienced in Handling Cases Involving Delayed C-Sections
Birth injuries can result in permanent harm to the baby. Injuries such as cerebral palsy can require a lifetime of expensive care. Most of us aren’t able to shoulder that financial burden on our own. You may need the help of an attorney to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm caused to your child and the financial costs to come.
Contact Chelsie King Garza today to discuss your rights. Don’t delay, the doctors and hospitals already have a head start on making their case.
