A cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby. C-sections take place when a vaginal birth is not safe or possible due to medical issues or complications. A C-section error is an unimaginable wrongdoing that can cause tremendous harm to both mother and baby. In these situations, the affected family may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Contact a Minneapolis medical malpractice attorney for guidance today.
What Is a C-Section Error?
A C-section error can describe any mistake made by a health care provider before, during or after a cesarean section delivery. A C-section error may indicate malpractice if the surgeon or health care provider fell short of the medical standards of care.
Examples of C-section errors include:
- Failing to recommend an emergency C-section
- Failing to notice the signs of fetal distress
- Delaying a C-section unnecessarily
- Performing an unnecessary C-section
- Surgical errors during the C-section procedure
- Anesthesia errors, including epidural complications
- Improper sterilization, leading to infection
- Failing to monitor the mother after surgery
If a reasonably prudent health care professional would have done something differently to prevent the mistake in a similar circumstance, this points to medical negligence.
Health Complications Connected to C-Section Errors
Even when performed correctly, a C-section can come with certain health risks. However, C-section errors from medical malpractice can dramatically increase the odds of serious complications, such as:
- Infant brain injury due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Nerve damage or paralysis
- Trauma-related injuries, such as fetal broken bones
- Maternal hemorrhage (uncontrollable bleeding)
- Blood clots
- Maternal organ or artery damage
- Maternal infections
- Future infertility
Although rare, in severe cases, C-section mistakes can result in the death of the mother and/or baby. If you have lost a loved one due to a C-section error, schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Minneapolis today.
How to File a C-Section Error Claim
You may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim as the victim of a C-section error if there is evidence that your doctor, OBGYN or surgeon should have done something differently with your care. If there is proof that a medical professional negligently breached the proper standard of care during your procedure, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
The elements of proof needed for a medical malpractice case are:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed between you and the defendant or accused party.
- The defendant breached or failed to meet the medical standard of care during your C-section delivery.
- The breach of duty was the actual cause of the injury that you or your child suffered.
- You have measurable losses because of the event, such as bodily harm or medical bills.
You can initiate your claim by consulting with an attorney at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC. You must take legal action before the statute of limitations or deadline in your state expires. In Minneapolis, this time limit is four years from the date of the malpractice, with some exceptions.
The Importance of Speaking With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer After a C-Section Error
As a victim of C-section error, you may be entitled to damages or financial compensation for your related medical expenses, pain and suffering, birth injuries to your child, lost wages, and more. Discuss a potential claim with the medical malpractice attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC for more information about your rights. Our highly experienced medical malpractice lawyers can help you determine whether you have a case, seek justice against the correct party/ies and negotiate with insurance companies for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more during a no-cost, no-pressure case review.