Washington, D.C. Birth Injury Lawyers Handling C-Section Mistakes
Advocating on behalf of families throughout Washington, D.C.
Advances in science and medicine have made the Cesarean section (C-section) possible as a surgical alternative to natural childbirth. But like all surgeries, C-sections do carry risks and must be performed in the right setting by qualified doctors. When an error is made, or a medical professional delays a necessary and oftentimes emergency caesarian procedure, the effects can be devastating for the entire family.
Paulson & Nace, PLLC, is a premier medical malpractice firm serving birth injury victims throughout Washington, D.C. Over the last 40 years, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for the families we serve, helping them plan for their futures and protect their families. When a delayed C-section has hurt your family, our family wants to help you.
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When do you need to have a c-section?
Certain complications during high-risk pregnancies or labor can result in emergencies that require removal of the baby from the mother’s womb more quickly than natural childbirth will allow. In Some cases, it can mean the difference between life or death for both mother and child. Even in these instances, doctors are expected to perform the surgery with the same care and expertise as any other qualified doctor in their field.
If the labor is stalled, or if the baby is in a breech position, an emergency C-section may be needed. In some cases, the child is unable to fit through the birth canal because his or her head is too large, or the mother’s pelvic area is too small. This is called cephalopelvic disproportion, or CPD, and if it is not addressed quickly, the child may stop moving. This can cause oxygen deprivation and lead to permanent and catastrophic brain damage. The stress from a delayed cesarean section could also put the mother into cardiac arrest, endangering both her life and the life of the baby. In the most tragic circumstances, the mother, the child, or both may die.
What are the dangers of c-sections?
Paulson & Nace handles all manner of surgical negligence, including C-sections and labor or delivery-related procedures. The cases referred to us most commonly involve:
- A delay in performing the C-section, which can lead to permanent brain damage
- Lacerations, bruising and cuts to the face, eyes, or skin, which may result in permanent scarring
- Failing to diagnose symptoms of fetal distress
- Failing to prevent the transmission of infections, such as GBS or HIV, from the mother to the child
- Oxygen deprivation, resulting in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Tearing of the uterine walls or the bowel
- Undiagnosed and untreated infections such as sepsis or endometritis
There are other dangers associated with C-sections that can cause an injury severe enough that you may need to seek legal help, such as:
- Postpartum hemorrhage. This condition causes the mother to bleed heavily after giving birth, which can occur up to 12 weeks after the baby is born.
- Blood clots. The surgery can increase your risk of blood clots forming in the legs or pelvic organs, which can become life-threatening if it travels to your lungs blocking the blood flow.
- Early C-sections. Performing the procedure too early can cause health issues for your baby. Sometimes it may become necessary but unless there is a medical reason, scheduling the birth prior to 39 weeks of gestation can mean giving birth to a baby whose lungs and other vital organs needed more time to develop properly.
Paulson & Nace understands what is at stake when a doctor is negligent during a C-section procedure. We also understand what kinds of difficulties you may face if your child suffers permanent damage that requires costly lifelong medical treatments and care. Our attorneys are unafraid to take these complex cases to trial to obtain the best possible results for your family. If you or your baby was injured because of a C-section mistake at a Washington, D.C. hospital, we are prepared to protect your rights and will aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf.
What every Washington, D.C. parent should know about C-sections
Not every mother needs a C-section. Some are scheduled to help busy OB/GYNs better manage their patient load. When labor occurs naturally the timing is completely unpredictable. If a doctor has 15 patients all scheduled to give birth within days of one another it can lead to chaos and an inability to handle every birth as needed.
Whether the procedure is performed in an emergency or it was a scheduled surgery, mistakes can be made leaving you or your baby injured. Unless there is a genuine medical necessity for having a C-section, do not let your obstetrician dictate when you give birth.
Other facts to be aware of include:
- A first C-section carries a two to three percent risk of infection, excessive bleeding, and bladder or intestinal injury and each time you have a C-section after that the risks increase.
- Having multiple C-sections increases your risk for developing placenta accreta (the placenta abnormally attaches to the uterine wall), uterine atony (uterine muscles have trouble contracting), and uterine rupture.
Fierce advocates for victims of careless C-sections in Washington, D.C.
The seasoned birth injury attorneys at Paulson & Nace, PLLC, have spent over 40 years protecting mothers and newborns in the greater Washington, D.C. area. If you or your baby has been negligently injured during a C-section, our family stands ready to help yours hold those at-fault accountable for the damage inflicted. Schedule your free case evaluation in our Washington, D.C. or Charleston, WV office by calling 202-463-1999 or by reaching out to us through our contact page.