Philadelphia Failure to Perform C-Section Lawyer
C-sections are one of the most important medical advances in childbirth, and should be considered during projected difficult or dangerous deliveries. Here at The Villari Firm, PLLC, our Philadelphia failure to perform C-section lawyer assists clients by helping them seek damages from at-fault OB/GYN practitioners, hospitals, and other parties responsible for injuries caused by failure to perform a C-section.
Failure to Perform a C-Section
C-sections are common, and account for about one out of three childbirths. However, they are still major surgeries that require cutting into the abdomen wall and uterus. C-sections also require anesthesia. As such, there are risks that come with performing a C-section, and the time for the mother to heal should also be taken into account. But when weighed against the potential risks of a complicated or prolonged vaginal birth, most doctors err on the side of caution and opt for C-sections. Complications such as a mother’s health condition, the size or position of the baby, cephalopelvic disproportion (baby’s head is too large), or placenta previa need to be properly diagnosed and monitored well before, and during, labor, as a C-section is necessary in most of these situations.
When an Emergency C-Section Should be Performed
There are scenarios in which a doctor would not reasonably know that a C-section should have been performed before labor begins. But doctors are trained to make quick decisions during emergencies, and knowing when to perform a C-section during such an emergency can save the life of the mother or child, or prevent unnecessary harm. Cases in which doctors often consider performing emergency C-sections include:
- Baby is suffering from asphyxia/hypoxia
- Baby’s size prevents vaginal delivery
- Baby is under distress during delivery or has irregular heartbeat
- Baby is positioned sideways
- Baby is positioned feet-first
- Baby cannot be delivered with vacuum or forceps
- The umbilical cord is tangled around the baby
- Prolonged labor
- The mother’s cervix has not dilated
- The mother’s blood pressure is too high or too low
- The placenta detaches from the uterine wall
- The mother or baby have another health concern that pose a large risk
Failure to perform a C-section, or delayed C-section, can cause serious harm to either the baby or the mother, or both, in any of the above examples. An investigation into the medical records will reveal potential negligence on the doctor or hospital’s part.
Contact a Philadelphia Failure to Perform C-Section Attorneys Today
Failure to perform a C-section, or an overly delayed C-section, can cause erb’s palsy, cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), stroke, other forms of trauma, and even death. If you or your child were unnecessarily injured because an OB/GYN or other medical professional failed to perform a C-section, you can hold them accountable for their negligence by filing a medical malpractice claim. A medical malpractice claim allows you to seek damages for your hospital bills, cost of future care and procedures, pain and suffering, pain and suffering of your child, lost wages due to hospitalization, emotional distress, and more. To learn more about your options, we encourage you to call The Villari Firm today at 215-372-8889 for a free consultation with one of our Philadelphia childbirth injury lawyers.
