Maryland Attorney for Delaying or Failing to Perform a C-Section

A C-section, or a cesarean section, is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby by making an incision in the mother’s belly and uterus. Sometimes, a C-section is necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the mother, child, or both if a natural birth presents significant risks.

When a C-section is required, and an obstetrician either fails to schedule, perform, or delays the procedure, the mother and child could be placed at unreasonable risk. If any birth injury should occur or if the mother suffers an adverse complication, the treating doctor could be guilty of medical malpractice. the attorneys at the Rice, Murtha & Psoras are dedicated to holding medical professionals accountable when they make grave and preventable errors. If you or your child has suffered harm due to a physician failing to perform or delaying a cesarean section, call (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.

Failure to Schedule a C-Section in a Maryland Hospital

In some cases, medical malpractice arises when an obstetrician fails to schedule a C-section even though it was the best course of action. Depending on the medical history of the mother and the medical condition of the fetus, a cesarean section could be necessary to reduce the risk of harm to the mother or child.

If the mother had a prior C-section, then scheduling another could be the safest course of action. the age of the mother could also factor into the decision to perform a C-section over a natural birth. Often, the current medical condition of the mother warrants the procedure, such as the mother suffering from an active infection. When the baby is at risk of complications such as placenta previa or placental abruption, it compromises a fetus from receiving adequate nutrients and oxygen. Then, failing to schedule a C-section could constitute medical malpractice.

Failing to Perform Emergency C-Sections at Maryland Hospitals

While there are times a doctor will fail to schedule a necessary C-section, medical malpractice claims more commonly arise from a failure to perform an emergency C-section when complications occur during the natural birthing process. When a baby is experiencing fetal distress, there is often a limited amount of time before the child suffers a potentially permanent or deadly brain injury.

The medical team attending the birth has ways to monitor the health of the mother and child. A key piece of equipment in determining whether a C-section is required is the fetal heart monitor. Often, an abnormal or inconsistent heart rate is an indication that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen. If the medical staff is inattentive, then an irregularity in the baby’s fetal heart rate could go undetected. Additionally, if the monitor was not accurately calibrated or attached to the patient, the attending doctor or staff could be unaware of a dangerous drop in the baby’s heart rate. If any harm comes to the baby or mother because of such carelessness, there could be a valid medical malpractice claim.

Once a baby is experiencing a dangerous state of asphyxia, the time to perform an emergency C-section is severely limited. If this occurs because your obstetrician was not made aware of the significant abnormality of the baby’s heartbeat or if the decision was made that a C-section was not necessary, you could have been the victim of medical malpractice.

When a child is deprived of oxygen, the delivery needs to be performed immediately – waiting on the natural process puts the child at an unreasonable risk. If there is evidence of fetal distress or the child’s health is compromised, the prudent decision is to perform an emergency C-section.

Dangers of Delayed C-Sections Performed by Maryland Obstetricians

In some cases, fetal distress is diagnosed in time, and a C-section is appropriately ordered. However, due to the negligence of the medical team or if the hospital has a poorly designed procedure, the cesarean section is not immediately performed when ordered.

Time is of the essence when a C-section is necessary. the health or the very life of the baby could hinge on how quickly the procedure is performed. Any delay could result in a significant loss of oxygen to the baby’s brain if the child or mother is experiencing a cord prolapse, a uterine rupture, a placenta previa, or if the child is in a breech position. the treating physician, staff, or the hospital or medical facility could be held accountable for any damages sustained should the mother or child suffer an injury due to a delay in performing an emergency C-section.

Common Injuries from the Failure to Perform or Delay of a C-Section in a Maryland Hospital

Failing to perform or delaying a C-section could result in significant harm to the child, the mother, or both. Some common injuries include cerebral palsy, autism, Erb’s palsy, seizures, brain damage, and even death.

Call Our Maryland Attorney for Delaying or Failing to Perform a C-Section for a Free Consultation

Every mother wants to experience a beautiful, safe, and uneventful birth. Unfortunately, complications could arise that require medical intervention. If your doctor, nurse, or medical staff fails to recognize that you and your child are in danger and need a C-section, serious harm could occur. Our Maryland attorney for delaying or failing to perform a C-section understands the pain and suffering associated with a birth injury that occurred because of the negligence of your trusted medical professionals. If you or your baby experienced any health complications because of a delayed C-section or for the failure to perform a necessary cesarean section, contact our knowledgeable Maryland lawyers. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.