Understanding Your Rights After C-Section Delay Injuries in Oregon
When people think of the birth of a child, they generally think of the baby being delivered vaginally. However, there are times when a baby cannot be delivered vaginally due to maternal health issues, fetal health issues or pregnancy complications. When this happens, a c-section needs to be performed. Some c-sections are considered to be planned c-sections (a date is picked well in advance) while there are times when a c-section is performed due to fetal or maternal health concerns. C-section delay injuries in Oregon could be serious and result in catastrophic injury.
In cases of emergency c-sections, they must be performed in a timely manner to avoid harm to the mother or baby. When a physician fails to perform a c-section in a timely manner in the event of a complication and the baby or mother suffer as a result, this is considered to be negligence from medical malpractice.
What is a Cesarean Section?
A Cesarean delivery (or C-section) is a surgical procedure. Incisions are made to remove the baby from the mother’s uterus.
When are Cesarean Sections Indicated?
Cesarean sections are indicated for a variety of reasons. C-sections are often performed if there is a complication, or if there is a known reason as to why the mother cannot have a vaginal delivery. A few common reasons for c-sections include the following:
- The baby is in distress – if the baby appears to be in distress, he or she must be removed before complications such as brain damage or death occur
- Labor is arrested or prolonged – if there is little to no progress and the mother has been in labor for a long time, a c-section may be chosen
- The baby is in an abnormal position (i.e. transverse or breech) – babies need to be head down in order for delivery
- Placental problems
- Maternal health issues (i.e. eclampsia, preeclampsia)
- The mother is carrying multiples
- The baby is too large for the birth canal
- The mother had a previous c-section
- Cephalopelvic disproportion
Complications if a Caesarian Section is Not Performed in a Timely Manner
If there is a delay in performing a c-section, the mother or baby may face many complications, including the following:
- Brain damage
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Cerebral palsy
- Respiratory distress
- Shoulder dystocia
- Developmental disabilities
- Erb’s palsy
- Brachial plexus injury
- Death of the mother or child
How Can Complications From C-Section Delay Injuries in Oregon be Due to Medical Malpractice?
Complications due to c-section delays should never happen. This is because, if a c-section is indicated, it should be performed in a timely manner. When a medical provider fails to intervene when they know there is risk to the mother or baby, this is medical malpractice. Examples of medical malpractice related to complications from delaying c-sections include the following:
- Failing to intervene with a c-section if mother or baby is in distress
- Failing to perform a c-section when the baby is in an abnormal position
- Allowing prolonged or arrested labor to continue, leading to complications
- Failing to identify prior to the baby is too large for the birth canal prior to complications occurring due to the baby not fitting through the birth canal
Cesarean or C-Section Delay Injuries in Oregon Should Be Reviewed by Our Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.