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Caesarean Section Medical Negligence

By Julie Glynn

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 18Mar2012
Word count: 545
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If you or your child has suffered harm during a caesarean section, we understand just how distressing this will have been for you. And while complications are sometimes unavoidable, it will be all the more difficult to accept if injury has been caused due to the actions (or inaction) of medical professionals.

If this has indeed happened to you, you should seek urgent legal advice, as you could be entitled to make a claim. Although this won't undo the harm which has been done, it will at least help to recompense for the pain and suffering you have been caused.

When Might a C-Section Lead to a Medical Negligence Claim?

There are a number of reasons why a caesarean section may lead to a successful medical negligence claim. Below, we have explored some of the most common examples of caesarean section medical negligence:-

1. A caesarean section was not performed when it should have been.

An emergency caesarean section should be performed if either the mother or the baby's health is at risk. For example, if the baby's heart rate is not normal, or the placenta is sitting low in the uterus, then an urgent C-section should be carried out. If there is a failure to do so, however, then the health of the mother and child could be put in danger. This will undoubtedly be extremely traumatic, and could even lead to tragic consequences such as infant death.

2. Retained swab.

During the course of a caesarean section, swabs will be used to soak up blood and other fluids. Afterwards, all the swabs should be accounted for, ensuring that none are left inside the body. However, unfortunately surgical staff sometimes fail to carry out proper swab checks, meaning a woman is sutured with a swab retained in her abdomen. This will cause a number of health complications, and will also require another surgical procedure so that the swab can be removed.

3. Anaesthetic management.

A woman will remain conscious during a caesarean section. So that she cannot feel any pain, regional anaesthetic will be administered, thereby numbing the lower part of the body. However, there are cases in which the anaesthetist does not manage the dosage properly, meaning a woman can feel pain during the procedure. This in turn can cause significant psychological damage.

4. Damaged organs.

A C-section involves making a large incision across the mother's abdomen and uterus. Due to the very nature of the procedure, it is possible for the internal organs to sustain some form of damage, particularly the bowel. However, if this damage was caused because the surgery was performed to a substandard level, or the damage was not recognised and repaired at the time, then there may be a case of medical negligence.

Speak to a Solicitor About Your Caesarean Section.

If you believe your caesarean section was performed out negligently (or it was not carried out at all) then you need to discuss your concerns with a medical negligence solicitor. After reviewing the details of your treatment, a legal expert will be able to advise you upon your legal options, helping you decide what action to take next.

Medical Negligence Specialists with particular expertise in Birth Injury and 3rd Degree Tears.

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