C-sections, or Caesarean sections, are common surgical procedures used to deliver babies when vaginal delivery poses risks to the mother or child. However, just like any surgical procedure, C-sections carry their own risks, and errors during the procedure can lead to significant complications. If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to a C-section error caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide will walk you through the process of making a successful C-section claim. If you’re interested in learning more, you can read our guide to birth injury claims.
Understanding C-section errors
A C-section involves making an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. While it is generally safe, errors can occur due to various factors, such as surgical mistakes, inadequate monitoring, or poor post-operative care. These errors can lead to severe complications, including infections, hemorrhage, and damage to internal organs.
Common types of C-section errors
- Surgical errors: Administering the wrong dose of anesthesia or failing to monitor the mother’s vital signs can lead to severe reactions or inadequate pain management.
- Post-operative care: Neglecting proper post-operative care can result in infections, blood clots, and delayed healing, all of which can have long-term health implications.
- Anesthesia errors: Administering the wrong dose of anesthesia or failing to monitor the mother’s vital signs can lead to severe reactions or inadequate pain management.
- Delayed C-section: In some cases, medical professionals may delay performing a C-section despite clear signs of fetal distress or other complications, leading to preventable injuries to the mother or baby.
Risk factors for C-section errors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of C-section errors, including:
- Emergency situations: Emergency C-sections often have higher risks due to the urgent nature of the procedure.
- Inexperienced medical staff: Less experienced surgeons and medical teams may be more prone to errors.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension can complicate the surgery and recovery process.
Could you make a C-section claim?
To make a successful C-section claim, you must prove that a medical professional breached their duty of care, resulting in harm occurring. To do this you’ll have to establish:
- Negligence: Demonstrate that the healthcare provider failed to deliver the standard of care expected. This includes errors during the surgery, anesthesia mistakes, or inadequate post-operative care.
- Causation: Show that the negligence directly caused the injury or harm. This involves providing evidence that the complications were a direct result of the medical professional’s actions or inactions.
- Impact of injury: Document the extent of the injuries or harm caused by the C-section error. This includes physical injuries, prolonged hospital stays, additional medical treatments, and emotional distress.
For more information on how you prove medical negligence you can read more in our guides.
Compensation for C-section claims
After making a successful C-section claim, you’ll be eligible to receive compensation, this compensation total can be made up of various aspects, including:
- Medical expenses: Costs of past and future medical treatments related to the C-section error.
- Rehabilitation: Expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the C-section error.
- Loss of earnings: If the injury has affected your ability to work, you may be compensated for lost earnings.
- Care and assistance: Costs of additional care and assistance required due to the injury.
Contact us
Unfortunately, no matter who you are sometimes surgeries go wrong. If you or a loved one have experienced a C-section error leading to injury then it’s essential that you seek legal advice promptly.
You can contact our team of experienced solicitors by calling 0333 043 1253 or by making an enquiry.
