Las Vegas Delayed C-Section Injury Lawyers
Accomplished representation for mothers and infants who are harmed in Nevada
A C-section (or Caesarean section) is a method for delivering a baby instead of a vaginal delivery. C-sections may be planned or may be necessary due to emergencies. If a C-section is delayed or performed incompetently, the mother and/or the baby can die or suffer permanent injuries. At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our birth injury lawyers work with independent doctors who understand proper C-section medical practice. We’ve helped over 125 victims obtain $1 million or more and many others obtain just recoveries. We help mothers, the parents of infants, and families obtain fair compensation for medical malpractice.
Quick Questions
In a C-section, a Las Vegas doctor delivers the child through an incision in the abdomen and the uterus of the mother. Generally, before the delivery, the mother and doctor will discuss the pros and cons of a C-section versus a natural birth. If the C-section becomes necessary during the delivery, the doctor should consider any discussions he/she had with the mother prior to the surgery.
The Mayo Clinic states that “the baby will be delivered through the incisions. The doctor clears the baby's mouth and nose of fluids, then clamps and cuts the umbilical cord. The placenta is then removed from the uterus, and the incisions are closed with sutures.”
Planned C-sections
Doctors will perform a planned C-section for many reasons, including:
- The mother requests a C-section to avoid the risks and concerns of a natural delivery – especially if the delivery is the mother’s first baby.
- The mother has heart disease, high blood pressure, or some other risk factor for a difficult natural birth.
- The mother is carrying more than one baby.
- The mother has a contagious infection, such as HIV or genital herpes that could be passed on to the child.
- The mother had a prior C-section – especially if any risk factors were present at the time of the prior Cesarean.
- The fetus is in a breech position, which means it is upside down – the legs will come out first. Breech deliveries are more dangerous than normal deliveries.
- The fetus has risky health conditions that were diagnosed in utero, such as excess brain fluid.
When a Cesarean is planned, the family and physician can preset the date of the delivery.
Unplanned C-sections
In many cases in Las Vegas, a mother plans for a natural delivery but conditions require that an emergency C-section be conducted. The Mayo Clinic notes that these conditions include:
- The mother’s labor isn’t progressing. This may be because the infant’s head cannot fit through the birth canal or the cervix isn’t opening (dilating) after hours of contractions.
- The fetus is in distress such as when the fetus isn’t getting enough oxygen (a short delay can cause permanent damage to the brain) or the fetal heart rate indicates distress.
- There is placental abruption – the placenta detaches from the uterus prior to labor.
- There is placenta previa – the placenta covers the opening of the mother’s cervix.
- There are umbilical cord problems. For example, the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck of the fetus, compressed, or delivered through the cervix before the fetus.
“There's a blockage. A large fibroid blocking the birth canal, a pelvic fracture or a baby who has a condition that can cause the head to be unusually large (severe hydrocephalus) might be reasons for a C-section.”
There are risks involved with a C-section that should be reviewed with the mother prior to any planned Cesarean. At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our Las Vegas C-section lawyers review whether these birth injury risks were discussed with the mother. We also review whether the doctor anticipated these risks and took appropriate medical actions.
The risks of a delayed Cesarean include:
- Infections. There is some risk of an infection developing at the location of the incision or within the uterus.
- Loss of blood. Cesarean surgeries involve more loss of blood than natural deliveries. Excessive bleeding may require blood transfusions and other treatments.
- Brain damage. Babies who don’t get enough oxygen during labor may suffer brain damage, including cerebral palsy, developmental difficulties, and learning disabilities.
- Birth injuries. Possible birth injuries due to C-sections (which are possible but less likely with natural deliveries) include Klumpke’s palsy, Erb’s palsy, shoulder dystocia, and other injuries.
- Injuries to the mother. The mother’s bladder, intestines, and blood vessels could be damaged.
- Anesthesia reactions. Doctors may perform a Cesarean using anesthesia. The risks of anesthesia use include difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and other dangers.
- Blood clots. Mothers who have a C-section have a larger risk of developing blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or legs (deep vein thrombosis). Blood-thinning medications may be used to reduce the risks.
Mothers who undergo a C-section generally have longer recovery times. It can take weeks for the incision to heal. Caring for your newborn may be more difficult.
Other risks of a C-section include emotional distress, more time in the hospital, and increased risks if the mother becomes pregnant again.
Mothers should contact their health care provider if their incision is swollen, red, or leaking discharge, and if there’s a fever, heavy bleeding, or pain that isn’t improving.
Our Las Vegas C-section lawyers understand the risk factors for C-sections, the advantages and disadvantages of C-sections, the conversations doctors should be having with their patients, when C-sections are recommended, and how the C-section should be performed.
We hold doctors and other responsible healthcare professionals accountable when they fail to:
- Properly monitor the mother and fetus
- Conduct a timely C-section when a natural delivery is not advisable
- Have enough staff to perform immediate C-sections
- Observe potential risk factors or health problems in the mother or fetus
- Conduct the C-section operation competently
- Other acts of medical malpractice
Do you have a Las Vegas C-section lawyer near me?
We meet clients at our Las Vegas office located at 4101 Meadows Lane, Suite 100. We’re near Springs Preserve and Meadows Mall. We conduct consultations away from the office when necessary. Phone and video consultations are also an option.
We’ll answer all your questions and prepare you for each stage of the claims process.
Speak with a respected Las Vegas delayed C-section lawyer today
OB-GYNs should anticipate when a Cesarean may be required. They need to take proper precautions and understand how to move quickly from a natural birth to a C-section birth when emergencies arise. At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, we’ve obtained $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements through our trial work, appellate work, and consulting services. We’ve tried more than 150 cases before juries. To schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas delayed C-section lawyer, call us or fill out our contact form today.