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Labor doesn't always go as planned. When complications arise, a cesarean section (C-section) can mean the difference between a healthy delivery and serious harm.
What happens when that decision comes too late? A delayed C-section can result in oxygen deprivation, permanent injury, or even loss of life.
If you're seeking answers after a challenging birth, Kline & Specter has the legal and medical depth to help. With over 50 attorneys – five of whom are also medical doctors – they bring unmatched insight to birth injury cases.
What Is a Delayed C-Section?
A delayed C-section is a situation in which a cesarean delivery is not performed quickly enough after signs of fetal distress or labor difficulties appear. Medical staff are trained to monitor for red flags. When they ignore or misread these signals, the consequences can be devastating.
Common Birth Injuries Linked to Delay
When a C-section is delayed, babies can experience prolonged periods without enough oxygen, leading to:
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: This form of brain damage results from oxygen deprivation.
- Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy refers to a collection of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone.
- Seizures or Stroke: These are neurological conditions that may stem from birth trauma.
- Developmental Delays: Birth injuries can cause cognitive and physical challenges that last a lifetime.
When Should a C-Section Happen?
Immediate cesarean delivery may be necessary when the following complications occur:
- Fetal heart rate abnormalities (non-reassuring tracings)
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Uterine rupture
- Placental abruption
- Labor fails to progress despite interventions
Hospitals must have protocols in place to move quickly. Delays can be considered negligent, especially when the baby's health suffers.
When to Seek Legal Support
If your baby experienced difficulties during delivery, especially after signs of distress, and you suspect care was delayed or mishandled, it's time to speak with a birth injury attorney. Prompt legal advice can protect your child's future.
Discuss Your Birth Injury Case
After a birth injury, families are often left with more questions than answers. That's where Kline & Specter comes in. Our nationally recognized firm has won some of the largest verdicts in U.S. history. We have five doctor-lawyers, the most of any U.S. firm, including two OB-GYN attorneys. Call 215-772-1000 or submit our online form to discuss your situation.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.