The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but when complications arise during labor and delivery, medical decisions must be made fast to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Emergency cesarean sections, typically referred to as C-sections, are common procedures, however, there are instances where an emergency C-section can lead to questions of medical malpractice.

What Happens in an Emergency C-Section?

An emergency C-section is a surgical procedure that involves the delivery of a baby through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. These procedures are typically performed when complications arise during labor or delivery that threaten the health or safety of the mother, baby, or both. Some common reasons for emergency C-sections include:

• Fetal distress: Signs of distress in the baby, such as an abnormal heart rate or lack of oxygen, may necessitate an emergency C-section.
• Placental issues: If the placenta detaches from the uterus (placental abruption) or covers the cervix (placenta previa), an emergency C-section may be required.
• Failure to progress: Prolonged labor, failure of the baby to descend, or the mother’s inability to dilate may lead to the need for an emergency C-section.
• Cord prolapse: When the baby’s umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby, it can become compressed during labor, requiring immediate intervention.

When the Problem Is Considered Malpractice

While emergency C-sections are often considered necessary and life-saving procedures, medical malpractice can occur if healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care expected in such situations. To establish medical malpractice in an emergency C-section case in Florida, several key elements must be demonstrated:

• Duty of care: The healthcare providers involved owe a duty of care to the mother and baby, which includes adhering to established medical standards during the procedure.
• Breach of duty: The providers failed to meet the standard of care, either through negligence, errors, or poor decision-making during the emergency C-section.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly led to harm or injury to the mother, baby, or both.
• Damages: As a result of the breach of duty, the mother, baby, or both suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.

In Florida, instances of medical malpractice in emergency C-sections can include:

• Delayed decision-making: Failing to recognize the urgency of the situation and delaying the C-section.
• Inadequate anesthesia: Providing insufficient or ineffective anesthesia, leading to pain or suffering during the procedure.
• Surgical errors: Making mistakes during the surgery, such as damaging organs or causing excessive bleeding.
• Infection or complications: Failing to provide proper post-operative care, resulting in infections or other complications.

When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care expected during emergency C-sections, MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers can help navigate Florida law to fight for your rights in a medical malpractice claim. If you or a loved one has experienced complications or harm due to an emergency C-section, legal recourse may be the only way to help to hold healthcare providers accountable before it’s too late.