Reputable C-Section Injury Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Cesarean sections, or C-sections, can provide a safe—and even life-saving—alternative to natural childbirth when executed properly.  C-sections can be made necessary by complications during pregnancy or childbirth, or because of risk factors identified during the pregnancy.  When a mistake is made in evaluating the need for a C-section or in executing the C-section itself, however, both mother and baby can be put at risk. If you or your child were injured during a C-section, an experienced Pittsburgh C-section birth injury lawyer can help.

At Matzus Law, LLC, we have the practical experience and legal expertise needed to successfully represent your interests if you or your child were hurt because of your doctor’s mistake.  We are one of the leading medical malpractice firms in Western Pennsylvania and have a proven track record of getting results for our clients.

With years of experience fighting for injured clients’ rights, our team is ready to get to work today to maximize your financial recovery.  Call or contact us online today to schedule a free case review so that we can help you understand your right to fair compensation for your C-section injuries.

Possible C-Section Injuries and Complications

A C-section is actually an extremely common procedure.  When performed safely, mother and baby emerge without injury.  As with any surgical procedure, however, there are risks to having a C-section.  It is the doctor’s duty to minimize those risks by performing the procedure with skill and competence.

Possible injuries that the fetus may suffer during a C-section include:

• Respiratory issues.  Transient tachypnea is a breathing problem that causes rapid breathing soon after birth.  This and other respiratory issues can occur when the C-section is performed too early, so that the baby’s lungs have yet to fully develop.

• Delayed C-section injuries.  Most of the risk to the fetus arises when a doctor fails to perform a C-section quickly enough.  If the fetus is not getting sufficient oxygen or has exhibited signs of fetal distress, the doctor should perform a C-section as quickly as possible.  Cerebral palsy, brain injuries and brachial palsy are examples of some injuries that can be caused by failure to perform a C-section quickly enough.

• Bleeding.  In rare cases, the surgeon may actually cut the fetus while performing the surgery.  This can result in bleeding, scarring and, in even more rare cases, permanent injuries to the limbs, hands or feet.

In most cases, it is the mother who is at greater risk for a C-section injury if the procedure is performed quickly enough.  Those injuries may include:

• Incision-site infection
• Endometritis, which is an infection or inflammation of the uterus lining
• Anesthesia errors
• Blood clots
• Bladder and bowel injuries

Post-surgical infections can quickly become serious—and even fatal—if not identified and treated promptly.  Your medical team is responsible for carefully monitoring for signs of infection and other post-surgical complications once the procedure is complete.

If you suffered an injury that arose during or after a C-section, or because of failure to perform a C-section when needed, you may have the right to compensation.  Call us today to discuss your options with an experienced Pittsburgh C-section birth injury lawyer.

Identifying the Need for a C-Section

It is the doctor’s responsibility to carefully monitor the mother and fetus during pregnancy and labor.  Failure to perform a C-section when indicated is one of the leading causes of C-section injuries.

A C-section may become necessary because of:

• The baby’s position, including breech positions
• Macrosomia, which is when the baby is especially large
• Cephalopelvic disproportion, which is when the fetus is too large to pass through the mother’s birth canal
• Multiple pregnancies
• Fetal distress during labor
• Prolonged labor
• Problems with the umbilical cord that can endanger the baby
• Maternal infections or other risk factors

Some C-sections are planned well in advance, while others are executed in an emergency.  Regardless of the scenario, your doctor has the duty to perform the procedure with the skill and competence of a reasonably trained surgeon.  Failure to meet the competence standards set by the medical community is medical negligence.  Recovering compensation in these cases can be complex, but our lawyer is here to help.

We Fight to Get Fair Compensation for Victims of C-Section Injuries

If a doctor or medical professional failed to provide competent medical care during or after the birth, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover all of the costs relating to the C-section injury.  At Matzus Law, LLC, our lawyers are recognized experts in the field and can handle even the most complicated C-section injury cases.  We are here to fight for your right to fair compensation so that you can focus on your family.

Your right to fair compensation includes compensation for:

• Medical expenses (for mother and baby)
• Future medical expenses may be necessary to continue treating the injury
• Lost wages, both current and future
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Compensation for wrongful death if the C-section injury resulted in death

Call Today to Request a Free Consultation with Our Experienced C-Section Injury Lawyer

Having an experienced and respected Pittsburgh C-section birth injury lawyer by your side is critical in medical malpractice cases.  At Matzus Law, LLC, our top-rated lawyers handle every aspect of your case, from finding a medical professional to testify on your behalf to negotiating a fair settlement in your case.  To learn more about how a lawyer can help if you have suffered a C-section injury, call us for a free initial consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About C-Section Injury Lawsuits in Pittsburgh, PA

I was hurt during an emergency C-section. Can I still recover compensation even though it was an emergency?

Doctors and healthcare professionals are trained to act competently even in an emergency. If your doctor makes a mistake during an emergency C-section that another reasonably trained doctor would not have made, it is still malpractice. The fact that the situation was emergent does not relieve the doctor of his or her duty to perform competently to keep you safe.

How do I know if my C-section injury was caused by malpractice?

You might not. In some cases, the shocking nature of the injury might make it clear that something went terribly wrong. Usually, the patient might suspect that the mistake was serious, but won’t be sure. At Matzus Law, LLC, our lawyers review your medical records and thoroughly investigate to find out what happened. We see these cases often, so know what to look for and what questions to ask.