While a C-section is typically performed without incident, errors during the procedure can lead to serious injuries. When these mistakes are preventable and caused by negligence, they may rise to the level of medical malpractice. Here’s what you need to know about C-section errors and when they may lead to a malpractice claim.

What Are Common C-Section Errors?

Errors during a C-section can happen before, during, or after the procedure. Examples include:

• Delayed C-section: Failing to perform the procedure quickly when medically necessary, leading to complications such as fetal distress or oxygen deprivation.
• Surgical mistakes: Accidental cuts to internal organs, excessive bleeding, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
• Anesthesia errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia, causing extreme pain, adverse reactions, or respiratory issues.
• Post-operative neglect: Failing to monitor the mother for infections, blood clots, or other complications after surgery.

These mistakes can have serious consequences for both mother and baby, including permanent injury or even death.

When Does a C-Section Error Become Medical Malpractice?

Not every negative outcome during a C-section is malpractice. Doctors are not legally required to guarantee perfect results, but they must meet the accepted standard of care. Medical malpractice occurs when:

1. A healthcare provider fails to act as a reasonably skilled professional would under similar circumstances.
2. That failure directly causes injury to the patient or baby.

For example, if a doctor ignores clear signs of fetal distress and delays performing a necessary C-section, and the baby suffers brain damage as a result, this may be malpractice.

How Do You Prove Malpractice in a C-Section Case?

To bring a successful medical malpractice claim in Oklahoma, you typically need to prove:

• Duty of care: The doctor or hospital owed you proper medical care.
• Breach of duty: They failed to meet the standard of care.
• Causation: The error directly caused harm to you or your baby.
• Damages: The harm resulted in measurable losses, such as additional medical bills, long-term care needs, pain and suffering, or lost income.

Expert testimony from qualified medical professionals is often required to show that malpractice occurred.

What Are Your Legal Options?

If you suspect malpractice during a C-section:

1. Request medical records to understand what happened.
2. Consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can review your case and determine whether negligence occurred.
3. Act quickly, because Oklahoma law sets deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing medical malpractice claims.

Tulsa Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Most C-sections are safe and save lives, but errors caused by negligence can result in devastating injuries for both mother and child. If you or your baby suffered harm during a C-section and you believe it was due to a preventable error, Tulsa County Lawyers Group can help. For a Free and confidential consultation with a Tulsa medical malpractice attorney, call us at 918.379.4864 or click this link to ask a legal question online.