Can a C-Section Lead to Cerebral Palsy in My Baby?

 Posted on October 20, 2023 in Cerebral Palsy

Childbirth happens every day in hospitals across the United States. That is why doctors and staff are trained to prevent injuries during labor and delivery. If a child is at risk of injury during a vaginal birth, a Cesarean section, or C-section as it is commonly known, may have to be done. But like with any surgery it comes with its share of risk, and it could lead to cerebral palsy. You need an Illinois attorney who is skilled at determining if medical negligence played a role in injuries that occurred during a Cesarean delivery.

When Is Cesarean Delivery Necessary?

A C-section involves making an incision in the mother's abdomen to remove the child from the uterus. When a natural birth is likely to put a child or mother at risk of injury, doctors may opt for Cesarean delivery. If labor stalls and is not progressing, or if there are signs of fetal distress, a C-section may be necessary, especially in these cases:

• When a child is coming out feet first or a breech birth
• When the placenta detaches from the uterus, the infant may have to develop outside the womb
• Preterm labor
• Preeclampsia

If there is a uterine rupture or an infection, the labor and delivery team should know to act quickly to prevent complications including cerebral palsy.  

When Can a C-Section Complication Be Considered Medical Malpractice?

Under Illinois law, doctors and medical professionals need to be really good at spotting certain risk factors and taking the right steps to make sure babies are not hurt when they are born. If they do not, a baby’s brain may get damaged even before they are born or during the delivery. This is an injury that can and should be prevented.

If a doctor or nurse makes a mistake that injures your child, you may be able to get some money to help with the damage they caused. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we understand that nothing can completely fix the problems that come with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. But, getting legal advice and support can help you and your family handle the financial costs and make sure your child gets the treatment they need.

Taking care of someone with cerebral palsy can cost more than a million dollars on average. But the exact cost depends on how severe the condition is. Families usually have to pay for other things too, like trips to the emergency room and losing money because they cannot go to work while they are taking care of their child.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago, IL Birth Injury Lawyer

If you had a C-Section and your baby has cerebral palsy, you need a Cook County, IL birth injury attorney. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. we can help you determine if medical negligence is to blame for your child’s birth injury. Call 312-462-4200 for a free consultation.