In some cases, C-sections may not be necessary. But in others, C-sections are vital for preserving the health of the mother and baby. In these cases, delaying C-sections during delivery may cause serious harm to the mother and child, and families that suffer harm as a result of these delays may be able to hold negligent physicians and hospitals accountable through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

C-Sections Can Be Medically Necessary

A C-section is the delivery of a baby by surgery. It is a major operation that often requires mothers to be hospitalized for three to four days and requires a longer recovery time than a vaginal delivery. In some cases, C-sections are scheduled, but in other cases, the need arises during labor. Doctors are trained to know when a C-section becomes medically necessary during labor.

Cesarean deliveries may be necessary in dangerous situations such as:

- Labor is progressing too slowly or stops. - The mother develops problems with the placenta. These problems can cause dangerous bleeding during a vaginal birth.- Umbilical cord prolapse, when the baby's umbilical cord enters the vagina. This is dangerous because the cord could be squeezed during a vaginal delivery.- Fetal distress, such as slow heart rate or other indications that a baby is under distress- Mothers have medical conditions that require emergency treatment.- The baby's head is too large to fit through the birth canal.

Failing to do a C-section that is medically necessary can result in birth injuries or even death to the mother or baby.

In one recent case, a couple sued over a delivery that left their son with severe brain damage. The mother went to the hospital one afternoon in April 2006. She was in the early stages of labor and delivered the next morning. A court later found that the woman's obstetrician had not properly managed the labor. He took too long to decide to do a C-section, and the child suffered a severe brain injury as a result.

The boy is now 7; his brain injury is so severe that he requires constant care. His mother stays home to care for him. A court awarded the family $5.25 million for the doctor's negligence. It was the second largest medical claim the medical center has paid.

Contact An Attorney

If you or your baby has been harmed because a doctor failed to order a C-section in time, you may be able to hold the doctor accountable through a medical malpractice claim. An attorney with experience handling birth injury claims can best advise you about your options.

Knapp & Roberts provides experienced and caring representation for people who have been injured due to medical malpractice, including injuries from delayed C-sections. We serve people in Phoenix, Scottsdale and other areas of Arizona. For more information, call 480-991-7677 or visit www.krattorneysmalpractice.com.