The birth of a child is supposed to be a special time. Worcester families understand that there are risks involved in having a baby, but these ought to be minimal when a delivery is performed by a medical professional. Unfortunately, medical malpractice or an error during delivery on the part of a physician can result in serious consequences.
One mother in a neighboring state went to the hospital in 2011 to have her third child. Her first two had been born via c-section, but she wanted to deliver naturally for the third. Labor was progressing, but her doctor became impatient, at one point even indicating that he did not have time for her to give birth naturally.
Though her doctor wanted to perform a c-section, the mother did not give her consent, begging the doctor and staff all the way to the operating room not to perform the surgery. Ultimately the c-section was done against her will. The doctor even acknowledged in his notes that he overrode her refusal.
In addition to the terror and violation of being operated on against her will, the mother suffered a bladder injury during the c-section. She has recently filed a medical malpractice claim against the hospital.
Victims of medical malpractice, in the delivery room or anywhere else, may feel that it is difficult to get anyone to listen to them. After all, who is more knowledgeable, the patient or the doctor? But the truth is that medical professionals are not immune to error or even negligence in some situations. A doctor error during birth can leave a child with a permanent disability, cerebral palsy or any number of other conditions linked to birth injury — to say nothing of the mother.
When a medical provider’s negligence amounts to medical malpractice, victims need to know their rights and stand up for them. Legal professionals can help mothers who have been victimized in the delivery room to hold providers accountable for their actions.
Source: CBS News, “Mother sues hospital claiming forced C-section,” June 18, 2014
