Birth Injury And Injured Mother In C-Section Gone Wrong

After 9-months of carrying a child, the day of the birth will finally see the baby born into the world. Labor can be difficult but new parents expect the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff will do what they can to help the delivery process go as safely as possible. Unfortunately, many families find that mistakes and errors during birth can cause serious injury. 

C-Section in Iowa City Hospital

Jody Schmitz and her husband, Steve, arrived at the hospital before 5 a.m. on February 20th. Jody was in labor with their son, Aidan. After more than 8 hours, Jody was taken to the operating room for a C-section.

According to a medical malpractice lawsuit filed against the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, their son was born with a skull deformity, partial skull fracture, and subdural hemorrhages caused by the traumatic birth. Jody also suffered a laceration to her bladder, which had to be treated during the C-section. 

The family is seeking damages for the child’s injuries and for the mother’s injuries. The family claims the child’s injuries include physical and mental pain, loss of full body function, and future medical expenses. 

Jody has also suffered complications as a result of the bladder laceration, including infection, bowel obstruction, wound separation, pelvic abscess, and had to use a feeding tube. 

Difficult Labor and Head Trauma

Bleeding in the brain is known as an intracranial hemorrhage, and can be caused by traumatic births. Some of the common causes of trauma-induced hemorrhage during labor include: 

• Macrosomia
• Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)
• Improper delivery technique

Macrosomia refers to a baby who is born larger than average, generally weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams). Larger babies can present a problem during the delivery process. A similar issue involves cephalopelvic disproportion, where the baby’s head or body is too large to fit through the pelvis. 

During a difficult labor, some doctors or healthcare professionals may resort to improper delivery techniques. An improper delivery technique can put excessive pressure on a newborn baby’s skull, causing a hemorrhage.

Iowa Birth Injury and Medical Malpractice Claims

In most medical malpractice claims, the law in Iowa requires that you file your claim of medical malpractice within two years from the act or omission that gave rise to your injury. However, there are some exceptions that may extend the amount of time you can file a claim. 

Contact your Iowa birth injury lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your claim is filed on time. If it is filed even one day late, you may not be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of income, medical bills, and future medical costs. 

Birth Injury Lawyers

If you believe your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence or improper delivery techniques, it is important to contact a birth injury medical malpractice attorney representing clients in your state. A birth injury lawsuit can help you get the compensation you need to care for your loved one. Contact us for help today online or call (800) 529-6162 today.