Can I Sue for Medical Malpractice If I Was the Victim of a Surgical Mistake During a C-Section?

 Posted on November 12, 2025 in Medical Malpractice

A Cesarean section, or C-section, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Most of the time, C-sections are a safe way to deliver a baby when vaginal delivery would be dangerous for the mother or child. C-Sections are also used as needed when emergencies come up during childbirth.

In Illinois, thousands of C-sections are performed every year, and the vast majority go smoothly. However, when medical professionals make preventable mistakes before, during, or after surgery, those mistakes can cause catastrophic injuries.

At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our Rockford and Winnebago County birth injury lawyers represent mothers who have suffered severe injuries from mistakes during C-sections. We take our clients’ cases seriously and chase after serious compensation. If we do not win – you do not pay.

How C-Section Mistakes Happen

C-sections are often planned ahead of time, but are also done as an emergency procedure when complications develop during labor. In either situation, the medical staff need to be precise and communicate with each other clearly. Surgical errors often happen when there is poor coordination between the doctors, anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technicians. A single lapse in communication can lead to a serious injury.

Mistakes can also happen when doctors fail to recognize signs that a C-section should be done sooner. A delayed C-section can deprive the baby of oxygen, leading to brain damage or stroke. In some cases, the delay puts the mother at risk of hemorrhage or organ rupture.

Mistakes during the surgery itself are another common cause of injury. The uterus and bladder are very close together, and an incision made too deeply or at the wrong angle can cause a deep cut to the bladder. If the surgeon does not control bleeding or check for internal damage before closing the C-section cut, serious complications can develop within hours.

In some hospitals, fatigue or understaffing contributes to these errors. Long shifts and heavy caseloads can cause doctors to rush, skip safety checks, or overlook early warning signs of distress. When that happens, the patient and her family are left to bear the devastating consequences.

Common Injuries to Mothers Before, During, and After C-Sections

Bladder and Bowel Lacerations

One of the most severe complications during a C-section occurs when the surgeon accidentally cuts the bladder or bowel. These organs are located close to the uterus, and even a small mistake with a surgical instrument can cause serious damage. When this happens, urine or waste may leak into the abdominal cavity, triggering intense pain and infection.

Internal Bleeding and Hemorrhaging

Hemorrhaging is another critical danger during or after a C-section. A cut that damages a blood vessel can lead to massive internal bleeding. If the bleeding is not identified and controlled quickly, the mother can go into shock or suffer organ failure. Excessive blood loss may also require emergency surgery or blood transfusions. In extreme cases, unrecognized or untreated hemorrhage can be fatal.

Unnecessary Hysterectomy

Among the most tragic outcomes of a surgical error are unwanted hysterectomies. Removing a mother’s uterus is sometimes unavoidable when there is uncontrolled bleeding or severe trauma. However, when the damage that led to the hysterectomy was caused by negligence, it may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Beyond the physical recovery, the emotional consequences can be overwhelming. Losing the ability to have children often leaves women with lasting grief and psychological trauma.

Post-Surgical Infections and Sepsis

Infections following a C-section can be just as dangerous as surgical injuries. These often happen when instruments are not fully sterilized, staff do not follow infection-control protocols, or placental tissue is accidentally left inside the body after closure. Once infection sets in, it can spread rapidly. If not treated promptly, the infection can develop into sepsis, a potentially fatal condition that damages multiple organs and may cause permanent health complications.

Injuries to Infants During C-Sections

C-section errors can also cause harm to the baby. A mistimed or mishandled incision can result in cuts to the baby’s skin or deeper injuries that require more surgery to repair. A delayed delivery can deprive the infant of oxygen, leading to permanent brain injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy. In some cases, excessive force used during delivery causes fractures or nerve injuries, such as Erb’s palsy.

While some of these injuries heal with time, others cause permanent disability. A successful malpractice claim can help parents recover the compensation they need to cover these costs and find care for their child.

Is a C-Section Injury Medical Malpractice?

Not every surgical complication makes for a lawsuit. The key legal question is whether the injury was caused by a mistake that another careful doctor would not have made in similar circumstances. Proving that your doctor made this kind of mistake is not easy. This is where our personal injury attorneys come in.

Under Illinois statute 735 ILCS 5/2-622, anyone who wants to file a medical malpractice lawsuit must include a certificate of merit from a medical professional. This certificate says that there is a good reason to believe the doctor did not meet the standard of care. The certificate is meant to allow only true malpractice claims to move forward in court.

Your attorney will also need to show that the mistake directly caused your injury and that you suffered measurable damages. This usually includes medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. In cases involving permanent disability or loss of fertility, compensation may also include future medical costs and your suffering from not being able to have more children.

Call a Rockford, IL Birth Injury Lawyer Today

The birth of your child should be one of the happiest and most meaningful moments of your life. When negligence turns that moment into a tragedy, you deserve justice. If you believe that a surgical mistake during your C-section caused serious injury to you or your baby, call us today. Illinois law has strict time limits in 2025 for filing medical malpractice claims, and acting quickly can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our Winnebago County birth injury lawyers have many years of experience representing mothers who have been seriously injured due to medical negligence. We understand what you are going through. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call 815-215-7561 today to schedule a free consultation.