Are you experiencing discomfort or unusual symptoms following a C-section procedure? If so, the doctor or hospital staff may have made mistakes during your surgeries, leading to a bladder injury. This negligence is a form of medical malpractice, and Missouri law gives the right to seek compensation for your harm.
These injuries can cause serious complications and require urgent medical care. It’s best to visit a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of bladder injury after a c-section.
After that, call the team at Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, P.C. Our lawyers have years of experience helping injured patients get justice for their injuries. We are ready to investigate your case and help you pursue compensation.
How a C-Section Can Cause Bladder Injuries
C-sections are common procedures that doctors perform regularly. However, this doesn’t stop surgeons and staff from making mistakes that can cause serious harm. Here are some of the ways bladder injuries occur during c-sections.
Pressure During Surgery
Doctors apply significant pressure to the abdomen to access the uterus and safely deliver the baby. This pressure can compress the bladder against nearby structures, leading to injuries. This force can also bruise, stretch, or even puncture the bladder in severe cases.
Surgical Mistakes
Surgeons use sharp surgical tools during a C-section to make incisions and manipulate tissues. These instruments may accidentally hit the bladder, causing damage. You may experience painful symptoms even if a scalpel only nicked the bladder during a c-section.
Negligence Care
Hospital staff are responsible for keeping the surgical site clean during recovery. For example, they must sanitize medical instruments, change sheets, and wash the area. However, some employees fail to uphold this duty, leading to infections and other complications.
Scar Tissue Formation
Scar tissue may develop in the abdomen while your body heals from the procedure. This scar tissue can sometimes form adhesions, attaching organs like the bladder to surrounding structures. This can cause the bladder to become tethered or compressed, leading to discomfort and injury.
Common Symptoms of Bladder Injury After a C-Section
You should seek medical care if you think you suffered a bladder injury. Some symptoms to be aware of include:
- Pain during urination. Bladder injuries can cause discomfort or pain while urinating, indicating irritation or damage to the bladder lining. Call a doctor if you notice pain when peeing after a c-section to prevent further issues.
- Blood in urine. Also known as hematuria, blood in the urine after a c-section can signal bladder trauma or internal bleeding. Seek care as soon as you notice peeing blood after a c-section to prevent complications such as infection or urinary retention.
- Chronic pelvic pain. Persistent pain following your surgery may indicate underlying bladder injuries or complications. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to decreased quality of life and potential long-term bladder dysfunction.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bladder injuries can increase the chance of recurrent UTIs. Untreated UTIs can lead to systemic infections or kidney damage.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder. Bladder injuries may disrupt normal bladder function, making it hard to fully empty your bladder. Aside from causing discomfort, this can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Urinary incontinence. A surgical error can weaken your bladder control, leading to involuntary leakage. This symptom can cause physical harm and emotional suffering.
Call Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, P.C. if a doctor diagnoses you with bladder injuries after a c-section. We can help hold the provider accountable and fight for your right to compensation.
What to Do If You Think a Healthcare Provider Caused a Bladder Injury
You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Taking these steps can help maximize the strength and value of your claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Visit a doctor for a medical evaluation if you notice any of the discussed symptoms. Make sure to explain when they began and share that you think they may be due to your c-section. The faster you see a doctor, the quicker you can begin treatment to end your suffering.
Document Symptoms and Medical Care
Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical appointments, and treatments related to the suspected bladder injury. Also, document the timeline of events and keep copies of medical reports, test results, and prescription receipts. Each piece of evidence can strengthen your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
Speak with Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, P.C.
During your free consultation, an attorney from our firm will review your case and explain possible solutions. If you have a strong claim, we’ll begin gathering evidence to hold the provider liable for your injuries.
With over 100 years of experience, our firm knows what it takes to prove medical malpractice and how to negotiate with insurance companies. You can trust us to fight hard to get you the most compensation available.
Compensation Available for Bladder Injuries
The liable party may owe you damages for your injury’s physical, emotional, and financial impact. You can seek a range of damages depending on your case, but the most common types include:
- Medical expenses. This includes compensation for all past and future medical bills related to the bladder injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages. You may be entitled to compensation if your injury prevents you from working or forces you to take a lower-paying job.
- Pain and suffering. You can demand compensation that recognizes the impact that physical pain and mental anguish have on your life.
- Emotional distress. Your lawsuit can request funds to help address the challenges of emotional conditions like anxiety and depression.
Calculating these damages can be challenging, so we suggest working with an experienced attorney before accepting a settlement offer. Our team can identify all possible damages to make sure you seek the maximum compensation available.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you notice these symptoms of bladder injury after a c-section, speak with Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, P.C. We have recovered several multimillion-dollar settlements for medical malpractice victims and are ready to help you next. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.