Mothers attempting a vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery (VBAC) are often seeking a chance to heal and reclaim childbirth on their terms. However, VBACs are higher-risk procedures. So when hospitals downplay risks, fail to prepare for emergencies, or push VBACs without proper screening, mothers and babies may face serious, preventable injuries.
If you or your child suffered harm during a VBAC, an experienced birth injury attorney could help. At Sangisetty Law Firm, we stand with families in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama when medical negligence turns one of life’s most important moments into a crisis. Reach out today to speak to a New Orleans vaginal birth after cesarean delivery injury lawyer.
What Are the Risks of VBAC Deliveries?
VBAC carries specific dangers. One of the most serious is uterine rupture, where the previous surgical scar tears during labor. This can cause severe bleeding for the mother and oxygen deprivation for the baby.
To avoid harm, medical providers must:
- Evaluate whether a patient is a good candidate for VBAC
- Explain the risks and benefits
- Ensure that surgical teams and equipment are available in case of emergency
- Monitor continuously
Failure to follow these precautions can leave families dealing with long-term complications for the infant, such as cerebral palsy or developmental delays, or maternal injuries requiring additional surgeries. A New Orleans attorney from our team could investigate your legal options if you or your infant were injured during a VBAC delivery.
Informed Consent and Patient Rights
Informed consent is a major issue in VBAC malpractice. Every patient has the right to clear, complete information, and providers should explain medical risks, alternative options, and emergency measures. If this information is rushed, incomplete, or withheld, patients cannot make informed choices. In some cases, women are even pressured into a VBAC without being told about safer alternatives, which can also be considered negligence.
If you believe you did not give informed consent to a VBAC, our qualified New Orleans lawyer can help you determine if you have an injury claim under Louisiana’s Medical Consent Law.
How Does Medical Negligence Cause VBAC Injuries?
Not all VBAC injuries are unavoidable. Many happen because of preventable mistakes, such as:
- Delayed emergency intervention
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Mismanagement of labor-inducing medications
- Ignoring signs of maternal distress
- System-wide hospital failures
Louisiana law requires doctors to meet the standard of care expected in their field. Under the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act, hospitals can be held liable when unsafe systems or policies contribute to patient harm. A proactive New Orleans attorney could investigate whether your VBAC injury was the result of negligence at the institutional level, not just by a single provider.
The Impact of Birth Injuries
The effects of VBAC-related negligence extend far beyond the delivery room. Physical injuries are only part of the story. Families often carry deep emotional scars when a VBAC goes wrong.
Acknowledging these emotional consequences is critical in a malpractice claim. Compensation may account not only for medical bills but also for pain, suffering, and the long-term impact on your family’s well-being.
While legal action cannot undo what happened, it could help ensure your family has the resources necessary for recovery and stability. A dedicated VBAC birth-injury lawyer could advise on your case and guide you through the legal process in New Orleans.
Speak With a VBAC Injury Lawyer in New Orleans Today
If a VBAC delivery caused harm to you or your child, you deserve compassionate support and strong legal representation. At Sangisetty Law Firm, we represent families in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Contact our team today to speak with a New Orleans vaginal birth after cesarean delivery injury lawyer. We are here to listen to your story, review your case, and fight for the justice and resources your family needs.