3 examples of OB/GYN malpractice

Receiving any kind of medical care is a personal experience, but few fields require the level of care and discretion demanded of obstetricians and gynecologists. Doctors in the OB/GYN field must deal with intimate matters of women’s health and pregnancy, so it is no wonder that professionals in this field are more susceptible to medical malpractice lawsuits than other medical professionals.

According to Perinatal Resources Inc., OB/GYN doctors and surgeons are the most likely to face medical malpractice suits. There are many potential reasons someone may file such a suit. The following are some of the most common examples of OB/GYN medical malpractice.

1. Failed tubal ligation

Women who do not plan to become pregnant may be interested in a permanent form of birth control. One of the most popular options in such cases is a tubal ligation. With a success rate of over 99 percent, doctors consider it an effective means of sterilization. It entails cutting, blocking or tying the fallopian tubes, but in rare circumstances, the procedure may be done incorrectly and a patient may become pregnant. 

2. Improper cesarean section 

Childbirth is an intense process, and if anything goes wrong, a doctor must sometimes make decisions in a split second that will affect the lives of both the mother and the child. Cesarean sections have become increasingly common, but are they always the best option? Performing an unnecessary C-section — or failing to perform one when it is necessary — can be a serious medical error that potentially results in injury to both mother and child.

3. Bowel perforation

Symptoms of a bowel perforation include severe pain and tenderness throughout the abdominal area. This injury can happen in a number of situations, but if a gynecological procedure is performed carelessly, it could be a potential consequence. In this case, negligence could be deadly, and it is vital to seek out medical attention as well as legal advice to address the situation.