Examining compensated cases of negligence in caesarean sections and it’s legal implications- A case series

Abstract

Litigation related to Caesarean section which itself is a lifesaving procedure, is a complex issue with global implications. By addressing the factors that contribute to litigations and encouragement of better communication, we can ensure safer childbirth experiences for both mothers and babies. This case series investigates illustrations of compensation claims related to negligence in cesarean section procedures. The focus is on cases where patients experienced adverse outcomes, such as urinary problems and abdominal pain, following cesarean operations. In these cases, subsequent medical examinations revealed complications in newborns, retained surgical instruments, and foreign bodies inside the patients' bodies. All of these issues resulted in claims for compensation due to negligence against the doctors, which were subsequently settled by the commissions under the purview of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The series sheds light on the implications of negligence in the context of cesarean sections, where the failure to adhere to standard care protocols led to evident harm. The cases highlight the need for doctors to ensure thorough post-operative procedures, including proper instrument accountability and removal. The consequences of negligence in these cases necessitated additional surgical interventions to relieve patient’s symptoms, prompting claims for compensation.By analyzing this case series, we aim to contribute to the understanding of legal consequences associated with cesarean section negligence and highlight the importance of maintaining the highest standards of care to prevent adverse consequences and subsequent litigation.