Richmond forceps and vacuum extraction injury lawyer representation is often necessary when birth-assisting tools are used improperly and cause harm. During labor and delivery, doctors sometimes rely on forceps or vacuum extraction to aid in the safe delivery of a child. While these tools can be beneficial when used correctly, they also carry significant risks for both mother and infant if mishandled.
If you or your child has suffered an injury due to improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at MichieHamlett can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the recovery you deserve. Contact our skilled birth injury attorneys today to learn more.
Forceps are sometimes necessary to gently guide and pull a baby’s head from the birth canal. Forceps are typically used when labor is not progressing quickly enough, even with intense pushing from the mother. Sometimes, babies are facing the wrong way when they emerge from the birth canal. When babies are born face up, forceps can help gently turn the child around.
While forceps are sometimes necessary, medical staff are sometimes negligent when using them. When that is the case, an infant may suffer from:
Unfortunately, it is not only children who suffer from forceps injuries. The woman in labor can also suffer from tears, pain, blood loss, anemia, difficulty urinating, and uterine rupture when forceps are not used properly.
Vacuum extraction uses suction to guide an infant out of the birth canal. A cup is attached to the child’s head and, while the mother is pushing, the doctor uses a handle on the tool to pull the child out. Vacuum extraction is often used during difficult labors, and particularly if the health of the infant or the mother is in jeopardy. While vacuum extraction is sometimes necessary, it also has the potential to cause serious injuries to the mother, including:
Vacuum extraction can also cause serious injuries to the infant. Some of the most common of these include injuries to the scalp, bleeding in the brain or under the skin, skull fractures, neonatal jaundice, and brain damage, which the child may never recover from. When either the mother or the child has suffered any of these injuries as a result of vacuum extraction, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim to recover damages.
Richmond forceps and vacuum extraction injury lawyer support is crucial if you or your child has suffered harm during delivery. At MichieHamlett, our attorneys understand how devastating birth injuries can be, and we are committed to holding negligent doctors and healthcare providers accountable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and receive the legal guidance you need.
