Roanoke Forceps Injuries & Vacuum Extraction Injury Attorney
Nobody wants to have a difficult childbirth or to endure a complicated delivery process. However, many births are complex for a variety of reasons, from a particularly large baby to a baby in breech position when the mother goes into labor. Forceps or a vacuum extraction device may be used to remove the baby quickly from the birth canal during a vaginal childbirth, in theory to prevent any additional injuries to the mother or the baby. However, these tools or devices can also cause significant harm when they are used improperly.
Most frequently, a baby will suffer a birth injury that results in a type of brachial plexus palsy from the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor. If your infant was injured during a vaginal delivery and has been diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or another form of brachial plexus palsy or birth injury, our dedicated Roanoke forceps injury attorneys can help you with your case.
What Are Forceps and Vacuum Extraction Births in Roanoke?
Forceps and vacuum extractors are two distinct types of tools or devices that are used in some difficult vaginal childbirths. According to the Mayo Clinic, a forceps delivery “is a type of assisted vaginal delivery” in which “a healthcare provider applies forceps—an instrument shaped like a pair of large spoons or salad tongs—to the baby’s head to help guide the baby out of the birth canal.” The Mayo Clinic clarifies that a forceps delivery may be used in the second stage of labor “if labor isn’t progressing or the baby’s safety depends on an immediate delivery.”
Vacuum extractors are used in similar situations, but these are different types of devices. A vacuum extractor is a device that has a leverage handle and a soft suction cup at the end. During a difficult or complicated delivery, the suction cup can be placed on the baby’s head, and the vacuum extractor can help to pull or guide the baby out of the birth canal. According to recent research in Obstetrics & Gynecology, more and more healthcare providers are relying on vacuum extractors over forceps for a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, but forceps may still be used in certain circumstances.
Common Injuries from Forceps and Vacuum Extractions in Roanoke Childbirths
Some common birth injuries resulting from the use of forceps or vacuum extractors include but are not limited to:
- Cerebral palsy;
- Brachial plexus palsy, including Erb’s palsy;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Cephalohematoma;
- Subgaleal hematoma;
- Hydrocephalus; and
- Brain trauma.
Contact a Forceps and Vacuum Extraction Injury Attorney in Roanoke
Physicians and other healthcare providers who use forceps or vacuum extraction tools during birth can be liable for injuries that occur to your baby. If your child sustained any type of injury after forceps or a vacuum extraction device was used during labor and delivery, you should speak with one of our experienced Roanoke birth injury attorneys to learn more about your options for filing a claim for financial compensation. Contact MichieHamlett for more information about birth injuries and medical malpractice lawsuits in Virginia.
