Childbirth is never without risk, and many deliveries become complicated for reasons such as a large baby or a breech position when labor begins. In these situations, doctors may use forceps or a vacuum extraction device to remove the baby quickly from the birth canal. While these tools are intended to reduce danger to the mother or child, improper use can cause significant harm.
A baby may suffer a birth injury such as brachial plexus palsy from the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor. Some infants later develop cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or other conditions connected to these delivery methods. If your child suffered harm during a vaginal delivery, a Roanoke forceps and vacuum extraction injury lawyer at MichieHamlett could review your case and explain your legal options.
Contact our dedicated birth injury attorney today.
Physicians and other healthcare providers who improperly use forceps or vacuum extraction tools during birth may be liable for the injuries these devices cause. If your child sustained harm during labor and delivery, a Roanoke forceps and vacuum extraction injury lawyer at MichieHamlett could review your case and explain your legal options for pursuing compensation. Contact us today to learn more about birth injury and medical malpractice claims in Virginia.
Vacuum extractors serve similar purposes as forceps, but they operate in a different way. A vacuum extractor has a leverage handle and a soft suction cup at the end. During a difficult or complicated delivery, the healthcare provider places the suction cup on the baby’s head and uses the device to pull or guide the baby out of the birth canal. According to recent research in Obstetrics & Gynecology, more healthcare providers now rely on vacuum extractors over forceps for assisted vaginal deliveries, though forceps still serve a role in certain circumstances.
Some common birth injuries resulting from the use of forceps or vacuum extractors include, but are not limited to:
Physicians and other healthcare providers who improperly use forceps or vacuum extraction tools during birth may be liable for the injuries these devices cause. If your child sustained harm during labor and delivery, a Roanoke forceps and vacuum extraction injury lawyer at MichieHamlett could review your case and explain your legal options for pursuing compensation. Contact us today to learn more about birth injury and medical malpractice claims in Virginia.
