When a child is born, it should be one of the happiest days in a family’s life. Unfortunately, for some, this is not the case. During a difficult delivery, a child can get stuck in the birth canal or endure other forms of serious fetal distress. In these cases, medical professionals might make a judgment call determining that it is necessary to use forceps or a vacuum extractor to help the delivery along. For the most part, these methods are safe but when a doctor is negligent, a birth injury may occur. The child could face permanent injury with a lasting effect on his or her life. If your family was impacted by a physician’s negligence during delivery, you should consider your legal options. The experienced forceps & vacuum extraction injury attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser are ready to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Friedman Schuman Layser today to schedule a consultation.
When are forceps & vacuum extractors used?
Knowing exactly what complications will arise during delivery is impossible. Therefore, it is impossible to predetermine whether one will require the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor to assist the delivery. There are a number of circumstances that may initiate the use of an assisted delivery tool. Some of the reasons for which these tools may be used include:
- If the baby is very large and can’t move through the birth canal
- Breech or transverse presentation of a baby
- The mother gets exhausted during labor and cannot continue
- The baby needs to be removed from the birth canal quickly after showing signs of fetal distress
- If the baby is stuck in the birth canal for more than three hours
Forceps are often used when the baby is incorrectly positioned or stuck in the birth canal. If placed on the baby’s head incorrectly or used at the wrong time, forceps may cause serious injury. Some common injuries that may result from the improper use of forceps include Erb’s Palsy, skull fractures, disfigurement, facial scarring, brain damage, and eye injuries.
Vacuum extractors are used when the baby is stuck in the birth canal or the mother is too fatigued to continue delivering. Some of the injuries that may come from the negligent use of a vacuum extractor may include Erb’s Palsy, brain hemorrhages, fetal stroke, skull fracture or disfigurement, and injury to the mother.
If a physician does not follow protocol when using these tools, the results can be devastating. The doctor should inform the mother of these risks. If the tools fail, the physician may need to execute an emergency C-section.
Contact Friedman Schuman Layser today
Friedman Schuman Layser has over 40 years of experience representing those who were negatively impacted by a physician’s negligence. We understand that birth injuries can devastate a family. Our attorneys are ready to assess your case, guide you through your legal matter, and help you fight for maximum compensation. If you require strong legal representation, contact Friedman Schuman Layser today.
