Forceps Birth Injury Attorney
A child’s birth is a magical moment for any parent, and it should be one filled with overwhelming joy. Unfortunately, the process doesn’t always go smoothly. In some cases, doctors may decide to use tools like forceps to speed the process or move the baby into a more favorable position for delivery. This could not only lead to harm to the mother but (birth injury) forceps injury to the baby.
A doctor may use any of several different types of forceps, including outlet, low-cavity/mid-cavity, and rotational tools. Specific types of forceps used may include:
- Elliot forceps (used for a fetal head that is round)
- Simpson forceps (used for elongation/squeezing of the fetal head during delivery)
- Wrigley’s forceps (also called outlet forceps, used during lift-out delivery or C-section)
- Piper’s forceps (used in breech deliveries)
- Kielland forceps (used for rotation in cases of fetal head malposition)
There are several reasons why forceps may be employed during delivery, such as:
- During prolonged labor, when the mother is pushing but the delivery isn’t progressing
- Maternal fatigue resulting from prolonged labor
- In cases of fetal distress, like a change in the baby’s heart rate
- A maternal health issue, like high blood pressure or heart disease
- and more
Regardless of the type of forceps used or the reason for using them, employing these tools can be controversial, considering that in many cases, C-section is not only advisable but is considered safer and less likely to result in fetal injury.
Forceps as Medical Malpractice Birth Injuries
While forceps have long been used as a tool to facilitate delivery in certain circumstances, any tool is only as good as the person using it. While forceps might seem like a simple tool, correct use requires incredible skill and experience, and when used incorrectly, (birth injury) forceps injury can occur.
Forceps are used to grip the baby’s head during the delivery process, either to reposition for easier delivery or to assist in delivering the baby. However, forceps must be positioned precisely and used carefully in order to avoid causing harm. Errors like poor positioning of the forceps or the use of excessive pressure can result in injuries ranging from mild to severe.
Minor bruising or other facial injuries are the least of the damage that can occur when forceps are used. Forceps can also cause eye trauma, temporary facial palsy, and nerve injuries, or worse, bleeding in the skull, skull fracture, seizures, cerebral palsy, lasting brain damage, and more.
When (birth injury) forceps injury occurs, you may have a case for negligence or medical malpractice. This is when you need the services of a trusted medical malpractice attorney that has a proven track record of success in such cases.
Proven Birth Injury Lawyers
When your baby suffers (birth injury) forceps injury during delivery because of negligence or error, you have the option to file a medical malpractice suit against the doctor, other medical staff, and/or the hospital. Securing a settlement can help you to cover the expenses related to your baby’s injury and future medical costs for lasting damage.
The expert attorneys at The Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq. are more than qualified to address the complexities of medical malpractice litigation and fight to get you maximum compensation, as we’ve done for countless clients already. Contact us today at 310-289-2600 or online to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more.