Doctors use medical devices to assist in the delivery of babies. Two types of devices for this purpose are vacuum extractors and forceps.

In a vacuum assisted delivery, a soft plastic cup is attached to the baby’s head. Vacuum pressure permits the obstetrician to rotate or adjust the positioning of the baby.

Forceps, which resemble kitchen tongs, grip around the baby’s head to assist the obstetrician in positioning the baby in the birth canal. If the forceps are gripped too tightly or if the baby’s head is twisted, the infant can sustain serious injury.

Obstetricians must be cautious when using these devices to pull on a baby’s head. Properly used, they can help doctors safely deliver babies. However, if done incorrectly, these devices can cause serious injury to the baby’s skull, face or brain.

If injured by either of these devices, the baby may initially seem normal, but they could go on to demonstrate difficulty breathing, or exhibit seizure activity or other neurological symptoms, which will require ultrasound, CT scans or MRIs to evaluate the extent of the injury.

COMMON VACUUM OR FORCEPS RELATED INJURIES INCLUDE:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Erb’s Palsy
• Klumpke’s Palsy
• Brachial Plexus Palsy
• Shoulder Dystocia

If your baby suffers from a birth-related injury caused by the negligent use of a vacuum extractor or forceps, please contact our office and speak with a member of the firm. The applicable statute of limitations is likely already running, so timing can be critically important to your case. Contact us today for a free, no obligation, confidential legal consultation.

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