Forceps and vacuum extraction devices are useful tools to help doctors deliver babies who are stuck in the birth canal due to being oversized, or in a breech position. But misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause injury to the baby. These injuries can include damage to the nerves in the shoulder (brachial plexus palsy or Erb’s palsy), and bleeding in the head and consequent brain damage. A medical malpractice lawsuit may be appropriate if the baby has a significant injury.
Vacuum extractors are now more popular with obstetricians than forceps. Vacuum devices are much simpler to use. They are really nothing more than a suction cup, placed on the top of the baby’s head, with a handle attached so that the doctor can pull. Misuse of the vacuum can occur when the doctor puts the suction cup on the wrong part of the head, or makes too many pulls, or tries to bring the baby out from too high a position in the birth canal.
Consult with an Experienced Malpractice Attorney
If you believe you or a family member has been seriously injured from medical malpractice, medical error, or neglect by a doctor, hospital, nurse, clinic, nursing home or other health care provider, you may want to click here to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney for a free evaluation of your case. You can also email us at info@patrickmalonelaw.com or call us at 202-742-1500 or 888-625-6635 toll-free. We will respond within 24 hours. There is no charge for our initial consultation.