Forceps & Vacuum Injury Lawyers in North Carolina
Assisting Families in Complex Birth Injury Litigation
Assisted birth, though somewhat rarer than it once was, is still sometimes used to aid in the delivery of a baby. When there are certain, non-life-threatening complications during birth, the doctor or medical professional in charge of the delivery will use forceps or a vacuum extractor to physically pull the baby out. When used properly, these can be incredibly helpful medical tools. When used improperly, however, forceps and vacuums can cause serious, debilitating birth injuries.
Did your child suffer serious injuries following a forceps- or vacuum-assisted birth? Do you believe medical negligence is to blame? Reach out to the legal team at Lanier Law Group. Since 1997, we have been providing compassionate, personalized legal representation for injured children and their families. Our North Carolina forceps and vacuum injury lawyers can help you seek the full, fair compensation you are owed.
When & Why Forceps & Vacuums Are Used During Childbirth
Assistive devices, such as forceps and vacuum extractors, are typically used when there are complications during labor or delivery that prevent a typical birth from occurring naturally.
A doctor may use forceps or a vacuum extractor if:
- Labor is prolonged and/or not progressing
- You should not push for too long due to a medical condition
- Your baby is showing signs of fetal distress, necessitating immediate delivery
- Your baby is lodged in the birthing canal
Essentially, both forceps and vacuums may be used if something is delaying the birth. The doctor may attempt to use a vacuum extractor and/or forceps before ordering a C-section (if assisted birth is not successful).
Common Forceps & Vacuum Injuries
While forceps and vacuum extractors can be helpful tools, they also pose certain risks to both mothers and infants if they are not used correctly.
Though rare, some examples of forceps and vacuum extractor birth injuries include:
- Facial injuries (cuts, scrapes, pressure injuries, etc.)
- Temporary facial palsy (weakness of face muscles)
- Eye injuries (usually relatively minor)
- Bleeding
- Broken bones
- Skull fractures
- Brain injuries/trauma
- Seizures
Additionally, the mother can suffer certain injuries associated with forceps and vacuum extractor use, including pain, tearing, short- or long-term incontinence, uterine rupture, pelvic organ prolapse, bladder injuries, and more.
What to Do If You or Your Child Suffered Birth Injuries
It’s important that you are aware of your rights. If a doctor, nurse, or hospital’s negligence resulted in you or your child suffering injuries or complications during or after labor or delivery, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
At Lanier Law Group, our experienced North Carolina forceps and vacuum injury lawyers can help you take legal action against the liable party. We understand that you are dealing with an array of financial, physical, and emotional challenges, which is why we are committed to doing everything we can to ease your stress and secure the maximum compensation you are owed.
We provide all of our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees necessary unless/until we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf. With office locations throughout the state and a bilingual staff available to assist you in English or Spanish, Lanier Law Group is ready to serve you and your family.
