When forceps are misused, the consequences can be devastating for both mother and baby. At Fieger Law, our Michigan forceps birth injury lawyers are committed to helping families affected by forceps-related birth injuries by fighting for justice and maximum compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Use of Forceps During Birth
When labor is prolonged or if the baby is showing signs of fetal distress, and the mother is unable to push the baby through on her own, doctors might use forceps. Forceps are a common tool in these situations, so standard medical procedure should be established and easy to follow. When improper use happens, though, it can lead to severe injuries.
Other assisted delivery methods, like vacuum extraction or an emergency C-section, may be considered as alternatives depending on the circumstances. An experienced healthcare provider should know when and how to use any of these methods.
Common Forceps-Related Birth Injuries
Common injuries caused by the use of forceps range from minor to severe. They can also affect both the baby and the mother. Some of the most common forceps-related injuries include:
For the Baby
- Skull fractures
- Facial nerve damage that can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis
- Brain injuries that include conditions like cerebral palsy
- Eye injuries, resulting in vision loss
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
For the Mother
- Severe vaginal tearing
- Uterine rupture, which can threaten her life
- Infections resulting from trauma during delivery
- Pelvic organ prolapse that can come with long-term complications
Signs and Symptoms of Forceps Birth Injuries
Some forceps-related injuries may be obvious right away, while others take time to reveal themselves. For babies, signs of injury may include bruising, unusual head shape, or difficulty moving certain muscles. Long-term symptoms may involve developmental delays, motor skill impairments, or learning disabilities.
Mothers may experience immediate pain from tearing or other injuries. Complications like infections or pelvic damage may take longer to appear. Regardless of when they manifest, early diagnosis and medical treatment can decrease the severity of these complications.
How Medical Negligence Contributes to Forceps Birth Injuries
When forceps-related injuries are caused by medical negligence, it adds another level of emotional pain to an already sad situation. Medical professionals are required to follow specific standards of care when using forceps. When they don’t, their errors in judgment or technique can have devastating effects. Common examples of medical negligence include:
- Improper Use of Forceps: Misuse or excessive force can cause significant damage to the baby’s skull or nerves.
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Delays in recognizing fetal distress can lead to severe complications if forceps are used inappropriately.
- Delaying a Necessary C-Section: Using forceps when a timely C-section would have been the safer option is a form of negligence.
- Lack of Proper Training: Some doctors may not have the necessary experience or training to use forceps safely during delivery.
Legal Rights for Families Affected by Forceps Birth Injuries
Families impacted by forceps-related injuries have the legal right to seek compensation through a birth injury claim. Medical malpractice cases allow them to recover damages when the injuries are caused by medical negligence. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses (both past and future)
- Costs for rehabilitation and long-term care
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering
Pursuing a legal claim not only helps families recover financially but also hold the negligent healthcare providers accountable. Accountability can potentially prevent similar injuries from happening to others.
Long-Term Impacts of Forceps Birth Injuries
The consequences of a forceps injury can be long-lasting, often resulting in permanent disabilities for the child. This means the child may require specialized care and therapy for years to come. Then there’s the emotional pain of the parents as they deal with the sadness around their child’s situation.
These factors add to the burden of caregiving and financial hardship of ongoing medical care. The stress and life-altering reality for them is beyond overwhelming. Securing compensation is essential for covering the child’s ongoing medical and personal care.
How a Michigan Forceps Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help
Getting a birth injury lawyer is one of the most crucial steps you can take after a forceps-related injury. At Fieger Law, we understand the complexities involved in birth injury cases. You can count on our team of experienced attorneys to handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Investigating all the circumstances of the injury
- Consulting medical experts to establish negligence
- Building a strong case to prove liability
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation
- Preparing for court if a settlement can’t be reached
Why Choose Fieger Law for Your Forceps Birth Injury Case?
Fieger Law has been a leader in birth injury litigation for decades. We have a proven record of obtaining significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our compassionate approach to helping each client means that we work closely with families to provide the most personalized legal support every step of the way.
We understand that events such as forceps-related birth injuries are devastating, and we want every family to feel supported and confident that we will be there every step of the way.
Contact Our Michigan Forceps Birth Injury Lawyers Today
If your family has been affected by a forceps-related injury, don’t delay getting help. Contact Fieger Law today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice for your child.