Forceps birth injuries occur when a doctor either uses the forceps in an inappropriate situation or uses them incorrectly when delivering a child. The resulting injuries can range from mild to severe.
If your child suffers forceps injuries, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney who has experience with medical malpractice claims. Gill Ports Hoste LLC can help. For over 90 years, members of our legal team have been representing victims of caregiver negligence in complex medical claims.
Our Chicago forceps birth injury lawyers will fight for you from day one to build a strong claim with the goal of getting you the justice you deserve. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
What are some of the most common forceps birth injuries?
Common injuries that can result from problems with the use of the forceps during delivery include:
- Bleeding of the brain: Also called an intracranial hemorrhage, brain bleeding can occur when the forceps are used too roughly. Brain damage can result.
- Damage to the facial nerve: This can include temporary or permanent drooping or weakness. Usually, this is on one side of the face and results from too much pressure being placed on the nerve.
- Skull fractures: Forceps are hard metal instruments, and when used too aggressively on a small baby’s delicate bones, skull fractures can result.
- Eye damage: When the forceps impact the infant’s eye, this could lead to retinal hemorrhage.
- Cephaloemotoma: This is a collection of blood that can form under the scalp due to improper forceps use. It can cause swelling, and it increases the risk of infants becoming jaundiced.
- Erb’s palsy: Erb’s palsy or other brachial plexus injuries can result from damage to the nerves in the neck or the shoulders.
- Neurological damage: When brain damage results from the use of forceps, children can suffer from developmental delays, experience frequent seizures, or suffer from conditions like cerebral palsy.
When is a doctor legally responsible for forceps birth injuries?
A doctor can be held legally responsible for forceps birth injuries in circumstances where the doctor:
- Had a duty or obligation to provide professional care. This is the case of every doctor delivering a baby.
- Failed to fulfill that obligation. This is determined based on what a similarly trained doctor would have reasonably done in the situation. If no trained OBGYN would have used the forceps the way your doctor did, this could be evidence of medical negligence.
- Damage resulting from the failure. You will have to show that your child’s injuries occurred as a direct result of the misuse of the forceps or other mistakes made by the doctor.
Gill Ports Hoste LLC will help you to obtain your medical records and gather information from witnesses, such as other medical professionals present at the time of the forceps use. We have a team of medical experts who can review your case to discover what went wrong, and we will work with you to show the extent of the harm your child endured as a result of the errors.
Contact a Chicago forceps birth injury lawyer
Attorneys at Gill Ports Hoste LLC are among a select few who have recovered verdicts in excess of $10 million on behalf of our clients.
Your case details will determine your compensation, but our legal experience and compassionate advocacy help you maximize the chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
To find out how we can make a compelling claim on your behalf, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a Chicago forceps birth injury lawyer.