Experienced Forceps Injury Bruising Attorneys
Every year, babies and their mothers suffer crippling and life-threatening injuries due to improper use of forceps. A common tool used during deliveries, misuse of forceps can lead to injury and even death depending on the severity of the misuse.
If you or your baby are the victims of forceps injury, the Baltimore birth injury law firm of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. PA can help. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients whose babies were injured or killed due to improper forceps use. Speak with an attorney.
Forceps Delivery
The forceps is a medical tool that resembles a large pair of tongs. Doctors deploy forceps as part of assisted vaginal deliveries, using them to clasp onto the baby’s head while the mother pushes during contractions. Because the forceps comes into direct contact with the baby, improper usage can lead to physical injury.
Due to the nature of forceps delivery, it is generally only used in specific circumstances, including:
- The mother’s cervix is dilated and the baby has begun moving through the birth canal
- Lack of birth progress during labor
- Baby has an irregular heartbeat or other serious medical problem and needs immediate delivery
- Baby’s head is in the wrong direction
The risks of forceps use require doctors to obtain consent from mothers before using forceps during a live birth. Mothers are allowed to refuse consent to a forceps birth if they feel that the risks are too great. In the event that a forceps delivery is unsuccessful, doctors will generally opt for a caesarian section.
