While all parents want a delivery that goes smoothly that is not always the case. When a physician experiences difficulty delivering a baby, it is often necessary to use a birth assistance tool such as a vacuum extractor to aid vaginal delivery. This type of delivery is known as an “operative vaginal delivery.” The use of a vacuum extractor, however, presents a much higher risk of birth injuries. For this reason, the physician’s choice to use a more risky technique over one that is considered safer such as an emergency C-section can result in him or her being held liable for an injury to the fetus.
Bobby Jones is an experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer that has experience representing victims in vacuum extraction injury cases. If your child suffered an injury during birth, Bobby Jones Law can help you and your family recover the compensation that you deserve.
When is the Use of a Vacuum Extractor Justified?
A vacuum extractor utilizes a soft cup attached to a vacuum pump that suctions onto the baby’s head. Using the pressure from the vacuum, the physician guides the baby through the birth canal. Some common reasons why a physician may use a vacuum extractor include:
- Concerns over the mother’s wellbeing. The mother may be unable to have a vaginal delivery. For example, the mother may have an underlying health condition that prevents her from undergoing a long delivery.
- Position of the baby. If the fetus is in an improper delivery position, the physician can use the vacuum extractor to reposition the baby for delivery.
- Fetal distress. When the fetus is in distress, such as experiencing a slow or weakening heartbeat, the vacuum extractor may be used to speed up the delivery.
Common Birth Injuries Caused by Vacuum Extraction Deliveries
Vacuum extraction deliveries have become somewhat controversial since emergency C-sections are viewed as the safer and more appropriate response. Common birth injuries resulting from a vacuum extraction delivery include:
- Scalp injuries and/or skull fractures
- Hematomas. A hematoma is an abnormal pooling of blood or fluid in the brain.
- Hydrocephalus. This refers to an internal brain injury that involves the buildup of fluid that blocks the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- A traumatic brain injury that can lead to serious long-term conditions such as cerebral palsy.
- Nerve damage
- A shoulder or collar bone injury
An experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer can review your case to determine whether the delivering physician was negligent in his or her use of a vacuum extractor.
Discuss your Case with an Experienced Greenville, SC Birth Injury Lawyer
An experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. Bobby Jones is a compassionate and highly experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer that represents victims in cases involving vacuum extraction injuries. Bobby Jones Law serves clients throughout the state of South Carolina with offices conveniently located in Greenville. If you or someone that you know has a child that suffered a birth injury due to the negligent vacuum extraction delivery, contact us today for a FREE consultation to discuss your rights and options.
