When labor becomes difficult or prolonged, doctors sometimes rely on tools to assist with delivery. Vacuum extractors and forceps are among the most commonly used devices in those moments. These instruments can be helpful in the right hands, but when they are misused or applied too late, the results can be traumatic.
If your child suffered an injury after an attempted vacuum or forceps delivery in Pennsylvania, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. Reach out to Latona Law for a free legal consultation. Your family deserves answers and support.
What Are Vacuum and Forceps Deliveries?
Vacuum and forceps deliveries are forms of assisted birth. Doctors typically use them during the second stage of labor when the baby is not progressing through the birth canal as expected. Forceps are metal instruments shaped like large tongs that gently grip the baby’s head to help guide it out. A vacuum extractor uses suction to assist with pulling the baby during contractions.
These methods are not uncommon and are often used when labor stalls or when the baby shows signs of distress. However, both procedures come with serious risks. The decision to use them must be made carefully, and the execution must follow accepted medical standards. Poor technique or the wrong timing can turn a routine delivery into a life-altering event.
When an Assisted Delivery Becomes Medical Negligence
Not every injury that follows a vacuum or forceps delivery is caused by medical error. Still, there are situations where poor decisions or improper use of tools cross the line into negligence. In Pennsylvania, a valid birth injury claim must prove that the medical team failed to meet the standard of care and that this failure directly caused harm.
Incorrect Use of the Tools
Forceps and vacuum devices require precision. If a provider applies too much pressure, pulls at the wrong angle, or makes repeated attempts that go against best practices, the baby can suffer serious injuries. Skull fractures, bleeding inside the brain, and facial nerve damage are just a few examples. When improper technique leads to preventable injury, it may form the basis of a legal claim.
Using Tools in Unsafe Situations
There are times when forceps or vacuum delivery should not be attempted at all. If the baby is too high in the birth canal, if there is an unusual position, or if certain risk factors are present in the mother, assisted delivery may be dangerous. In some cases, a cesarean section is the safer choice. Choosing an assisted delivery under these conditions may be considered negligence if it results in injury.
Delay in Making the Right Call
Timing is everything during delivery. If fetal distress is evident and the medical team waits too long to act, the baby may suffer from reduced oxygen or other complications. Delays in switching from assisted delivery to surgical intervention can make the difference between a healthy birth and permanent injury.
Failure to Inform the Patient
Doctors must also explain the risks and alternatives before performing an assisted delivery. If the mother was not fully informed or did not give proper consent, and an injury occurred, that lack of communication may be part of a broader medical negligence claim.
Injuries Commonly Linked to Failed Vacuum or Forceps Deliveries
Assisted deliveries, when not performed correctly, can cause a range of birth injuries. Some are temporary, but others may result in permanent physical or cognitive challenges. These include:
- Bleeding within the brain
- Skull or facial fractures
- Nerve damage, particularly in the face or shoulder
- Shoulder dystocia or damage to the brachial plexus
- Cerebral palsy
- Swelling or bruising of the scalp
- Brain damage caused by lack of oxygen
Each of these injuries may require specialized care, ongoing therapy, or long-term support. The emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming, especially when the injury was preventable.
Why Legal Support Matters in These Cases
Birth injury cases involving forceps or vacuum deliveries are medically and legally complex. Hospitals and insurance providers may argue that the delivery was performed appropriately, even when clear signs point to mistakes. Proving negligence requires access to medical records, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of obstetric care.
At Latona Law, we focus on birth injury claims throughout Pennsylvania. We understand the tactics used by medical providers to avoid accountability, and we know how to build a strong case based on facts and expert analysis. Our team works to secure compensation for medical expenses, therapies, and future needs so that families can move forward with confidence.
Contact Latona Law for a Free Legal Consultation
If your child was harmed during a vacuum or forceps delivery, you are not alone. What happened in that delivery room may not have been just an unfortunate outcome. It may have been avoidable. Let Latona Law review your case and help you understand your rights. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. We are ready to listen, investigate, and fight for the justice your family deserves.