Vacuum extraction is a delivery tool designed to help when labor is not progressing or the baby shows signs of distress. Most of the time this procedure is successful and both parent and baby emerge healthy. But when things go awry, the consequences can be heartbreaking and life changing. If you or your child were affected by a vacuum-assisted delivery, it’s important to know your rights. Contact Latona Law for a free consultation to understand your legal options and how we can help.
What Vacuum Extraction Entails
Vacuum extraction is used during childbirth when a midwife or doctor attaches a soft cup to the baby’s head and applies gentle suction. During contractions the provider uses the vacuum to guide the baby out while the mother pushes. The most common reasons for using it are protracted labor or signs that the baby needs to be delivered quickly.
Usually the procedure works without issue and can avoid a cesarean section. But even routine medical techniques include risks and a wrong move or overlooked detail can lead to injury.
When Things Go Wrong: Common Birth Injuries
Vacuum extraction as a medical intervention carries no guarantee it will go smoothly. For example, a cephalohematoma can occur when blood builds up between an infant’s skull and its membrane. This can appear as a soft bruise on the newborn’s head and may require monitoring for anemia or jaundice.
Another concern is an injury to the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves in the shoulder area. When these nerves are stretched or compressed a baby might have weak or paralyzed muscles in an arm or shoulder. Skull fractures, although rare, can happen if excessive force is applied. Even more serious are intracranial hemorrhages which involve bleeding in the brain and can result in long term neurological damage. Sometimes the mother can experience complications such as lacerations or infection.
Symptoms parents should watch for include swelling or discoloration of the scalp, persistent crying, difficulty moving an arm or uneven feeding patterns. These injuries bring emotional pain, financial strain and uncertainty about what lies ahead if proper care is delayed.
Why Vacuum Extraction Errors Happen
A vacuum extraction may go wrong for several reasons. One is medical negligence. If the provider uses improper technique applies too much force or neglects to monitor the baby’s heart rate during contractions the risk increases.
Another issue is poor decision making such as when extraction is attempted even though a cesarean would have been safer. In some cases hospitals are short staffed or miscommunication between doctors and nurses leads to rushed or inappropriate use of vacuum extraction. It is not just an accident when these problems happen often they signal a lapse in judgment or broken medical protocol.
Legal Options for Affected Families
If a birth injury occurred or distressing symptoms are present parents should know that they may have legal options. Medical malpractice happens when a doctor, nurse or hospital fails to meet accepted standards of care and that failure causes harm. Building a case starts with documenting injuries, detailed medical records and seeking second opinions from specialists. That information forms the foundation of a strong claim.
At Latona Law we help families gather and interpret medical reports and connect with trusted pediatric neurologists and orthopedic experts. We offer a free consultation to review your situation. Our team will explain your rights and outline possible next steps. Whether you are seeking compensation to cover medical bills, emotional trauma or long term rehabilitation and support, we are here to stand by you. Pursuing justice is often not just about holding someone accountable, it is about securing the resources to give a child the best chance at a healthy future.
Speak to a Pennsylvania Birth Injury Lawyer Today
Vacuum extraction is a tool meant to protect the health of parent and baby, yet when applied improperly, it can lead to serious or lifelong injuries. If your family has faced unexplained symptoms or complications after a vacuum assisted delivery it is important to explore your legal options. Latona Law brings compassion, experience and dedication to every birth injury case we take on. You do not have to face this journey alone. Your child deserves the best possible care and your family deserves answers.
If you believe a vacuum extraction went wrong, reach out for a free case evaluation. Contact Latona Law today and let us help you fight for the care and compensation you and your child deserve.