During the birth process, a doctor must make decisions regarding the methods of delivery that can deliver the baby as safely as possible. According to a news report in Science Daily, forceps and vacuum devices can play both a positive and potentially negative role during childbirth. In some cases, the use of vacuum devices and forceps may be necessary to effectuate delivery of the baby in expedited manner. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2006, less than one percent of births involved forceps and less than 4 percent involved vacuum assistance.
In some cases, these devices play a critical role for mothers who wish to avoid a C-section. In other cases, improper or contraindicated use of these medical instruments can cause serious injuries to the mother and baby, including intracranial bleeding, brain injury and nerve damage causing facial palsies to the baby, and, vaginal or uterine tears in the mother.
It is the obligation of healthcare providers to use medical instruments with care. Where negligent use of such instruments occurs, victims of New Jersey birth injuries may be able to pursue a claim for their injuries, damages and losses.
The experienced New Jersey birth injury attorneys at Blume Forte can review the circumstances leading up to a birth injury to determine if liability might exist. We have helped numerous families secure compensation in New Jersey birth injury cases involving the use of medical instruments at delivery. If you or a loved one has been hurt by the negligent acts of a medical professional, call our offices at 973-845-4421 to find out how we might be able to help. Please note, that we will only accept cases that are both medically and legally meritorious and will not pursue matters that are purely frivolous.