Injuries Due to Mistakes With Assistive Vaginal Delivery

medical malpractice lawyers Bend OR

Mistakes With Assistive Vaginal Delivery Could be Medical Malpractice in Bend, Oregon

While many babies are born without additional assistance or other means, there are times when a mother needs additional assistance to help the baby be delivered. There are a few ways in which a mother may be assisted while delivering. There are two types of delivery methods when assistance is needed. The methods in which a women may be assisted include assisted vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery. Often times, assisted vaginal deliveries are referred to as operative vaginal deliveries. While the use of these means is very common and often without incident, there are times when a woman or her newborn may be harmed during the use of these methods. Sometimes, these injuries could have been avoided entirely. When this occurs, mistakes with assistive vaginal delivery may be considered to be medical malpractice.

If your loved one suffered serious personal injuries as a result of assistive vaginal delivery medical malpractice, ask our experienced birth injury lawyers at Kuhlman Law for help.  We have leading experts on damages and liability who can help prove your case, as well as a proven track record of success.  We offer FREE consultations and, if we accept your case, we will conduct an investigation into damages and liability for you.  We only get paid after you get paid, meaning we have a no win, no fee guarantee.  

What Devices Are Used in an Assisted Vaginal Delivery?

The two main tools that are used for an assistive vaginal delivery are forceps and vacuum extractors. There are different sized forceps for an assistive vaginal delivery and the correct size must be chosen. If the wrong size is chosen, it can increase the risk of injury. Additionally, forceps pose a risk for injury as they grab each side of the baby’s head, potentially leading to a brain injury or another type of injury. Vacuum extractor works as a suction cup, allowing the physician to pull the baby out. If the doctor applies too much suction, this can cause serious harm to the baby. 

When is an Assisted Vaginal Delivery Indicated?

There are specific indications in which an assisted vaginal delivery may be indicated. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, assisted vaginal deliveries may be appropriate in the event of the following:

  • There are signs that the baby is in distress (fetal distress)
  • The mother has a pre-existing condition in which the stress of pushing may be dangerous or may make her unable to effectively push
  • The mother grows tired and is unable to effectively push
  • There is little progress with the mother trying to push

Operative Delivery Complications

Unfortunately there are times when an assistive vaginal deliveries may not go according to plan. Complications may range from mild to severe, or even deadly. This is why it is always essential for the physician to consider the risks and benefits of assisted vaginal delivery as well as inform the mother of those risks. 

As mentioned above, there are known risks of assisted vaginal delivery. However, there are times when complications occur due to a physician’s error. These complications are then considered to be preventable. Common complications that may occur as a result of improper use of assisted vaginal delivery devices include the following:

  • Skull fractures
  • Hematoma
  • Brachial plexus injuries
  • Bruising
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Intracranial hemorrhage
  • Brain injury as a result of head trauma from the use of a vacuum extractor or forceps
  • Episiotomy 
  • Subconjunctival hemorrhage
  • Cephalohematoma

How Can an Injury From Mistakes With Assistive Vaginal Delivery be Due to Medical Malpractice?

While there are known risks of potential complications that can occur due to the use of forceps or vacuum extractors, there are some complications that are generally more associated with medical malpractice vs. the known risks of assistive vaginal delivery. Common occurrences in which complications due to the use of assistive devices during a vaginal delivery may be due to medical malpractice include the following:

  • Injuries due to the use of extraction tools which occur as a result of excessive twisting or pulling
  • Use of extraction tools for babies 34 weeks gestation or less
  • Use of forceps that are an inappropriate size
  • Use of the vacuum extractor and forceps – only one method should be used if assistive vaginal delivery is required
  • Inaccurate placement of the vacuum extractor
  • Use of assistive vaginal delivery devices when a baby is 10 pounds or more
  • Use of assistive vaginal delivery devices when a c-section is indicated for safety reasons
  • Use of too much force or inaccurate placement of forceps
  • Attempting assistive vaginal delivery when there is a case of cephalopelvic disproportion
  • Use of assistive devices when the membranes have not ruptured and the cervix is not yet fully dilated
  • Any severe injury that occurs during an assistive vaginal delivery should be investigated to determine the cause of the injury

Ask our Birth Injury Lawyer in Bend, OR For Help After Mistakes With Assistive Vaginal Delivery Harm Your Baby

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.

Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton,  Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles,  St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.

 

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