Forceps are essential for many deliveries, but their misuse can have dangerous consequences for your new baby. A doctor may need to use them when the baby is not in the proper position for a typical delivery. Using forceps may avoid the necessity of a C-section, but it can also severely harm your unborn child.
At The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia, our highly skilled forceps birth injury lawyers know how to help you after a forceps injury. Let us put our experience to work for you and your family.
Why Choose Us
The Cochran Firm employs some of the best birth injury lawyers in the nation. Our attorneys in the Philadelphia office have won millions of dollars for our clients, including in birth injury cases. We understand what you are going through and the damage forceps can do to your newborn baby during childbirth.
Robert S. Miller is the leading birth injury attorney at our Philadelphia office. He is known for his attention to detail and his care to every client. As a result, he has achieved countless successes on behalf of his clients, such as a $16 million verdict for a pedestrian struck by an impaired driver and millions more for his other clients. He and every attorney at The Cochran Firm take your case seriously and will put their vast experience to work for you.
What Are Forceps?
Forceps are a tool used in forceps delivery. This is a form of assisted vaginal delivery in which the doctor uses forceps to help adjust the position of the unborn baby. Forceps look similar to long metal salad tongs and are used to help guide the baby out of the birth canal. The forceps grasp the child to help turn or reposition the child when necessary.
Forceps are usually needed in the second delivery stage — during the pushing stage. The baby must be at least halfway through the birth canal, and the healthcare team must be able to determine the baby’s position. Forceps are often used to avoid a C-section; however, forceps can be incredibly dangerous when used improperly and cause severe harm to your child.
How Are Forceps Used During Delivery?
Delivery forceps are designed to cradle the shape of the baby’s head and are curved to accommodate the shape of the mother’s pelvis. The forceps are inserted into the vaginal canal as the mother pushes. They are then used to help guide the baby out while placed on either side of the baby’s head.
Forceps should only be used so long as they are helping. A well-trained medical professional knows when to use them and when to stop. The issue is when doctors keep using them when they should not or use them incorrectly. Catastrophic birth injuries may occur as a result.
Injuries From Negligent Forceps Delivery in Philadelphia
Careless or negligent use of forceps is often a form of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other medical professional breaches their standard of care while delivering your child. Forceps injuries commonly occur because of a medical professional’s negligent conduct. They fail to use them properly or when they are an inappropriate tool for the situation.
Forceps birth injuries often include, but are not limited to:
- Bladder injuries or uterine tears for the mother
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Oxygen deprivation and brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractured or broken bones
- Cerebral palsy
- Wrongful death.
These injuries and many more may result from medical negligence when using forceps. The Philadelphia attorneys at The Cochran Law Firm know how to investigate the cause of your child’s injuries. We will help you seek compensation for your injuries and your young child’s injuries.
Compensation in Forceps Birth Injury Claims
Compensation is available after a successfully proven forceps injury claim. This compensation can help you and your child recover both the economic costs you have suffered and the non-economic losses. Compensation in Philadelphia force injury claims typically includes:
- Past and future medical costs
- Loss of income or future earning capacity
- Long-term disability costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and support
- Wrongful death damages
Frequently Asked Questions About Forceps Injuries
The attorneys at The Cochran Firm can help answer specific questions you may have about your case. To help you get started, here are a few common questions we get about Philadelphia force injury cases.
Who Is Liable for a Forceps Injury?
Several parties may be liable for a forceps injury. This may include doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. It may also include the hospital or other employer of anyone who caused the injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Forceps Injury Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for most birth injury lawsuits is two years. This two-year period may begin at different times depending on the specific facts of your case.
How Do I Know If My Child Suffered a Forceps Injury?
If forceps were used during your delivery and your child was injured, the injury may be related to the forceps. Let a skilled team of Philadelphia birth injury lawyers determine what caused your child’s injuries. You do not have to know for sure before you contact us.
How Long Does a Forceps Injury Case Take?
The amount of time it takes to settle your forceps injury claim will depend on the individual facts of your case. Some resolve fairly quickly, while others require more negotiation and investigation. Some cases settle out of court, while others may need to go to trial to win you compensation. Our attorneys are with you every step of the way in either situation.
Our attorneys at the Cochran Law Firm in Philadelphia can answer your questions. Get in touch with us to learn more about your unique case.
Contact a Philadelphia Forceps Injury Attorney for Help
At The Cochran Firm, we know what you are going through after a forceps injury. You and your child are likely suffering physical and emotional harm from this traumatic birth. You could be owed significant compensation for everything that you have been through.
For help with your forceps injury case, contact us online or call 800-969-4400 for the help you deserve. We will stand by you and seek the compensation you deserve.