Few things are more exciting and memorable for couples than having a baby. Pregnancy and the birth of a child are among life’s most anticipated and joyful experiences. However, if vacuum extraction during birth is necessary, it can cause complications that have negative long-term consequences for the baby and mother.
The birth injury attorneys at Wagner Reese, LLP, understand the massive physical and emotional impact that birth injuries from vacuum extraction can have. If medical negligence caused the injury, you could be entitled to compensation.
Our Indiana birth injury attorneys at Wagner Reese, LLP, have developed an excellent reputation in birth injury cases. Our attorneys are members of the exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group of the best 1% of the attorneys in the United States. Many of our attorneys have been named among the Best Lawyers in America© by Best Lawyers® in 2022 and 2024.
When you choose us as your attorney, you can rest assured that we have an outstanding track record of settlements and verdicts in birth injury cases. Contact us today to discuss your birth injury claim.
What Is Vacuum-Assisted Birth?
Vacuum-assisted birth is when a vacuum extractor assists the mother during birthing. The vacuum extractor, also known as a ventouse-assisted delivery, features a small suction cup attached to the infant’s head when it is in the birth canal. As the mother contracts, the doctor engages in a gentle pulling motion to the infant’s head, as the vacuum suctions the head from the canal.
There are legitimate reasons for vacuum-assisted birth. When done correctly, these births have a success rate of 95%. An experienced birth injury attorney doesn’t argue that vacuums should never be used during birth. Vacuum-assisted deliveries are a good option when used appropriately.
Some situations where vacuum-assisted birth may be appropriate are:
- Long labor: The second stage of labor is more than two hours
- Abnormal presentation: The baby is in a breech position
- Shoulder dystocia: The shoulders are too big to pass through the canal
- Mother exhaustion: The mother is too tired to continue with a regular delivery
- Infant distress: The infant has an abnormal heart rate
- Avoid C-sections: The doctor or mother wants to avoid a C-section
What Are Complications Related to Vacuum Extraction?
While vacuum extraction can be done safely, there are good reasons to avoid the procedure, if possible. Medical literature suggests that vacuum extraction-assisted births are correlated with infant brain hemorrhages. Some sources say that about one-third of vacuum-assisted deliveries don’t work as intended, requiring a Cesarean section. A birth injury attorney typically gets involved in a case when the vacuum device was used at birth when it wasn’t warranted.
Vacuum-assisted births are often performed by doctors who aren’t skilled with forceps, which require considerable skill to use safely. Medical malpractice lawsuits are sometimes filed when the obstetrician misuses a vacuum suction device or continues to use it when another approach is needed.
For example, many malpractice cases arise if a vacuum is used after the doctor already tried to deliver using forceps. The device is also a suboptimal choice if the baby needs to be rotated in the birth canal. The standard of care states that vacuum extraction should not be used when the infant’s head is too high in the birth canal.
The biggest worry with vacuum-assisted births is a subgaleal hematoma. This is a brain bleed under the infant’s skull. The brain is highly vulnerable to damage at this point, and a minor injury can have devastating consequences. Other possible injuries are facial nerve palsies, retinal hemorrhage, brachial plexus injury, and skull fractures with hemorrhage.
Compensation for Birth Injuries Due to Vacuum Extraction
If your attorney can prove that your doctor did not meet the standard of care for a vacuum-assisted birth, you could receive compensation for your losses. Vacuum birth injuries can cause permanent damage and disabilities to the infant, which can be financially and emotionally devastating. Our birth injury attorneys have an impressive record of verdicts and testimonials in various personal injury cases. We will determine if the doctor violated the standard of care. If so, we will fight for maximum compensation for your baby’s injuries.
Talk to an Indiana Birth Injury Lawyer Now
If vacuum extraction was used during your child’s birth and there were complications, speak to a birth injury attorney immediately. Wagner Reese, LLP is an experienced and skilled advocate for all injury victims, including infants who suffered a vacuum extraction injury.
Our injury attorneys can review your claim immediately and determine your legal options. For legal help, contact our Indiana birth injury attorneys today at (866) 824-6380.
