Queens Vacuum Extraction Delivery Injury

A vacuum extractor is a delivery instrument that is sometimes used to help deliver a baby in cases where the mother is unable to push the baby through the birth canal. A vacuum extractor is made of a cup and a vacuum pump. The cup is attached to the baby’s head to help guide the baby through the birth canal. While a vacuum extractor can be essential to ensuring a safe delivery, if the vacuum extractor is not placed on the baby’s head properly, then the baby could suffer a serious injury. Examples of the types of injuries that are associated with the improper use of a vacuum extractor include a brain injury, contusions, respiratory problems, injury to the shoulders or limbs, cerebral palsy, blindness, a spinal cord injury, developmental delays, or another other serious injuries. Furthermore, the mother could also suffer a serious injury from the negligent use of a vacuum extraction instrument. If you or your baby was seriously injured as a result of the negligent use of a vacuum extractor, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Queens vacuum extraction delivery injury lawyer who will help you pursue compensation for your injuries and your child’s injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.

Vacuum extraction is sometimes recommended when the mother is in the second stage of labor, is pushing, but the baby is not progressing through the birth canal. A doctor may also opt for vacuum extraction if it is necessary to immediately deliver the baby. For example, if a shoulder dystocia complication occurs, meaning that the baby’s shoulders are too large to pass through the birth canal, an immediate delivery may be necessary using a vacuum extraction. In addition, if the mother has a health concern such as heart condition that would indicate that she should limit the amount of pushing or the mother is too exhausted to continue pushing, the doctor may opt for a vacuum extraction.

Accepted medical practice advises against a vacuum extraction if the mother is less than 34 weeks pregnant, the baby has had fetal scalp sampling (blood taken from the baby’s scalp), the baby has a bone disorder such as osteogenesis imperfecta or a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, the baby is in a breech position, or the baby might not be able to fit through the mother’s pelvis. If a vacuum extraction is not advisable or if it fails, then the doctor would perform a caesarean delivery.

It is up to the medical staff to monitor both the mother and baby and make a decision regarding vacuum extraction based on the circumstances. Should the medical staff make a negligent decision to perform a vacuum extraction, or should the medical staff perform the vacuum extraction in a negligent manner, then it would be liable for any harm to the mother or to the baby.

While a vacuum extraction can be performed safely, they do pose risks of injury for both mother and baby. Possible risks to the mother include genital tears, anemia or weakening pelvic muscles. Risks to the baby include cerebral palsy, scalp wounds, collarbone fracture, skull fracture, bleeding and cranial nerve damage.

The treatment required for a baby who suffers paralysis depends on the type of injury and the extent of the damage. For example, in cases of facial paralysis surgery may be necessary to decompress the nerve or to repair muscle damage. However, if the doctor fails to diagnose and treat the condition immediately , it could worsen. When the paralysis is permanent, the child may need life-long therapy to help cope with daily living.

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional such as an obstetrician, neonatologist, labor and delivery room nurse, or other medical professional fails to take reasonable care and as a result the baby is injured. Thus, if a doctor is negligent in performing a vacuum extraction delivery, New York law allows you to hold the negligent doctor legally and financially liable.

The negligent party may be required to compensate you for your medical bills related to the injuries suffered because of the medical mistake. Examples of compensable medical expenses include emergency room treatment, hospital stays, including extended stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, visits to the pediatrician and other doctors, rehabilitation, developmental and physical therapy, medical equipment and prescriptions. The court may also award damages based on the physical and mental anguish you experienced from your injuries and recovery. If as a result of the medical mistake your loved one passes away, then you may be able to recover damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.

If you suspect that you or your baby was injured because a medical professional was negligent in performing a vacuum extraction delivery, do not hesitate to immediately contact someone with experience. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in successfully representing clients and families of clients who have suffered injuries due to mistakes made by medical professionals, as well as those injured in car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, and other types of accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.