Forceps Delivery May Cause Cerebral Palsy

Medical malpractice comes in many forms. Forceps delivery may be one of those forms.

Delivering a baby is a major deal, to the parents, the baby about to arrive and the staff on hand for the birth. The unfortunate thing is that giving birth may also be ripe for complications; complications that may backfire and hurt the baby. Forceps delivery – often used when the baby is large, labor is prolonged or when the baby is in a breech position – is tricky and may end up causing a lot of harm to a newborn.

While forceps delivery is an accepted and recognized method of assisting delivery, if it’s not done properly, birth injuries such as brain or nerve damage may be the end result. Typically, this instrument isn’t used until there are indications the baby is in distress. For example, when its position in the birth canal is not right or when the mother is having difficulty pushing. If the forceps are used, they are designed in such a way as to clamp on the sides of the baby’s head, thus giving the delivery team a good grip.

However, having said that, the grip may be too tight, not in the right position and may cause damage. If you suspect your baby was injured as a result of a forceps delivery gone bad, take your case details to a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer and find out what your rights are and what you can do to recover compensation.

Quick delivery, precise positioning, care taken to protect the skull and a gentle but persistent grip executed with supreme care often saves a baby’s life and keeps it from suffering severe oxygen deprivation. It’s almost perverse to point out that the same techniques and procedures may also permanently hurt the baby; temporarily or permanently. Incorrect use of the forceps may result in cerebral palsy, a fractured skull and possible nerve damage.

When dealing with facial nerve damage, what tends to happen is that permanent facial asymmetry is the result of misusing the forceps. Damage like that is noticeable when the child cries or laughs. Cerebral palsy is the result of a damaged cerebrum, which controls motor functions. There is no known cure.

Did you know that the average lifetime cost to care for a child with cerebral palsy is close to $921,000? You can see why filing a medical malpractice lawsuit to recover expenses would make some sense. No family could shoulder that financial burden without a great deal of suffering and this is why they need to discuss their experience and any injuries to their child with a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer.

Many think it’s only the baby that is at risk for injury during a delivery. This isn’t the case, as the mother may also sustain rectal injuries, urinary tract infections and lacerations. Giving birth is definitely not an easy endeavor and if the doctor or another medical professional was negligent in performing their duties or in the care the mother and baby received, before and after birth, there may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. This is something you need to discuss with a seasoned Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer, because some cases with a bad medical outcome are not always classified as med mal.

Christopher Mellino is a Cleveland Malpractice Lawyer specializing in Cleveland Medical Malpractice cases in Ohio. To learn more, visit Christophermellino.com.

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