Improper Use of Delivery Instruments

Delivery instruments such as forceps or a vacuum extraction device are sometimes used to help deliver a baby in situations where the baby is not easily coming out of the birth canal. Unfortunately, incorrect use of these devices can actually cause more harm to the infant. In some cases, when medical professionals incorrectly deliver a baby with forceps or with a vacuum extraction device, the baby suffers permanent or even life-threatening injury.

If your delivery or labor is complicated, you have a right to enjoy a reasonable standard of medical care. This means that medical staff should take steps to protect you and your baby. If forceps or a vacuum extraction device are used, they should be used properly so that injury does not happen. If your child has been injured by a medical device, you may have a medical malpractice claim in Miami or your community. To find out more, contact the Flaxman Law Group for more information about your rights.

Injuries caused by forceps, vacuum extraction device, and other delivery instruments can include:

• Nerve damage
• Head injuries and brain damage
• Abrasions and cuts
• Lack of adequate oxygen to the infant’s brain
• Facial paralysis
• Infection
• Spinal cord injuries

Improper use of medical devices during birth and labor can occur for a variety of reasons:

• Lack of proper training
• Not using medical devices when needed during a delivery
• Using medical devices during a delivery when a cesarean section or another treatment is required instead
• Not using the correct sterilization procedure on the medical devices first
• The devices were not maintained correctly
• There was a delay in getting the medical devices to the delivery room when they were needed
• The wrong devices were used
• The delivery devices were not certified for safety
• Not following the guidelines and proper procedures for the delivery devices

If your child has suffered a serious injury that may have been caused by negligence, you may wonder whether you have a birth injury claim in Miami.

Medical professionals typically are obligated to:

• Be competent in a medical capacity
• Have the correct licensing and training
• Obtain informed consent from patients
• Not neglect or abandon the patient
• Protect the patient from injury or harm to a reasonable degree
• Work to prevent or limit injury
• Emergency rooms, hospitals, and other health care facilities are generally expected to:
• Screen medical professionals and verify medical credentials
• Create and enforce processes and policies that help patients
• Properly train staff
• Monitor treatments and staff performance
• Create a safe and hygienic environment
• Use the currently accepted treatments, processes, and diagnostic tools accepted by the medical community

If medical staff failed to do any of the above during your pregnancy, labor, or delivery, you may have a personal injury claim in Miami or your community. The best way to determine whether you have a claim, however, is to contact a medical malpractice attorney.

You can do so by contacting the Flaxman Law Group. The Flaxman Law Group has a dedicated team of legal professionals who have more than 25 years of experience in South Florida courtrooms. Contact the Flaxman Law Group today to put this experience to work for you.