Honolulu Vacuum Extraction Injury Lawyer | Honolulu, Hawaii

Vacuum Extraction Complications

Vacuum Extraction Injury Lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii

So your doctor selected vacuum extraction over forceps or cesarean section for the delivery of your baby. You are now questioning if the postpartum health issues you or your baby suffered resulted from this decision or incorrect vacuum extraction delivery. Are vacuum extractions the safest way of administration?

You may wish to read more about the procedures and risks of instrument-assisted delivery and what you may do if you or your kid were injured due to vacuum birth malpractice. Under certain conditions, using vacuum extractors during labor and delivery may be the most advantageous option. However, when used incorrectly, vacuum extractors can cause severe harm to the mother or the infant.

If you feel that your doctor caused damage by the irresponsible use of a vacuum extractor during delivery, you must understand your legal options for seeking compensation. Our team’s skilled vacuum extraction injury lawyer is instantly accessible to discuss your case.

Contact us immediately for a free consultation, whether you suffered physical trauma, or your kid was later diagnosed with brain damage, cerebral palsy, or another illness that may have been caused by birth negligence. We at SRB Hawaii Law are committed to assisting victims of birth injuries and their families in Honolulu and beyond.

Why do you need a vacuum extraction lawyer in Hawaii?

If your baby is diagnosed with a significant medical issue before, during, or after birth, our qualified Honolulu vacuum extraction injury lawyer can assist you. Below are some ways we can assist you.

Identify the Reason for Your Child's Vacuum Extraction Injury

It is crucial to determine the cause of your child’s vacuum extraction injury. This can help you decide on your kid’s future medical requirements, where to take your child for treatment, and how to plan for any financial problems your family may face.

Our vacuum extraction injury lawyer can assist you in obtaining a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan from a medical specialist acting in your child’s best interests.

Determine Whether Medical Negligence Contributed to Your Child's Injury

Once we have determined the cause of your child’s injury, we will be able to advise you on filing a medical malpractice claim. If your OB-GYN or another healthcare practitioner could have averted or minimized your child’s damage, your family may be entitled to monetary compensation.

Calculate the Costs of Your Child's Vacuum Extraction Injury Over Their Entire Life

The financial and non-financial consequences of vacuum extraction injuries can be enormous, including medical fees, persistent discomfort, and lifelong disability. To make an informed decision on the assertion of your family’s legal rights, you must be aware of how much your family may be able to recover if you choose to proceed.

Our skilled Honolulu vacuum extraction injury lawyer will be able to offer a preliminary assessment of your family’s claim. Then we will work with qualified medical and financial professionals to record your family’s losses in detail.

Assist You in Determining Whether to File a Claim

We can help you in making an educated choice about whether to submit a claim based on the source of your child’s vacuum extraction injury and your family’s long-term expenses. We will be able to explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you might have to make you feel comfortable and secure in your decision.

Deal With Physicians or Hospital Insurance Providers

If you decide to file a birth injury claim, our knowledgeable vacuum extraction injury lawyer will negotiate with the doctor’s or hospital’s insurance company on your behalf. We will keep you apprised of the process’s development and solicit your opinion as appropriate.

Collect Evidence to Support Your Case

For a birth injury claim to be successful, both proof of responsibility (i.e., that a doctor committed medical malpractice) and proof of damages are required (i.e., how much your family is entitled to recover). We will gather and provide all essential information to prove your family’s claim for reasonable compensation based on our extensive experience.

Negotiate on Your Family's Behalf and Going to Court When Necessary

The majority of successful vacuum-related injury lawsuits are settled. If the insurance provider makes an offer, we will review the terms with you. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we can assist you in deciding whether or not to file a lawsuit on behalf of your family.

What is a Vacuum Extraction?

Occasionally, a vacuum extractor is utilized during the birth of a baby, such as when the infant is in distress, or the mother loses the power to push. It’s usually used to avoid a cesarean section or protracted fetal discomfort. 

During vacuum extraction, a plastic cup is placed on the infant’s head. The opposite end of the cup is then hooked to a vacuum, creating suction that assists the mother’s pushing in moving the baby down the delivery canal. The extractor must be properly positioned on the baby’s head; otherwise, the baby’s skull and brain might sustain harm. If the doctor pulls too forcefully, this might potentially cause brain damage.

During each contraction of the mother, the vacuum extractor is pressured to generate suction on the baby’s head. During contractions, the doctor next employs the vacuum extractor to pull on the baby’s head.

The term “operative vaginal delivery” refers to a delivery in which the physician employs a tool, such as a suction device, to help extricate the infant from the birth canal. In 1953, a Swedish obstetrician created the vacuum extractor by introducing a hollow, disc-shaped, stainless steel metal cup for vacuum-assisted birth. Suction tubing was connected to the cup’s dome, and a traction chain was threaded through the tubing.

This cup became the model for all future vacuum extractor devices very immediately. In the United States, the number of vacuum-assisted births overtook forceps deliveries in 1992, and by 2000, roughly two-thirds of surgical vaginal deliveries were performed by vacuum.

What Are Some of the Indications of Vacuum-Assisted Delivery?

Although there is no definite indication, a vacuum-assisted birth should only be tried under certain circumstances. The most common uses for vacuum extraction include:

  • The duration of the second stage of labor is extended or prolonged labor;
  • Fetal status is non-reassuring, meaning the fetus is having problems during labor;
  • Bearing down or pushing attempts might be dangerous due to a mother’s sickness (e.g., maternal cardiac or neurological disease is present); or
  • The mother is worn out.

What Are Some of the Contraindications of Vacuum-Assisted Delivery?

In several circumstances, vacuum extraction should never be undertaken. Included among the contraindications for vacuum delivery are the following:

  • Pregnancy is less than 34 weeks. At these ages, fetal intraventricular hemorrhage is possible;
  • Prior scalp sampling or several attempts at fetal scalp electrode insertion are contraindications since these procedures may increase the risk of cephalohematoma or external bleeding from the scalp incision;
  • Fetal demineralization illness;
  • Connective tissue abnormalities;
  • Fetal bleeding diathesis; or
  • Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD).

Vacuum extractions come with their risks. The physician should be aware of the contraindications and possible complications. If your doctor has been careless, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to our Honolulu vacuum extraction complications lawyer to discuss your case!

What Are the Proper Techniques for Using the Vacuum Extractor?

The most essential method for preventing complications is to rigorously follow the Food and Drug Administration’s suggestion that the vacuum device is used only when there is a particular obstetric justification. Additionally, physicians should adhere to the following guidelines.

There must be proper cup positioning.

The vacuum extractor is placed on the head of the fetus, and traction is used to extract the infant, generally during a contraction while the mother is pushing. The mother is positioned in the lithotomy position and aids by pushing throughout the procedure. The suction created by the cup on the baby’s head draws skin from the scalp into the cup.

The cup must be positioned over the point of bending. Misalignment of the cup causes cranial asymmetry as traction is applied, which hinders delivery since a bigger portion of the head (increased cranial diameter) is presented to the birth canal. This is associated with a higher incidence of scalp damage. If the cup becomes dislodged, a person may sustain an injury. Before reapplying the cup, the scalp must be inspected to ensure no injuries.

The correct suction cup must be used.

Different suction cups are used depending on the position of the baby. A soft, bell-shaped cup is generally used to reduce the risk of injury, thus it’s usually used when only minimal traction is needed. If greater traction is required, then rigid, mushroom-shaped cups are used. 

Doctors need to know when to discontinue the procedure.

When the vaginal birth is not proceeding properly, the physician must be ready to forgo the vacuum extraction and immediately perform a C-section. There is a tendency to try to finish the birth vaginally despite unsuccessful progress or numerous cup pop-offs. However, it is vital to deliver the baby through the abdomen by C-section when the vacuum aid or vaginal delivery is ineffective.

A recommended vaginal delivery that could not be accomplished with vacuum aid is unlikely to proceed to a spontaneous vaginal delivery with a little more time, and the risk of injury or death dramatically increases with delay.

What Are the Common Risk Factors of Vacuum Extraction Injuries?

Due to the numerous risk variables that might contribute to vacuum extraction injuries, there are times when an extractor should not be utilized during childbirth. Several risk factors might contribute to injuries from vacuum extraction.

Several situations where a vacuum extractor should not be utilized to aid delivery. Factors that enhance the risk of problems during vacuum extraction delivery:

  • The infant’s head is positioned too high in the delivery canal.
  • The infant is not positioned head-down in the delivery canal (breech)
  • The infant cannot fit through the mother’s pelvis.
  • The infant suffers from a disease that produces brittle bones or a bleeding issue.
  • The physician is unable to identify the location of the infant’s head.
  • The mother has been pregnant for less than 34 weeks.

What Are the Possible Signs or Symptoms Associated With Vacuum Extractor Birth Injuries?

Signs of incorrect vacuum extractor use may develop soon after birth or in the following days and weeks. Babies damaged by incorrect usage of vacuum extractors may exhibit one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Laziness or lethargy
  • Apnea or difficulty of breathing
  • Convulsions
  • Complicated feedings

You must seek medical assistance immediately if your infant exhibits any of these symptoms. Your baby’s physician should immediately conduct CT, or MRI scans to establish the presence of a bleed and, if one is there, to guide the treatment plan. 

If you think your physician or birthing team failed to follow the instructions for utilizing a vacuum extractor safely and efficiently, resulting in damage to your child, you may have a viable medical malpractice claim. Call us today to discuss your case in a free consultation!

What Are the Common Short-Term Effects of Vacuum-Assisted Delivery for the Mother and Baby?

The majority of vacuum extraction injuries are readily apparent within ten hours of delivery.

Immediate impacts on the infant:

  • Subdural hemorrhaging
  • Bleeding beneath the scalp
  • Head bruising and edema

Immediate effects on the mother:

  • Anemia related to blood loss
  • Blood clots occur
  • Pelvic pain
  • Infection caused by vaginal tears

Blood clots can be avoided by frequently moving, wearing anti-clotting stockings, or receiving anti-clotting injections.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Vacuum-Assisted Delivery for the Mother and Baby?

Vacuum extraction issues can result in several long-term effects that need additional medical treatment for both the mother and the infant. Long-term consequences for the infant:

Intracranial hemorrhage is one of the newborns’ most dangerous problems. The bleeding is caused by injury to the veins produced by the suction cup pulling on the baby’s head’s tissues. This might potentially result in life-threatening hematomas and brain damage. Depending on the region of the brain that has been damaged, brain injury may cause speech and developmental issues.

Long-term effects for the mother include:

  • Recurrent pelvic pain
  • Incontinence
  • Problems involving urination, feces, and sexual activity
  • Severe vaginal tears

Can Vacuum Extraction Be Lethal?

In rare instances, vacuum extraction might result in the death of a newborn if it produces a severe brain injury or if doctors fail to manage additional issues. Serious birth injuries caused by vacuum extraction can potentially result in permanent disorders such as paralysis, muscular control issues, and intellectual incapacity. Prompt treatment can mitigate some of these diseases.

If your baby passed away after a vacuum extraction complication, you need to seek justice immediately. Our experienced wrongful death lawyer at SRB Hawaii Law can help you right the wrongs and recover compensation for your suffering.

How Are Vacuum Extraction Injuries Treated?

Your doctor should evaluate you and your child for any issues related to vacuum extraction birth. Many vacuum extraction injuries are treatable if they are addressed promptly. Bruising and swelling of the infant’s head caused by the suction cup are frequent and will resolve independently. If a baby’s skull is injured during a vacuum extraction, doctors will examine the infant attentively for two to three days to reduce the chance of long-term consequences.

Severe vaginal tears and episiotomies (surgical incision in the perineum to expand the vagina) necessitate stitches. These sutures will disintegrate naturally and do not need to be removed. Mothers with incontinence concerns may require a catheter to empty the bladder for up to twenty-four hours. After removal, mothers are urged to consume copious amounts of water to prevent dehydration and urinary issues.

Are You Eligible for Compensatory Damages?

Complications associated with vacuum extraction are avoidable if medical practitioners adhere to care recommendations precisely and treat moms and infants promptly. If your doctor failed to take the necessary measures during your vacuum extraction, this might constitute medical malpractice.

In circumstances of medical negligence or malpractice, many families opt to pursue justice against the at-fault medical staff and seek monetary compensation with the assistance of our seasoned Honolulu vacuum extraction injury lawyer. You may also be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit if your child had difficulties due to inappropriate vacuum extraction.

Birth injury cases can be tragic. Learn how our competent vacuum extraction injury lawyer can help you and your family by requesting a free case evaluation today.

Which is Safer: Vacuum Extraction or Forceps?

Data shows that forceps result in greater maternal injuries, including perineal trauma, postpartum discomfort, and a higher requirement for anesthetic. In contrast, vacuum extractor delivery results in greater newborn injuries, such as scalp damage, cephalohematoma, or blood collecting under the skull.

How to File a Vacuum Extraction Injury Claim Lawsuit?

Doctors must adhere to stringent standards based on the conditions of their patients. Specific conditions must be met before using vacuum extraction equipment during birth, and certain guidelines must be followed to prevent injury to the infant. Adhering to these elements to provide the required degree of care is the standard of care.

Medical negligence occurs when physicians, other medical professionals, or hospitals fail to deliver an adequate level of care. This constitutes grounds for a birth damage medical malpractice case. If medical malpractice caused your infant to sustain a birth injury during vacuum extraction, you might be entitled to hold the doctor or hospital accountable.

When consulting your case with our vacuum extraction injury lawyer, you will discuss:

  • The specifics of your situation
  • The filing deadlines for your case
  • How to determine the responsible party (s)
  • Using the testimony of a medical expert to prove your case
  • Your expenditures and losses connected to the birth injury of your baby

If you obtain an agreement or are awarded damages by a court, you may collect damages such as:

  • Expenses for medical care connected to the birth injury
  • Treatment and recuperation
  • Ongoing expense of care
  • Other associated costs
  • Pain and suffering caused by the injury
  • Emotional discomfort

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Vacuum Extraction Injury Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against the doctor who caused your newborn’s birth damage depends on the laws of the state in which the incident happened. You must engage with our skilled vacuum extraction injury lawyer in your state to pursue legal action. In Hawaii, medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years from the date the injury or illness took place.

There is a limited window when you can file a medical malpractice claim. Call our skilled Honolulu vacuum extraction complications lawyer to see if you are eligible to receive compensation.

How Can Our Skilled Vacuum Extraction Injury Lawyer Help?

In pursuing a medical malpractice claim, especially one involving serious injuries, it is crucial that you retain our skilled vacuum extraction injury lawyer.If you want to provide your child with the highest quality of care possible, you need someone with the necessary experience to assist you in obtaining the best possible settlement.

If your baby sustained vacuum extractor-related birth injuries, you need us on your side. The legal staff at SRB Hawaii Law is familiar with birth injuries’ effects on the victim and their family. Our legal firm has defended the rights of victims for years. We litigate these matters aggressively to hold the responsible parties accountable for their acts and to assist our clients in obtaining the full compensation they deserve.

Call us today to find out if you can get compensation for your claim! Our Honolulu birth injury attorney is available for a free initial consultation.

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