Vacuum Extractor

Compassionate Representation for Families Who Suffer a Vacuum Extractor Birth Injury

Fighting for West Virginia mothers and children who are victims of medical malpractice

The use of vacuum extractors, which help pull an infant from the womb through the birth canal into the world, is increasing dramatically. Doctors who misdiagnose the need for a vacuum extractor, or who perform the extraction improperly, can cause permanent and serious harm to the child and the mother.

The West Virginia birth injury lawyers at Paulson & Nace, PLLC, help children and parents obtain just recoveries when a birth trauma causes physical and emotional harm. We have helped clients get numerous million dollar jury awards and settlements in medical malpractice cases. Our attorneys have been awarded national and local citations for trial excellence. Let our family of qualified West Virginia birth trauma attorneys help yours.

The dangers of vacuum extractors

Vacuum extractors are used in vaginal deliveries. A soft or hard suction cup is placed on the infant’s head. The suction cup is attached to a vacuum that uses suction, created through a pump, and the mother’s pushing to deliver the child.

Doctors should consider vacuum extractors when the mother cannot deliver the baby on her own, when the infant is in fetal distress, or to avoid the complications of a Caesarian delivery. Pediatricians should avoid vacuum extractors when forceps did not work, the baby is in the breech position, the mother’s pelvis is not the right size for a vaginal delivery, or the infant is premature.

Common vacuum extractor injuries

Every doctor who considers a vacuum extractor should be held accountable for knowing the complications. These dangers can lead to cerebral palsy, motor disorders, and learning disabilities that can last a lifetime. In permanent birth injury cases, the child will require lifelong care.

The dangers in using vacuum extractors include:

  • Swelling and bruising of the scalp
  • Bleeding between the scalp and the skull
  • Fractures of the skull when the pump is too strong
  • Brain damage due to oxygen deprivation if the pump is not strong enough
  • Bleeding in or around the brain
  • Jaundice
  • Eye damage
  • Shoulder dystocia or brachial plexus nerve injuries
  • Seizures
  • Cardiac problems

The attorneys at Paulson & Nace have the trial experience and the understanding of medical and product liability issues to fully represent each client. We prepare each case for a jury trial in case a fair and just settlement agreement cannot be reached. We review the medical records in each case to examine everything the doctor and his or her team should have done to prevent the vacuum extraction injury. When necessary, we consult with doctors who know the West Virginia medical standards and with technical professionals who understand exactly how vacuum extractors should work.

We guide our clients through each phase of the case, making sure that we address every item of medical care the child and family will need.

Speak with a trusted West Virginia lawyer who handles vacuum extractor cases

Our family of West Virginia vacuum extractor lawyers at Paulson & Nace, PLLC, understands how birth injuries may affect your family for a lifetime. We offer the personal and professional attention you deserve in your time of need.  We are widely recognized throughout West Virginia, both for our compassionate care and comprehensive legal services to families and our aggressive advocacy for birth injury victims. When you choose a qualified birth injury lawyer from our practice to represent you, you are choosing a team that values family. Please call 304-741-8079 or fill out our contact form to discuss any birth injury case including harm to a mother or child for wrongful use of a vacuum extractor. Our office is located at 3501 Maccorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304.

We have dedicated our lives to birth injury victims. Let our family help yours.