Forceps are used during delivery in some cases when a child’s birth isn’t proceeding as it should and, thus, requires some help from a physician. Although these instruments can be extremely useful in delivering a healthy baby and avoiding injury to a mother when properly used, a negligent doctor may make serious errors in using them that can seriously endanger the mother and child. In particular, the misuse of forceps can drastically increase the chance of a mother sustaining a post-delivery health problem that may demand long-term medical care.
The Consequences of Forceps Misuse
Mothers naturally run the risk of certain post-delivery injuries due to the immense stress childbirth can put on their bodies, but a doctor’s mistake when using forceps can considerably increase the possibility of many of these injuries occurring. Unfortunately, misusing forceps during childbirth may be linked to the following health complications for mothers:
- Uterine rupture
- Prolapse of pelvic organs due to ligament and muscle injuries
- Urethra and bladder injuries
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Anemia due to blood loss
- Infections
- Perineum injuries
It is possible to avoid these risks or minimize the chances of them occurring by properly and carefully using forceps; thus, medical professionals who cause harm through the misuse of forceps should be held accountable for the many repercussions this negligence can cause.
Contact Us
If you’ve been injured because of a doctor’s errors while using forceps, you may be eligible to obtain financial compensation from the medical professional responsible for the harm through a medical malpractice lawsuit. To discuss filing such a claim in further detail, speak with a lawyer from the Cottrell Law Office. By calling 800-364-8305 today, you can better understand what options are available to you.