Rhode Island Forceps & Vacuum Extraction Injury Lawyers

Justice for Victims of Birth-Assisting Tool Malpractice in Providence

Vacuum extractors and forceps are common birthing tools that, when used properly, can help safely deliver a baby. Conversely, the improper or negligent use of these birthing tools carries severe risks, potentially causing lifelong injury or even death to an infant and/or mother. If you or your baby were injured due to the misuse of a vacuum extractor or forceps, our experienced birth injury lawyers at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can help.

Since our establishment in 1975, we have represented clients across Rhode Island in complex birth injury cases, including those involving traumatic injuries from delivery instruments. To date, our attorneys have won over $1 Billion for our clients in compensation for the hardship they endured, including multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for birth injuries. While we know nothing can fully make up for the harm done to you and your family, we are committed to doing everything within reason to hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence.

To discuss your vacuum extraction or forceps injury with a Rhode Island attorney from our team, call (401) 200-4059 today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

Understanding Vacuum Extractor Injuries

Vacuum extractors are generally safe and can greatly assist with the birthing process when used by an attentive, careful medical professional. However, they are liable to cause terrible harm to a mother and baby, even more so than forceps, when medical professionals use them negligently. Our Providence vacuum extraction injury lawyers have extensive experience investigating these complex claims.

Types of Vacuum Extractors

Vacuum extractors come in two models:

• Metal cups: These are stronger but carry a higher risk of trauma to an infant.
• Soft cups: More common and gentler, but with a higher risk of detaching during use.

When Do Vacuum Extractors Become Dangerous?

The longer the vacuum extractor is used, the more dangerous the method becomes. The doctor should be meticulously monitoring the insertion of the vacuum, the pressure of the vacuum on the baby’s head, and the strength of the suction. If any of these factors are improperly monitored, great injury can occur, especially if the medical staff fails to perform a Cesarean section and opts to keep trying with the vacuum extractor.

Injuries Caused by Improper Use of Vacuum Extractors

Injuries from the misuse of vacuum extractors can be severe and life-altering. Our Rhode Island vacuum trauma lawyers frequently handle cases involving:

• Hemorrhaging of the scalp (e.g., cephalohematoma)
• Seizures
• Retinal injury leading to vision problems
• Shock
• Death
• Nerve injuries in the infant’s neck or shoulder, such as Erb’s palsy, which can affect the infant for the rest of their life.
• For the mother, improper vacuum extraction can result in a damaged genital tract, weakened pelvic organs, urinary or fecal incontinence, and anemia.

Understanding Forceps Injuries

During birth, the attending OB/GYN and medical staff may employ forceps, or medical tongs, to assist with child delivery by gently pulling the infant out of the birth canal. Parents should be made aware of the risks associated with forceps before they are used, as their misuse could result in terrible injury. More often than not, forceps are used safely and no harm comes to the baby or mother; in fact, forceps have been used to assist with childbirth for centuries. Our Providence forceps injury lawyers are well-versed in the nuances of these cases.

What is the Proper Use of Forceps?

The improper use of forceps includes applying too much pressure on the baby’s head, repositioning the forceps, and using them more than three times. If three pulls do not result in the delivery of the child, a Cesarean section is typically required.

Injuries Caused by Forceps

Injuries resulting from this form of medical malpractice can be devastating. Our Rhode Island forceps trauma lawyers represent families dealing with:

• Bruising or lacerations to the baby’s head
• Hemorrhaging (including intracranial hemorrhage)
• Skull fractures
• Damage to the brain, face, or eyes
• Brachial plexus injuries
• The baby may also develop cerebral palsy from these injuries.
• In severe cases, death of the mother or infant may occur.

Why Choose Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. for Your Forceps or Vacuum Injury Lawsuit?

Forceps and vacuum extraction injury lawsuits are a complex subset of medical malpractice, requiring a law firm with unparalleled expertise, resources, and a proven track record. At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we bring distinct advantages to your case:

• Rhode Island's Pioneering Personal Injury Firm: Established in 1975, we were the first law firm in Rhode Island to focus exclusively on personal injury litigation, setting the standard for excellence in complex injury claims like yours.
• Unmatched Expertise in Medical Malpractice: Forceps and vacuum extraction injuries are a critical form of medical negligence. Our firm has 9 attorneys specializing in Medical Malpractice Litigation , bringing deep, focused knowledge to every aspect of your claim. We have secured record-setting results in medical malpractice, including a $62 Million judgment for medical negligence, demonstrating our capability in high-stakes birth injury cases.
• Over 200 Years of Combined Experience: Our team of highly educated and experienced trial lawyers brings a collective wealth of knowledge to your case, ensuring comprehensive and skilled representation for your family.
• Access to Leading Medical Experts: Proving that improper use of a vacuum extractor or forceps constitutes medical negligence is notoriously difficult due to its technical nature. Our decades of experience in this field, combined with our access to top experts in obstetrics, neonatology, and neurology, enables us to meticulously review medical records, expose substandard care, and establish fault. We recruit expert witnesses to assess medical behavior and provide compelling testimony.
• A Track Record of Success & Recognition: We have won myriad awards for our achievements over the years, including a ranking in “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News — Best Lawyers®  and our attorneys are consistently recognized by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell (AV Rated Preeminent). These accolades reflect the deep trust clients and peers place in our ability to deliver justice.
• Client-Centered Advocacy: We understand the profound emotional and financial burden of caring for a child with a birth injury. We work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we secure a successful recovery for you. We are committed to providing honest answers and fighting tirelessly to secure the funds and resources you need to care for your child correctly.

We Want to Help You Get the Rightful Compensation You Deserve

If you have good reason to believe that yours or your child’s injury was caused by malpractice on the part of the doctor or medical staff, discuss your case with a skilled lawyer. Based in Providence, Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. has extensive experience representing infants and mothers injured by the wrongful or improper use of vacuum extractors and forceps. We can help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

Contact Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. online today or call (401) 200-4059 to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation with a Providence vacuum extractor and forceps injury law firm. We accept cases throughout Rhode Island.