Chicago Forceps Delivery Injury Attorney
Last updated on March 28, 2025
Forceps delivery injuries can lead to serious infant birth trauma and dangerous complications for mothers. They can have long-term implications that profoundly affect Illinois families. When they arise from negligence, families deserve justice and support.
Morrissey Legal Group, LLC, a trusted Chicago law firm, helps Illinois families who have experienced forceps delivery injuries. Attorney Francis P. Morrissey, known for meticulous attention to detail and relentless advocacy, can guide you through the complexities of medical malpractice claims involving newborn delivery complications.
Understanding Forceps Delivery
A forceps delivery involves the use of medical instruments shaped like tongs to assist in delivering a baby. This procedure is typically employed during obstetric emergencies, such as when labor has stalled, the baby is in distress or the mother is unable to push effectively.
Unfortunately, there are numerous risks associated with forcep-assisted deliveries. Here are some factors that could lead to mother or infant forceps injury:
- Improper forceps technique or excessive force applied
- Unaddressed prolonged or obstructed labor
- Forceps used in unsuitable circumstances (breech position, etc.)
- Inadequate monitoring of mother and baby
Families must be aware of these dangers and seek legal guidance if they suspect a birth injury was caused by the use of forceps.
Common Injuries From Forceps Delivery
Several injuries, some severe, can occur through improper use of forceps. Understanding them can help families recognize when medical malpractice may have played a role.
Injuries in infants may include:
- Skull fractures: These fractures can lead to long-term complications and profound developmental issues.
- Facial nerve injury: Damage to the facial nerves can cause paralysis or disfigurement.
- Brain damage: Improper use of forceps can result in traumatic brain injuries affecting cognitive and motor functions.
Mothers may experience:
- Vaginal tears: Severe lacerations that may require extensive repair.
- Episiotomy complications: Poorly executed incisions that lead to chronic pain and infection.
Long-term implications can vary. For infants, conditions like cerebral palsy, developmental delays or chronic health problems may arise. Mothers may face lasting physical pain, emotional distress or challenges with future pregnancies.
Legal Aspects of Forceps Delivery Injuries
Families are typically left grappling with uncertainty in the wake of a birth injury. They want justice for their suffering, but may not know if medical negligence caused the injury.
Like all medical professionals, obstetric care providers are expected to adhere to a professional standard of care. If they fail to do so – through improper technique, inadequate monitoring or even poor judgment – those harmed may hold them liable for medical malpractice.
To determine whether medical or hospital negligence played a role, a forceps delivery injury attorney can be indispensable. They can review medical records, consult experts and gather compelling evidence to support your claim of malpractice.
Forceps Delivery Injury FAQ
Families often have many questions after a birth trauma. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns:
What are the signs that a forceps delivery injury may have occurred?
Look for signs such as abnormal swelling, bruising, difficulty feeding or inconsolable crying in your baby. Mothers should be alert to severe pain, unusual bleeding or signs of infection.
How can parents prove that a forceps delivery injury was due to medical negligence?
Proof typically involves medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of the injury. Our forceps delivery injury attorney has the knowledge and previous experience to help you prove medical negligence and build a strong case.
What kind of compensation might be available for forceps delivery injuries?
Any compensation awarded is meant to address the losses families suffer through a birth injury. Compensation may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, emotional distress and loss of income. The exact amount depends on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact.
What should parents look for in a forceps delivery injury attorney?
Look for an attorney with knowledge about Illinois medical malpractice and delivery injuries. For best results, choose a lawyer with a demonstrable track record of success and compassionate client service. You will find all this and more by choosing Morrissey Legal Group, LLC.
Get Legal Guidance You Can Trust
Attorney Morrissey has a history of success in Chicago medical malpractice and birth injury cases. Call him at 312-815-5856 or contact him online today if a forceps delivery injury has impacted your family. Morrissey Legal Group, LLC, offers free initial consultations to help you find the proper legal path to the healthy and happy future you and your child deserve.