Portland Vacuum Extraction Injury Lawyer
Vacuum extraction is just one type of assisted delivery procedure used to help a baby through the birth canal if labor becomes stalled. Even though this is a fairly common procedure, there are times when medical professionals make a mistake when using the vacuum extraction device. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we are here to help if you need a Portland vacuum extraction lawyer by your side. We understand that these birth injuries can lead to significant physical and emotional distress for your child, and our team will help you recover compensation.
Portland Vacuum Extraction Injury Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding link below.
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
What is a Vacuum Extraction Delivery?
Potential Complications of a Vacuum Extraction Delivery
Liability for a Vacuum Extraction Injury
How Much Does a Birth Injury Lawyer Cost?
Speak to an Attorney Today
Why Choose Our Law Firm for a Portland Vacuum Extraction Injury?
- At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we are a team of attorneys with more than 10 decades of collective experience handling complex medical malpractice claims throughout Oregon.
- We never hesitate to bring a case to trial if that is what is necessary to help ensure that our client is treated fairly every step of the way.
- We have extensive experience handling complex Portland medical malpractice claims, and we understand what it takes to go up against medical malpractice insurance carriers and legal teams for a doctor or medical facility.
What is a Vacuum Extraction Delivery?
A vacuum extraction delivery is not a rare procedure. It is not uncommon for difficult births to occur, and this typically requires various levels of assistance for a mother going through the delivery process. When we examine information available from the Cleveland Clinic, we can see that a vacuum extraction delivery will occur during the second stage of Labor when a mother is actively working to push the baby out of the birth canal. Sometimes, this portion of the childbirth process can stall. This can go on for quite some time.
Depending on the mother’s vital signs and the baby’s heart rate, medical professionals may decide to go for a vacuum-assisted delivery. This is one of the easiest ways that medical professionals can help. If the baby’s head is low enough in the birth canal and the child is in the appropriate position, a vacuum extractor can be used to help guide the baby out. This device consists of a suction cup that is attached to an electrical or mechanical pump. The suction cup is applied to the baby’s head, and the suction provides traction so the medical professionals can help pull the baby.
Potential Complications of a Vacuum Extraction Delivery
Even though a vacuum extraction delivery is common, there are still potential complications that can occur that could harm both a child and mother. For the mother, a vacuum extraction could lead to postpartum bleeding and vaginal tears. For a child, there are a variety of side effects that a vacuum extraction device can cause, including:
- Caput succedaneum. This is also called scalp edema and refers to swelling that the scalp endures as a result of the application of suction. This usually resolves within a few days.
- Bruising / Jaundice. The vacuum device could cause bruising on the scalp, which increases the risk of jaundice for a newborn. This is a common condition, and it usually goes away in a few weeks.
- Cephalohematoma. This refers to a collection of blood between the child’s skull and scalp, which is caused by damaged blood vessels. This also typically resolves in a few weeks.
- Skull fracture. Newborn baby skulls are much softer and easier to harm. Most skull fractures will heal on their own, but there are more severe fractures that can cause brain bleeding. This can lead to brain damage.
- Intracranial hemorrhage. This refers to bleeding that occurs in or around the brain as a result of a vacuum device extraction. These brain bleeds are rare, but they can result in serious side effects, including seizures and apnea.
- Subgaleal hemorrhage. This occurs when emissary veins in the child’s head rupture and causes blood to accumulate inside the connective tissue between the scalp and the skull.
Who Can Be Liable for a Vacuum Extraction Injury in Portland?
When working to determine liability for a vacuum extraction injury, the entire medical team will be examined. The reality is that some birth injuries are unavoidable, but there are times when the negligent actions of a medical provider cause the injury directly. Some of the most common liable parties in these situations include:
- The attending physician. There is typically one doctor in charge of the overall labor and delivery process, and this doctor will be present when the child is delivered. This doctor takes overall responsibility for the entire labor and delivery of the child.
- The medical facility. The medical facility where the vacuum extraction injury occurred could be held responsible if the attending physician or other medical staff member responsible for the mistake is a direct employee of the facility. This can get complicated because it is not uncommon for doctors to be considered contractors at the facility.
- Other medical staff members. There are many other medical team members assisting with a delivery, and if one of these individuals makes a mistake, they could hold liability for the incident.
Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to determine exactly what caused the incident. A Portland birth injury attorney will work with trusted medical and economic experts to fully examine the patient and then help determine the amount of compensation the family should be paid.
How Much Does an Experienced Birth Injury Lawyer Cost?
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we handle medical malpractice claims in Portland on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients will pay absolutely no legal fees until after we successfully recover the compensation they are entitled to. We handle all upfront costs related to the vacuum injury cases that we handle, and families will pay absolutely no legal fees if we do not win the case.
Speak to a Skilled Vacuum Extraction Injury Attorney in Portland Today
If your child sustained any type of birth injury as a result of the use of a vacuum extraction device during the labor and delivery process, turned to the team at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC today. We have extensive experience helping clients recover compensation for their child’s birth injuries, and we want to make sure that you are cared for. Let us get to work investigating the incident, speaking to expert medical witnesses, and negotiating compensation on your behalf. When you need a Portland vacuum extraction injury lawyer, contact us for a free consultation of your claim by filling out our contact form or calling (503) 226-6361.