Vacuum Extractor Delivery Injuries

Roughly 2.5% of all births are assisted with vacuum delivery instruments. In simple terms, a vacuum delivery involves placing a suction-cup like device onto the baby's head and then pulling (or vacuuming) the baby from the womb. Over the past few decades, vacuum deliveries have enjoyed greater popularity amongst physicians. But, as with any medical procedure, the doctor must appreciate both the indications and the contra-indications associated with using a vacuum during delivery.

A vacuum delivery may be indicated when the progression of the labor is poor. A prolonged and non-progressing labor can be dangerous for both the mother and baby. So when a spontaneous vaginal delivery is no longer realistic, the doctor must weigh the risks and benefits of either a caesarean delivery or an instrument-assisted delivery.  Some of the most common contra-indications of an instrument-assisted delivery include:

• The use of forceps has already failed;
• The fetus is premature;
• The fetal position is inappropriate (for example, a baby in the breech position;)
• The doctor is not experienced in the use of a vacuum;
• The mother has not had a reasonable trial of labor;
• Fetopelvic disproportion (when the mother's pelvis is too small to accommodate a large baby)

When a vacuum is used during labor, injuries can occur to both the mother and the baby. While some of the injuries are relatively minor, others can be serious and life-threatening including brain hemorrhages or swelling, retinal hemorrhages, skull fractures and others. If these conditions are not diagnosed immediately, or if they are misdiagnosed, additional injuries and even death can result.

Medical malpractice cases are complex and difficult. Doctors and their insurance companies can afford to hire a team of accomplished attorneys and experts to try and deny your claim. In addition, the lawyers must be highly experienced in both the medical malpractice laws as well as the underlying medicine. In child injury cases, the stakes are especially high due to the emotional nature of the cases and because the parents rightfully want to make sure their child's future medical, educational and life needs are met. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. we understand and we are here to help.

John Day is board-certified in Medical Malpractice by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. When the Tennessee Legislature  overhauled the State's medical malpractice laws, John was asked to testify about the changes and their effects.  Best Lawyers has recognized John Day in the field of medical malpractice every year since 2007 and that organization has twice declared him the Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year for Nashville.  So that we can stay abreast of medical issues and advancements, we have a nurse on staff full-time, and we work with highly-qualified doctors and other experts when necessary to prove your case.

But for a family who is simply seeking to ensure their child is well taken care of and the responsible parties are held accountable, perhaps the most important fact is we know how to get results. We are proud of the successful results we have obtained for our satisfied clients, and we would like to help you and your family too.  We offer a free, no-pressure, no-obligation initial consultation, and our award-winning attorneys handle all birth injury cases on a contingency basis.

If you believe your baby has been the victim of a birth injury, please contact us online or call us at

Nashville: 615-669-3993

Murfreesboro: 615-867-9900

Brentwood: 615-742-4880

Toll-Free: 866-812-8787