Serious medical complications can occur when a delivery room doctor or other healthcare provider misuses forceps during the delivery process. In fact, the mother and the infant can incur many physical injuries and medical complications. Medical complications for the mother may include: Incontinence, on either a short-term or long-term basis A rupture of the uterus Tears to the vaginal area Perineal tearing Pelvic organ prolapse Pelvic organ weakening Damage to the urinary tract Damage to the bladder In addition, improper forceps use can result in numerous complications for the infant, including: Damage to the nerves Brain bleeding Facial lacerations and injuries Skull fractures Traumatic head and brain injuries Facial palsy Eye injuries When a delivery room doctor fails to use forceps correctly, the infant may suffer different types of palsy, leading to lifelong complications. The child may suffer from cerebral palsy if the child’s brain does not receive sufficient oxygen during delivery. If the child contracts cerebral palsy because of a medical provider’s improper use of forceps, they may experience permanent – and lifelong – complications, including impaired motor function, loss of muscle tone, and balance problems. They may also experience epilepsy, deafness, or blindness. Moreover, if a medical provider fails to resolve shoulder dystocia prior to using forceps to remove the infant from the mother’s body, the infant may suffer a broken arm or brachial palsy, which causes damage to the nerves. In a worst-case scenario, the infant may suffer some type of arm paralysis due to brachial palsy. Suppose you believe that your child suffered a birth injury due to a medical provider’s improper use of forceps during the delivery process. In that case, you should immediately consult with an experienced birth injury attorney near you. Your lawyer can speak with you about the circumstances, review medical documentation in the case, and speak with an independent medical provider to determine if you are eligible to file a claim for medical negligence or malpractice. If you proceed, your attorney can file a claim on your behalf with the negligent medical provider’s insurance company, gather the necessary supporting documentation, and pursue fair settlement compensation on your behalf. In addition, if the insurance company does not make you a fair and reasonable settlement offer, your lawyer can take your case to a civil jury trial or binding arbitration proceeding.