• Lack of Oxygen
• Pharmaceuticals
• Large Babies
• Unusual Position
• Excessive Force
• C-Section
• Premature Birth
• Cephalopelvic Disproportion
• Dystocia
• Prolonged Labor

Excessive Force

The use of excessive force in the delivery process is one of the forms of medical negligence that may be cited in a birth injury claim. The use of too much force by a medical professional can hurt both the mother and the baby. A newborn exposed to excessive force during birth may receive various injuries, from broken bones and bleeding from the eyes to longer-lasting conditions, such as Erb's Palsy.

Use of excessive force during childbirth may also cause a forceps injury or permanent brain, spinal cord or other damage to the baby. In some cases, excessive force also can cause damage to the mother's uterus. A mother subjected to excessive force can sustain musculo-skeletal injuries from strains and dislocations to vaginal tears and internal complications.

Erb's palsy occurs when excessive force is used during childbirth which causes trauma to the baby's body. In rare situations, the infant's shoulder cannot pass through the mother's pubic bone during delivery and the doctor uses excessive force to remove the baby. The physician commits a life-changing error at that time by not exploring other options, such as a Cesarean section or changing the baby's position during delivery.

If you believe that your child may have suffered a birth injury and you would like to know your legal options, you should immediately speak with an experienced Melbourne birth injury lawyer. Click here for help.