Improper Use of Forceps
Request a Free Consultation with Our Charlotte Birth Injury Lawyers
In some cases, a doctor may need to use forceps in order to assist with delivery. This is sometimes the case when a mother goes into the second stage of labor (pushing), but labor isn’t progressing enough. Generally speaking, forceps-assisted birth is safe as long as the doctor uses proper care. In some rare instances, however, the baby can suffer mild, moderate, or even severe injuries due to a doctor’s improper use of forceps.
If your child suffered facial injuries, head trauma, or brain damage after a forceps-assisted birth, we encourage you to reach out to our Charlotte birth injury lawyers as soon as possible. If the doctor acted negligently and your child was injured as a result, you may seek compensation to assist with the costs associated with your child’s current and future medical treatment needs, as well as other damages.
Contact Charles G. Monnett III & Associates online or call our office at (704) 859-2003 for a free and confidential consultation.
Injuries Caused by Improper Use of Forceps
As previously mentioned, forceps-assisted births are generally considered safe; in fact, in some circumstances, such as when the baby exhibits signs of fetal distress or when labor is not progressing quickly enough, they may be a safer alternative to unassisted birth. However, forceps-assisted delivery also poses certain risks to both mothers and infants, particularly when the doctor is inexperienced or being careless.
Common infant injuries caused by improper use of forceps include:
- Minor facial injuries
- Bruising
- Temporary facial paralysis (facial palsy)
- Trauma to the eyes
- Head and skull injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal cranial bleeding
- Seizures
While minor facial bruises and scratches are not uncommon after a forceps-assisted birth, more serious injuries could, in turn, lead to physical and cognitive delays, greatly affecting your child’s ability to live a normal life.
Additionally, mothers face certain risks during a forceps-assisted delivery. Common maternal injuries associated with improper use of forceps include:
- Perineum pain
- Tears in the lower genital tract
- Problems with urinating/bowel movements
- Uterine rupture
- Pelvic organ prolapse
As a result of these and other injuries, mothers can suffer serious complications and may require additional medical treatment.
Contact Our Improper Use of Forceps Attorneys for a Free Consultation
At Charles G. Monnett III & Associates, we understand just how devastating it is to realize that your child has suffered serious injuries as a result of a trusted medical provider’s negligence. Our Charlotte birth injury lawyers are here to provide the answers and support you and your family need. With over 37 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of our clients, we are well-equipped to help you navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation to assist in your child’s recovery.
Contact us online or by phone at (704) 859-2003 to get started with a complimentary consultation.

Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us-
Charles was always available and informative on this process.
“His assistant, Tracey Seifert, was especially helpful in answering questions, guiding me through the process and having a positive outlook.”
- Susan Z. -
Without their help, I would probably have lost everything that I owned.
“My heartfelt thanks go out to Lauren Newton and Stephanie Allen for their hard work on my behalf.”
- Rick M. -
Lauren Newton exceeded all of my expectations and she genuinely cares about her clients.
“Choosing Charles G. Monnett III and allowing Lauren Newton to take care of me was hands down the best decision I have ever made.”
- Jade B. -
The experience I had was exactly what I wanted.
“I would recommend my own mother to this firm.”
- Jacob G. -
I was very satisfied.
“If anyone asked me to recommend someone to them it would definitely be Charles Monnett & Associates.”
- Raven B.
Proven Record of Success
-
$3 Million Cerebral Palsy
Confidential settlement for a child with cerebral palsy as a result of birth-related brain injury.
-
$13 Million Medical Negligence Verdict
An infant suffered an undiagnosed case of bacterial meningitis that caused severe neurological damage.
-
$8 Million Confidential Settlement
Confidential settlement for an infant with bilateral leg amputations following improper placement of the femoral line.
-
$3.375 Million Failure to Diagnose
Confidential settlement on behalf of a child with severe visual impairments resulting from the failure to properly diagnose retinopathy of prematurity in a newborn child.
-
$3 Million Negligent Administration of Nerve Block
Confidential settlement for a woman with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury as a result of negligent administration of nerve block for headache.
What Sets Us Apart
-
Compassionate Legal Professionals
-
Personalized Attention
-
You Won't See Us On TV
-
Committed to the Community
-
Experienced Trial Lawyers
-
Free Consultation for Injury Victims