Shoulder dystocia is a serious childbirth complication that occurs when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. This condition can lead to severe injuries for both the baby and the mother if not handled correctly.
If shoulder dystocia was caused by medical negligence, you have the right to hold your child’s care team legally accountable. A Fort Lauderdale birth injury lawyer from Anidjar & Levine can help you file a birth injury claim and pursue compensation.
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency that requires immediate action. During delivery, the baby’s head may emerge normally, but one or both shoulders can become lodged, preventing the baby from being born. This can result in:
- Nerve injuries: Brachial plexus injuries are common, potentially leading to partial or permanent arm weakness.
- Fractures: The baby may suffer broken collarbones or other skeletal injuries.
- Oxygen deprivation: If delivery is delayed, the baby could experience brain damage or hypoxia.
- Maternal injuries: Excessive force during delivery may cause vaginal tearing or uterine rupture.
While some shoulder dystocia cases are unavoidable, errors or delays in care can also cause this injury.
Signs That Shoulder Dystocia May Have Been Caused by Medical Negligence
Medical negligence during childbirth can increase the risk of shoulder dystocia or worsen its consequences. Recognizing these signs can help you determine if a medical mistake occurred:
- Delayed recognition: Medical staff did not act quickly enough when the baby’s shoulder became stuck.
- Improper maneuvers: Staff used excessive force or incorrect techniques to deliver the baby.
- Failure to anticipate risk factors: Doctors ignored indicators such as large fetal size, gestational diabetes, or a previous history of shoulder dystocia.
- Inadequate monitoring: Vital signs for both mother and baby were not closely monitored during labor.
- Lack of timely interventions: Necessary interventions, such as emergency C-section, were not performed promptly.
- Failure to communicate: Medical professionals did not inform the parents of emerging complications or risks.
What to Do if Shoulder Dystocia Was Caused by Medical Negligence
If you suspect that a medical mistake led to your child’s shoulder dystocia, take these steps
- Seek medical evaluation: Both the mother and the baby should get assessed by independent medical professionals to document their condition.
- Gather records: Collect all prenatal, labor, delivery, and postnatal records to establish a timeline and identify errors.
- Consult a medical malpractice attorney: Our experienced attorneys can review your case and determine if negligence occurred.
- Preserve evidence: Keep all documentation, photos of injuries, and witness statements.
How Medical Mistakes Can Make Shoulder Dystocia Worse
Even if shoulder dystocia occurs naturally, these medical errors can worsen outcomes:
- Incorrect delivery maneuvers: Applying too much traction can fracture bones or damage nerves.
- Delayed emergency procedures: Not performing a C-section promptly when risk factors are evident increases injury likelihood.
- Failure to document complications: Missing or inaccurate records can make follow-up care and injury assessment difficult.
- Inadequate staff training: Staff unfamiliar with best practices for managing shoulder dystocia may make mistakes that could have been avoided.
Common Injuries Linked to Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia can lead to a range of injuries, some temporary and others permanent. Injuries associated with this condition include:
- Brachial plexus injuries: These occur when the nerves controlling the arm are damaged, which can result in partial or permanent loss of movement.
- Fractures: Excessive force during delivery can cause the baby to suffer a broken collarbone or humerus.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: Oxygen deprivation during a prolonged delivery can lead to serious brain injury.
- Maternal tears: Improper maneuvers can cause vaginal, cervical, or perineal tearing, which may require surgical repair.
Potential Compensation for Shoulder Dystocia Injuries
If medical negligence caused shoulder dystocia, your family may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: You can pursue damages for hospital bills, surgeries, therapies, medications, and ongoing care required for both the baby and mother.
- Lost wages: Families may recover income lost due to time off work for treatment, caregiving, or recovery.
- Long-term care costs: You can seek compensation for ongoing treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized education required for your child’s development.
- Future medical expenses: Families may receive compensation for anticipated medical needs, surgeries, or therapies as the child grows.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: In cases where injuries limit the child’s or parent’s ability to participate in normal daily activities, additional compensation may be awarded.
- Special needs support: If your child requires adaptive equipment, home modifications, or specialized schooling, you can seek additional compensation.
Consult a Birth Injury Attorney
Shoulder dystocia is a high-risk obstetric emergency that can lead to severe consequences. While some cases are unavoidable, medical mistakes often contribute to preventable injuries. Recognizing the signs of negligence, documenting any injuries, and seeking legal guidance are crucial to securing fair compensation.
If you believe that your child’s shoulder dystocia was caused by medical negligence, you don’t have to navigate the legal process on your own. A dedicated birth injury lawyer from Anidjar & Levine can take on your case and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Book a free case review to learn about how you can pursue justice for your child.
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