SHOULDER DYSTOCIA ATTORNEYS
This content has been written by a team of legal writers and reviewed by Terry Crouppen
The happiest day of a parent’s life may quickly turn tragic if proper medical steps are not taken by doctors and medical staff during birth.
Around 30,000 births in the United States (0.5% to 1.5% of all U.S. births) per year are marred by what is known as shoulder dystocia, a condition which may cause serious problems for the baby, such as:
- lack of oxygen to the body (asphyxia), which can lead to brain injury or death
- damage to the nerves which provide feeling to the arm, hand, and shoulder
- arm or collarbone fractures
This condition does not just affect the child; it is often accompanied by heavy bleeding, tearing, or uterine rupture in the mother.
WHAT IS SHOULDER DYSTOCIA?
Shoulder dystocia is a condition caused when the baby’s shoulder becomes trapped by the mother’s pelvis during labor. Certain risk factors make particular women more susceptible to shoulder dystocia, and the condition is not always preventable.
Timely recognition of complications and proper treatment from medical staff often allows these babies to be born safely, including the use of:
- the McRoberts Maneuver, when the thighs are pressed against the belly
- turning the baby during the birthing process
- birthing on your hands and knees
- episiotomies
- C-sections
DOCTOR ERROR AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Injury or death can occur when these methods are neglected or delayed in favor of trying to extract the baby by force. Shoulder dystocia can also be caused by the improper use of forceps and vacuums, or the failure of medical staff to properly monitor the status of the child during birth.
Not every shoulder dystocia is caused by substandard care or malpractice, but it must be considered and ruled out when a child suffers this form of birth trauma.
WE STAND UP FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY BIRTH INJURIES
A personal injury law firm like Brown & Crouppen employs experienced attorneys in medical malpractice suits. Our attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of a medical malpractice claim by:
- determining if you have a claim
- helping you collect the evidence and medical records you need for your case
- determining the potential value of your claim
- identifying the potentially liable parties
- questioning expert witnesses
- helping you understand the relevant laws and your rights
- handling the complicated process of filing the claim and taking it to court, if needed
Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.
OUR SHOULDER DYSTOCIA ATTORNEYS ARE HERE TO HELP
A serious birth injury is devastating to both the child and their parents. Your family may feel alone and confused by the legal process. The attorneys of Brown & Crouppen are here to help. We have experience in cases involving birth injuries, including shoulder dystocia. At Brown & Crouppen, we fight for the rights of families like you every day.
IT ALL STARTS WITH A FREE CASE EVALUATION FROM THE EXPERIENCED SHOULDER DYSTOCIA LAWYERS AT BROWN & CROUPPEN
Getting started is easy. You can call us at 888-803-2581 for a free consultation, or tell us about your case with our Free Case Review form. And remember, there’s no upfront cost to you — if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
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- Last Modified:
- May 20, 2023
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