Shoulder dystocia during delivery can cause serious injury to both baby and mother. In some cases, this complication and the resulting injuries could have been avoided. If you or your baby were injured due to preventable errors, a Philadelphia shoulder dystocia lawyer can assist with your medical malpractice claim.
Our experienced birth injury attorneys at The Weitz Firm, LLC, can review your case and determine whether a care provider is to blame for your child’s injuries. If you have a case, our legal team can help you claim compensation for your losses.
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulders become stuck in the birth canal during delivery. This can mean that one or both shoulders are stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone, preventing the baby from passing through the birth canal.
This type of birth complication is considered rare, although the exact numbers are unknown. Common risk factors for shoulder dystocia include maternal diabetes, maternal weight, maternal history of shoulder dystocia, and a large baby.
Preventable errors on the part of health care providers may lead to shoulder dystocia injuries. In some cases, doctors could have anticipated that shoulder dystocia was possible and taken action to prevent it. In addition, both the baby and mother may be injured if the medical team fails to recognize a shoulder dystocia presentation and take measures to prevent injury. Philadelphia attorneys with experience in obstructed births can help assess if your complications and injuries could have been avoided.
Injuries Resulting From Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia during delivery is considered a medical emergency because of the strain it puts on the baby’s body and the risk of serious injury.
An infant may suffer:
- A brachial plexus injury affecting the nerves in the arms and hand
- Erb’s palsy as a result of brachial plexus injury
- A fractured collarbone or humerus
- Brain damage from lack of oxygen
These injuries require immediate medical treatment and can sometimes cause permanent injury.
Mothers may also suffer injuries from shoulder dystocia. These can include tears and lacerations, urethral or bladder injury, hemorrhaging, or uterine rupture. Complications such as infection can further worsen the injuries sustained.
No two cases are the same, so if you have suffered an obstetric complication in Philadelphia, it is important to get advice from a knowledgeable lawyer.
What To Do After a Shoulder Dystocia Injury
If a baby or mother was injured during delivery, you can take action to secure their legal right to compensation. This is critical if preventable errors are suspected to have caused or worsened the injury. Families should take steps to document their damages and save any evidence of medical negligence.
After a birth injury, families should:
- Save copies of all medical records, including doctor’s notes, imaging, and lab reports
- Keep copies of all written communications with health care providers and take notes after conversations
- Track all costs associated with the injury, such as medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Contact a lawyer for personalized guidance
It is important to take immediate action after a birth injury. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for a shoulder dystocia malpractice lawsuit is only two years from the date of the injury—our Philadelphia attorneys are experienced in traumatic birth injury cases and can help you pursue your claim in a timely manner.
Schedule a Consultation With a Philadelphia Attorney for Help With Your Shoulder Dystocia Case
An obstructed birth can be traumatic and cause injuries to both mother and baby. In some cases, shoulder dystocia can be anticipated and injuries prevented. However, when a preventable error causes an injury to your child, you deserve to be fairly compensated. A compassionate Philadelphia shoulder dystocia lawyer can investigate the cause of your child’s injury and file a malpractice claim on your behalf.
At The Weitz Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys are prepared to handle your medical malpractice lawsuit with the care and diligence it deserves. We know that birth injuries can cause emotional and financial strain for families. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about recovering fair compensation and receiving justice for your child’s injury.
