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Birth injuries can be devastating for families, often resulting in long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. One complication that can lead to serious birth injuries is shoulder dystocia, a condition that occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during vaginal delivery.
Kline & Specter is a personal injury law firm with over 50 attorneys, including five who are also medical doctors. We understand the challenges that follow birth injuries.
This blog explains shoulder dystocia and its potential consequences to help parents make informed decisions for themselves and their child.
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a delivery complication where the baby’s shoulder gets lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone. It prevents the baby from passing through the birth canal.
This condition can happen unexpectedly, even during an otherwise normal birth. However, certain risk factors make it more likely, including:
- Delivering a large baby
- Prolonged labor
- Maternal diabetes
- The use of delivery tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor
How Shoulder Dystocia Leads to Birth Injuries
When shoulder dystocia occurs, it can result in significant injuries to the baby. Common birth injuries associated with this condition include:
- Brachial plexus injuries: These injuries affect the nerves that control the arm. They may lead to limited mobility or permanent nerve damage.
- Fractures: Some babies experience broken collarbones or arms during delivery.
- Asphyxia: Babies may not receive enough oxygen if delivery takes too long. This can cause brain damage.
Mothers can also suffer complications. These include excessive bleeding, uterine rupture, or severe tearing.
Preventability and Medical Negligence
Shoulder dystocia is not always predictable. Still, medical professionals should recognize risk factors and prepare to manage possible difficulties. Failure to anticipate or properly handle shoulder dystocia may constitute medical negligence.
Your Legal Options
You may have legal recourse if your child suffered a birth injury because of shoulder dystocia. Kline & Specter has extensive experience with birth injury cases. Our team has helped many families secure compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional distress.
Find Out if You Have a Case Today
No family should have to navigate the aftermath of a birth injury alone. Contact Kline & Specter at 215-772-1000 to discuss your legal options.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Our attorneys handle cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, we will partner with local attorneys as applicable.