If the attending medical professionals fail to monitor, diagnose, or provide appropriate care during delivery, this could be seen as contributing negligence if shoulder dystocia occurs. 

Complications from a shoulder dystocia birth injury that can affect a child may include:

  • Nerve damage to the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Broken arm or collarbone
  • Oxygen deprivation and potential brain damage
  • Brachial plexus palsy or Erb’s palsy 

Depending on the severity of shoulder dystocia, babies may experience long-term physical impairments or need extensive medical care that can last into adulthood. 

A shoulder dystocia birth injury can also cause painful complications for the mother, such as:

  • Lacerations and tearing of the cervix and perineum
  • Uterine rupture
  • Bruising to the bladder
  • Hemorrhaging

When to Contact a Medical Malpractice Birth Injury Lawyer

If your child was diagnosed with shoulder dystocia or you suspect they may have suffered an injury due to medical negligence during birth, it’s essential that you speak with a medical malpractice birth injury lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll review the case and advise you on how best to get financial compensation for any injuries caused by medical negligence. In some instances, they may even be able to negotiate a settlement agreement so that you don’t have to go through a lengthy trial process.  

Medical malpractice damages you could receive due to a shoulder dystocia birth injury include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life

 

Spencer Eisenmenger
Helping Kansas City area medical malpractice, product liability, birth injury and personal injury clients.