(845) 818-0668When giving birth, a mother should be able to trust that their doctors will take every precaution to protect them and their child. Medical professionals train for years to ensure the delivery process goes smoothly. However, as a skilled birth injury attorney could explain, newborns can sustain traumatic injuries due to medical malpractice. One of the most dangerous complications of childbirth is shoulder dystocia, which occurs when a baby’s shoulder bone becomes lodged in the mother’s pubic bone after the baby’s head has already exited the birth canal.
When this happens, the standard of care requires doctors to quickly and carefully take steps to dislodge the child and minimize all possible damage. If they do not act appropriately, the child can sustain serious injuries such as Erb’s palsy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. A Kingston Shoulder Dystocia lawyer could represent you in a claim against the doctor and hospital. We are prepared to protect and advocate for your rights.
Birth Injuries Caused by Shoulder Dystocia
A shoulder dystocia birth injury can occur in a few different ways. If the infant is stuck for too long in the birth canal, they could sustain oxygen deprivation, which causes brain damage or death. Likewise, if the doctor rushes or applies too much pressure when dislodging the infant, the doctor can cause severe trauma to the neck or shoulder of the infant, potentially causing lifelong paralysis.
Shoulder dystocia is known to cause severe birth injuries. Some common complications include:
- Paralysis
- Brain damage
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
- Fractured clavicles, humerus, or ribs
- Postpartum bleeding or other complications
- Brachial plexus injury, which can cause Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy
A Kingston lawyer could represent patients and their loved ones in a claim against the doctors and hospital after a shoulder dystocia accident.
Liability for Shoulder Dystocia
With immediate medical attention and the proper corrective measures, many cases of shoulder dystocia can be treated. Unfortunately, infants and their mothers can sustain lifelong complications if not treated properly. Many birth injuries can be avoided entirely if the response to the warning signs of shoulder dystocia is adequate. Shoulder dystocia birth injury claims involve serious injuries that will impact the baby’s and mother’s life forever.
Many patients and their loved ones want to know who is responsible for birth injuries after a complicated childbirth. When a doctor or other medical professional acts below the standard of care reasonably required, their patients can recover compensation for the harm they sustained. In addition, their employer or the hospital can be liable for birth injuries like shoulder dystocia. A doctor can be liable for birth injuries related to shoulder dystocia if they failed to predict and timely treat the complication or by using excessive force during birth. A Kingston lawyer could advise patients and their loved ones of who is liable for the harm they sustained in their shoulder dystocia injury.
A Kingston Shoulder Dystocia Attorney Could Provide You With Diligent Assistance
No infant should be left with a disability because a doctor failed to follow the procedure. Likewise, mothers should be able to trust that healthcare professionals are following the appropriate protocol during childbirth. Shoulder dystocia can be predicted when doctors and other medical professionals take the appropriate measures to prevent serious injuries. If you or your child were injured due to shoulder dystocia because of a doctor’s negligence, then you may be able to recover compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
A Kingston shoulder dystocia lawyer could provide crucial guidance and representation to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. We understand that birth injuries can cause life-long complications for children and their mothers. Contact our firm to learn about your options and schedule a free consultation.