Fort Lauderdale Birth Injury Lawyers Obtaining Justice for Families with Children Injured from Shoulder Dystocia Birth Injuries

Assisting clients throughout South Florida in getting the compensation they deserve

While shoulder dystocia might be a somewhat common complication of vaginal births, it must be managed properly and in a timely manner because it can lead to injury in the newborn. Every mother wants to have a good, safe experience in childbirth and come away with a beautiful, healthy baby. But when her doctor’s negligent actions, or failure to act to prevent complications such as shoulder dystocia leads to further injury, it can put the mother and baby’s health and future at risk.

The skilled Fort Lauderdale birth injury attorneys at Yeboah Law Group are dedicated to fighting for justice for our clients. Mothers trust that their doctors will use their expertise to guide them through their pregnancy and delivery and do everything possible to try to prevent complications. The complications which cannot be prevented can be managed properly to ensure a safer outcome. When a mother and her child’s injuries in labor and delivery were the result of medical negligence, it is our job to make sure that the parents are able to recover maximum compensation for their injuries and losses. We can help.

What is shoulder dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia is a vaginal birth complication that occurs when the baby’s shoulders have difficulty passing through the birth canal because the diameter of the shoulders is too broad to pass through the mother’s body. The baby’s leading shoulder might get stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone and the child is effectively stuck there unable to continue its exit from the mother’s body. Some of the common injuries that can occur as a result of shoulder dystocia include brachial plexus palsy, a broken shoulder, and even asphyxiation if the child remains stuck in the birth canal too long.

What are the causes or risk factors for shoulder dystocia?

One of the risk factors for shoulder dystocia is a larger than normal baby, a baby that is too big to pass through its mother’s pelvis. If the labor begins post-term, if the second stage of labor is prolonged, and/or a previous history of the need for forceps or a previous dystocia exists, these are all risk factors for shoulder dystocia. This injury can also happen in breech presentation births when the arms are raised above the baby’s head, or if there is pulling or stretching of the baby’s arm during a head-first delivery. Maternal diabetes (uncontrolled) is a related risk factor because this can lead to fetal macrosomia (large baby). The improper use of forceps and vacuum extraction in difficult deliveries can lead to shoulder dystocia.

Preventing shoulder dystocia

Because shoulder dystocia is usually predictable, it is also almost always preventable. If a mother and her baby have gained a significant amount of weight during pregnancy, if there is uncontrolled diabetes in the mother and the baby is growing quickly, or even if the mother is small in stature and she is going to have a large baby, OB/GYNs can take preventive steps such as inducing labor a bit early, monitoring the baby throughout the labor and delivery process, and scheduling a C-section. The doctor can weigh the risks of surgery with the risk of shoulder dystocia or any other complications that can occur with cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD).

Contact a trusted Fort Lauderdale birth injury attorney to discuss your case today

When your child is suffering from a birth injury, it can turn your world upside down.  The child will likely need ongoing medical attention, and specialized care. You may lose time at work taking him or her to medical appointments, and you may require special medical equipment at home. All these expenses add up along with your frustration about what a challenge your life has become. At the Yeboah Law Group, we take on the legal burden for you so that you can focus on your child and your life. We fight for the compensation you need to cover all the losses resulting from your child’s injury. You are encouraged to call 954-764-2338 or complete our contact form for a no-cost consultation.

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