Was your child injured at birth as a result of mismanaged shoulder dystocia? 'MAGGIO LAW in Jackson can help you seek justice and fair compensation. We have a long history of taking on difficult cases and winning, including complex medical malpractice and birth injury lawsuits. You can trust us to help when it matters more than ever.
Call (601) 265-6869 or contact us online for more information. Our Jackson shoulder dystocia lawyers at 'MAGGIO LAW can discuss your rights and legal options in a free consultation.
The incidence of shoulder dystocia in the United States is relatively low, occurring in approximately 1-3% of vaginal births (with higher rates for babies weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces). However, even with its rarity, obstetricians and midwives must be prepared to manage it to prevent any serious birth injuries.
Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth complication that occurs when a baby’s shoulder gets lodged against the mother’s pelvis during delivery. Although many cases end without injury, shoulder dystocia can cause serious injuries, like Erb's palsy and other brachial plexus injuries, if medical providers do not handle the situation correctly.
Birth injuries caused by shoulder dystocia can include:
Shoulder dystocia can cause a baby to suffer from brachial plexus injury, which is an injury to the bundle of nerves that runs from the neck down to the arm. The most common symptom of brachial plexus injury is decreased movement in the affected arm and hand, as well as muscle weakness and atrophy. In severe cases, a baby may also experience numbness or paralysis in the affected arm.
Shoulder dystocia can also cause a baby’s clavicle (collarbone) to fracture during delivery. This type of fracture is known as a fractured clavicle, and it is usually accompanied by swelling and pain in the affected area. In some cases, a fractured clavicle may require surgery to repair it.
Shoulder dystocia can also lead to hypoxia, which is when there is not enough oxygen reaching the baby’s brain due to compression of their umbilical cord during delivery. Hypoxia can lead to permanent neurological damage if not treated quickly, so it is important that medical professionals are able to recognize signs of shoulder dystocia in order to prevent this complication from occurring.
Shoulder dystocia can also cause injury to the mother during delivery due to excessive force being used on her body while attempting to deliver her baby safely. Common maternal injuries associated with shoulder dystocia include lacerations or tears in the vagina or perineum, as well as uterine rupture or bladder rupture caused by excessive pressure during delivery attempts.
Time can move quickly while you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious birth injury that hurt your child, like shoulder dystocia. Before you lose track of the days too much and lose the chance to file a claim against the medical provider who caused the injury, get our firm on your side. Our shoulder dystocia attorneys in Jackson, MS can assist with all parts of your case, such as filing the claim, negotiating a settlement, going to trial, and much more.
Dial (601) 265-6869 to speak with our Jackson shoulder dystocia lawyers.
