PREVENTING & MANAGING SHOULDER DYSTOCIA

Shoulder dystocia is a complication that may occur in a vaginal delivery. One of the baby’s shoulders will begin to pass through the birth canal, but the other will become stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. Significant maneuvering may be required to safely deliver the stuck shoulder so the body can follow.

Pribanic & Pribanic, LLC is here to help if you or your child suffered harm as a result of shoulder dystocia. Our Pittsburgh birth injury attorneys want to hear your story so we can offer the guidance and support you need in this difficult time. With over a century of combined legal experience, we are fully prepared to provide skilled counsel.

For a free consultation, call 800-392-4529. We look forward to helping you.

INJURIES CAUSED BY SHOULDER DYSTOCIA

Shoulder dystocia can cause harm to mother and/or baby. Either may experience physical trauma during the management of shoulder dystocia, and an infant may be at risk of suffering from brain damage or other harm caused by lack of oxygen to the brain while lodged in the birth canal.

Shoulder dystocia can cause the following injuries:

• Maternal hemorrhage (severe bleeding)

• Brachial plexus injury

• Paralysis

• Erb’s palsy

• Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

• Brain damage

• Cerebral palsy

Your doctor has an obligation to properly manage this complication by using the appropriate maneuver based on the tools at hand. A failure to act with reasonable care based on today’s medical standards may be considered malpractice, providing grounds for a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Your doctor should also be able to identify a situation where a C-section would be advisable, due to macrosomia (a large infant), cephalopelvic disproportion (an infant that is too large to pass through the mother’s pelvis), or improper presentation. Failing to recommend a C-section, which results in shoulder dystocia, could also provide grounds for a valid case.

Discuss your options and your rights with a Pittsburgh shoulder dystocia lawyer who will provide sound guidance. Call 800-392-4529 today.

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If your child was diagnosed with a medical condition and you believe malpractice may be its cause, call 800-392-4529. We offer a free consultation to review your unique case.

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