|
Shoulder dystocia is a birth injury that can cause nerve damage to the newborn child and potential injury to the mother. Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby's shoulder gets caught on a mother's pelvic bone during a difficult delivery. There are several risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia, some of which are preventable or manageable when properly identified and addressed prior to child birth. Because many shoulder dystocia risks are preventable, a doctor can be held liable for shoulder dystocia damages if s/he fails to prevent the causes of this birth injury.
Maternal risk factors for shoulder dystocia can often be identified during a woman's pregnancy and addressed accordingly. Short maternal stature, gestational diabetes, abnormal pelvic anatomy, and a history of birth complications are all maternal risk factors that can increase the likelihood of should dystocia during delivery. Post-date delivery can also significantly increase the risk of shoulder dystocia. A baby weighing more than 8.13 ounces at birth has a five times greater risk of suffering shoulder dystocia during birth than a child weighing less.
These maternal factors can be identified by a medical professional prior to delivery. Prompt attention to these conditions or proper handling of the birth process given these risks can greatly reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia. When a doctor fails to address shoulder dystocia risk factors or fails to follow appropriate protocol during the delivery they can be held liable for all shoulder dystocia damages.
There are also events that can occur during the child birth process that can greatly increase the risk of shoulder dystocia. Improper or forceful forceps or vacuum delivery is one of the leading causes of shoulder dystocia during child birth. In some cases the procedure is completely unnecessary; in others it is performed improperly. Whatever the case may be, a doctor can be held liable for shoulder dystocia injuries caused by vacuum or forceps delivery methods.
The failure to adhere to proper medical protocol during a complicated shoulder dystocia delivery can also be a doctor's liability. When a doctor discovers shoulder dystocia during the child birth process, there are certain medical techniques that can be employed to manage the labor and reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia. If a doctor fails to execute these medical procedures, they may be liable for shoulder dystocia injuries.
Shoulder dystocia can lead to maternal and newborn injuries. A baby who has suffered shoulder dystocia may suffer temporary or long term nerve damage that affects the upper extremities (brachial plexus palsy), fractures, anoxia, and more. In many cases, a shoulder dystocia injury will resolve itself within a few months, and in other cases surgery and other rehabilitation is necessary to correct shoulder dystocia injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered from shoulder dystocia injuries, you may wish to contact a qualified and experienced attorney. A legal professional can evaluate your case to determine if medical malpractice was the cause of shoulder dystocia in your case.
Click Here for Miami Personal Injury Lawyers |
