When a joyous moment like childbirth turns into a medical emergency, families are often left with more questions than answers. Shoulder dystocia is one such emergency – a birth complication that can have lasting consequences for both mother and baby. If your child suffered an injury during birth due to shoulder dystocia, you may be entitled to compensation.
A Houston shoulder dystocia attorney at Hampton & King can help you understand your legal rights and hold negligent medical providers accountable. Call us at (713) 489-0993 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation with a specialized Houston birth injury lawyer.
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery, preventing the baby from being born smoothly. It’s a medical emergency that requires swift, skilled intervention. Delays or improper handling can lead to serious injuries such as brachial plexus injuries, nerve damage, fractures, or even oxygen deprivation, resulting in brain damage.
While shoulder dystocia isn’t always preventable, medical professionals are trained to recognize risk factors and take appropriate measures to reduce harm. Failing to anticipate or respond to the complication correctly may be considered medical negligence.
Causes & Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia, including:
- A large baby (fetal macrosomia)
- Maternal diabetes
- Excessive maternal weight gain
- A history of shoulder dystocia in previous births
- Prolonged labor or use of forceps/vacuum during delivery
It’s the responsibility of the attending obstetrician or medical team to identify these risks and create a delivery plan that minimizes harm. In some cases, a C-section may be the safest option – but when that’s not pursued or if missteps occur during a vaginal birth, the results can be life-altering.
Common Injuries From Shoulder Dystocia
Babies who experience shoulder dystocia during delivery can suffer injuries, including:
- Erb’s Palsy: A form of brachial plexus injury that causes weakness or paralysis in the arm.
- Clavicle or Humerus Fractures: Broken bones resulting from excessive force during delivery.
- Cerebral Palsy: Caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during a delayed delivery.
- Permanent Nerve Damage: Especially if the nerves in the shoulder or neck area are stretched or torn.
Injuries to the mother, such as hemorrhaging or uterine rupture, can also occur.
Do You Have a Case?
If your child was injured due to shoulder dystocia and you suspect medical negligence played a role, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. A skilled Houston shoulder dystocia attorney can investigate your case, review medical records, consult with obstetric professionals, and help you determine whether the delivery team failed in their duty of care.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Physical therapy or long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning potential
- Emotional distress
At Hampton & King, we’ve been standing up for families in Texas for decades. We understand how difficult it is to watch your child suffer from an injury that could have been prevented. Our legal team is here to fight for justice on your behalf and secure the financial resources your family needs and if your child is suffering from Cerebral Palsy, contact one of our Houston Cerebral Palsy attorneys for a free consultation.
Contact a Houston Shoulder Dystocia Attorney Today
Your child deserves the best possible start in life – and when a birth injury robs them of that, someone should be held accountable. Contact Hampton & King at (713) 489-0993 or fill out our simple online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you seek the justice your family deserves.