Michigan Birth Injuries - Shoulder Dystocia FAQs
What kinds of medical negligence or malpractice can lead to shoulder dystocia?
Not all cases of shoulder dystocia can be anticipated – sometimes, despite a doctor’s best efforts, the baby simply becomes unexpectedly lodged in the birth canal and emergency procedures must be undertaken. However, doctors know that shoulder dystocia can lead to many complications and injuries, so they are trained to recognize potential risks among certain patients for shoulder dystocia and they are trained in the proper ways of managing a difficult delivery to minimize injury risk.
Examples of medical malpractice or negligence that can contribute to shoulder dystocia injuries include:
- The doctor fails to obtain a thorough history of the mother, including any previous history of diabetes, large babies, or difficult deliveries;
- The doctor fails to check for gestational diabetes during pregnancy;
- The doctor does not warn the mother of excessive weight gain during pregnancy;
- The doctor does not evaluate fetal size by ultrasound during the third trimester;
- The doctor does not address a late delivery date;
- The doctor does not request qualified medical staff to help manage a difficult delivery;
- The doctor does not properly inform the mother about the need for a caesarean section when appropriate; or
- The doctor does not manage shoulder dystocia appropriately and uses excessive force on the baby’s head or neck during delivery.
Doctors know that the risk of injury is high in an urgent birth situation, so a careful medical provider will take every step necessary to avoid or minimize the chances of encountering shoulder dystocia. Doctors who perform thorough medical histories and monitor both mother and baby carefully can reduce the likelihood of serious injury and birth complications. Hospital staff who follow established procedures for managing a situation of shoulder dystocia in the delivery room can also lessen the chance of serious injury to the baby or mother. When doctors and hospitals fail to pay enough attention to labor and delivery patients, however, serious birth injuries can quickly occur.
If shoulder dystocia during your child’s delivery resulted in serious injury, you may be eligible to file a claim for damages. Compensation can help pay for your child’s medical care and therapeutic treatment. A medical malpractice attorney with experience in shoulder dystocia claims can evaluate your situation, working with accredited medical experts to evaluate whether all healthcare standards were met.
Contact Our Birth Injury Lawyers Today
The Stroble Law Firm, P.C. represents Michigan victims and families impacted by serious birth injuries, including shoulder dystocia. We have helped many victims in Michigan recover what was rightfully theirs. We can help you and your family too.
Based in Bloomfield Hills, The Stroble Law Firm represents clients across Michigan, including Macomb County, Oakland County, Warren, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Utica, Roseville, Troy, Farmington Hills, Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac, Birmingham Michigan, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills. Call The Stroble Law Firm at (888) 454-0801, or contact our birth injury attorneys online for an evaluation of your claim. If there is no recovery in your case, there is no fee for our services.
