What is shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulders get stuck in the pelvis during delivery, stopping the birth process from going forward. It’s one of the most common causes of medical litigation, and occurs in up to 3 percent of pregnancies.
For a legal consultation with a shoulder dystocia lawyer serving Minneapolis, call 612-349-2729
What causes shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia often occurs with little warning and is hard to predict, but getting the kind of care you need, and are legally entitled to, means your health providers have thought through all the possible complications and devised a thoughtful delivery plan.
The most common cause of shoulder dystocia is the use of a vacuum or forceps to assist with the birth process. Other main factors associated with shoulder dystocia births are:
- Baby is male
- Baby is born bottom first (breech delivery), not head first
- Maternal obesity, or excessive weight gain during pregnancy
- Medically induced labor
- Mother is using an epidural
- Exceptionally long or short second period of labor
- Abnormal pelvic anatomy
- Delivery occurs after due date
- Advanced maternal age
- Mother has diabetes, or develops it during pregnancy
- Previous shoulder dystocia during another pregnancy, which increases the odds of a second one to one in ten
Before birth
Prior to birth, care providers should carefully monitor factors like fetal weight and position, which can influence shoulder dystocia. Additionally, they should be aware of anomalies in the uterine anatomy and other pre-existing risk factors that up the chance of complications. In some cases, especially in women whose previous pregnancies included shoulder dystocia, mothers and their doctors might conclude a C-section is the best way to avoid further risk. If complications are anticipated, proper care involves letting the right personnel know ahead of time, so that when delivery occurs, the birth site has the proper staffing, which may involve a family physician or obstetrician, pediatrician, neonatologist, labor nurses, anesthesiologists, and neonatal or nursery nurses.
During birth
During the birth process, there are a number of key moments where injury can be avoided—or malpractice can occur. Doctors should catch an important early warning flag that dystocia is occurring if they see the “turtle” sign, when the baby’s head emerges but then retracts. One of the most common causes of shoulder dystocia is during assisted vaginal birth, when tools like suction or forceps can be (mis)used to dislodge the baby and continue with the birth process. Additionally, doctors have a number of methods to physically maneuver the baby or mother to relieve pressure and free up movement. The risk of dystocia increases the more maneuvers are used. Extreme cases require the careful application of surgical and other techniques, such as a C-section, local anesthesia, or even surgical interventions to rotate the baby or break its collarbone to relieve pressure.
After birth
Medical providers’ obligation to you isn’t over once delivery ends. If the dystocia causes nervous injuries to the baby, it will likely need a speedy referral to a specialized treatment center and consultation with a multi-disciplinary group of providers (pediatrics, physical therapists, neurologists, etc.). They should provide the proper neurological and physical tests to see if the dystocia resulted in any serious problems, as well as the regular, effective physical therapy to help recover from them and avoid issues like deformity, or the mispositioning of joints and limbs.
In serious cases, surgery might be necessary. If the dystocia complications cause excessive bleeding in the mother, she might need a blood transfusion. Additionally, even though much can happen in a short time during delivery, your providers must meticulously document the whole process, and explain it clearly so you understand what happened, and what your options are for the future.
Minneapolis Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer Near Me 612-349-2729
How long do I have to bring a lawsuit for shoulder dystocia medical malpractice in Minnesota?
Under Minnesota law, you usually have 4 years to bring a malpractice case against your doctor or hospital.
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What relief can I get out of a medical malpractice suit for shoulder dystocia?
Malpractice robs a child and their mother of their health and peace of mind, and a medical malpractice suit can help take back some of what you’ve lost. There are no caps on damages in Minnesota, and you are eligible to recover resources which help you meet a number of challenges, including:
- Medical bills and costs
- Lost income
- Past bodily and mental harm, including:
- Pain
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Embarrassment
- Emotional distress
- Future bodily and mental harm, including:
- Pain
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Embarrassment
- Emotional distress
Minnesota birth injury malpractice lawyers help mothers with shoulder dystocia complications.
It can be confusing, painful, and time-consuming to sort out what went wrong, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you call us, we may be able to use our network of lawyers and medical experts to review your records and help get you the relief you need, including compensation for medical bills, future treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
You’ve already been let down once, which is why we operate under a contingency fee structure for maximum fairness: we only receive payment if we help you get what you deserve, either a settlement or victory at trial.
Get in touch with us here if you’re ready to have allies who understand.
Call 612-349-2729 or complete a Case Evaluation form
