Shoulder Dystocia Medical Malpractice Attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri
At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis medical malpractice attorneys know that nearly all shoulder dystocia claims stem from deliveries that were mishandled by the obstetrician or another part of the medical team involved in the delivery.
By far the most common type of injury caused by shoulder dystocia medical malpractice claims is a brachial plexus, which results in some degree of permanent paralysis of one or both shoulders, arms, and hands of the infant.
If your child was delivered by a professional healthcare provider in Missouri, and suffered from shoulder dystocia during the delivery that resulted in injuries, we want to hear your story, so we can help. Contact us today to learn more.
What is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a condition that happens when one or both of a baby’s shoulders get stuck during vaginal delivery.
There are no signs of shoulder dystocia until delivery is well underway, and no way to prevent the condition. There are severe complications that can occur, including injuries to both the mother and baby unless there is immediate and proper medical intervention.
What are the Complications of Shoulder Dystocia?
Complications resulting from shoulder dystocia during labor can affect both the mother and baby.
Complications to the mother may include:
- Extreme and heavy bleeding after giving birth.
- Separation of the pubic bones.
- Severe tearing of the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus.
- Uterine rupture.
The most common complication of shoulder dystocia in a baby is brachial plexus palsy.
The brachial plexus nerves run from the baby’s spinal cord in the neck and through the arms. These nerves provide feeling and movement in your baby’s shoulder, arm, and hand.
When these nerves are damaged, it can cause weakness and paralysis on the affected side.
Other injuries to the baby may include:
- Fractures to the baby’s collarbone, and/or upper arm bone.
- A rare disorder affecting the baby’s eyes and face, called Horner’s syndrome.
- Compressed umbilical cord that cuts off oxygen and blood flow to the baby.
When shoulder dystocia is caused by negligence, medical records can help us determine the cause of the injuries, and the next steps we can take in pursuing the physician or medical team that caused your or your child’s injuries.
Contact our skilled shoulder dystocia medical malpractice lawyers in St. Louis today to review your case by calling (314) 370-8173 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
