Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery. While many babies who experience shoulder dystocia recover fully, some may face long-term effects.
There are also short-term effects that could cause serious injury or death to the mother and baby if a doctor doesn’t intervene in time to free the baby. This can be done through manipulating the baby or performing an emergency C-section.
A Connecticut birth injury lawyer in your state can help you get answers about your baby’s injuries after shoulder dystocia and if they rose to the level of malpractice. If so, they can help you sue for damages and get money to help you pay for your baby’s care.
Long-Term Effects of Shoulder Dystocia
Many babies who experience shoulder dystocia during birth recover completely. The damage depends on how long the baby was stuck, how the baby was removed, and whether the umbilical cord was compressed. Some children face long-term effects like:
Erb’s Palsy
Erb‘s Palsy is one of the most common long-term effects of shoulder dystocia. It’s a type of brachial plexus injury that affects the nerves controlling the arm and hand. Symptoms may include:
- Weakness or paralysis in the affected arm
- Limited range of motion
- Lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand
This condition can also occur because of a medical professional’s poor intervention during shoulder dystocia. Any action that overstretches or tears the nerves of the brachial plexus, including tugging on the baby too hard to free it, can cause Erb’s palsy.
Erb’s Palsy can resolve itself within the first year. However, more severe cases may require ongoing treatment, including physical therapy or surgery.
Cerebral Palsy
In rare cases where shoulder dystocia leads to prolonged oxygen deprivation, cerebral palsy may develop. This neurological disorder affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. Long-term effects of cerebral palsy can include:
- Motor skill difficulties
- Speech and language problems
- Cognitive impairments
- Seizures
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing medical care and support.
Developmental Delays
Some children who experience shoulder dystocia may face developmental delays due to brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen or blood. These can manifest as:
- Slower physical development
- Delayed cognitive milestones
- Speech and language delays
Early intervention and therapy can often help address these delays, but the conditions may not become apparent until your baby gets old enough to miss milestones.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
What if Shoulder Dystocia Was Caused by Medical Negligence?
If you believe your child’s shoulder dystocia and resulting long-term effects were caused by medical negligence, you may have legal options. Possible signs of negligence include:
- Failure to recognize risk factors for shoulder dystocia
- Improper use of delivery techniques or tools
- Delayed response to signs of fetal distress
At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, our infant shoulder dystocia lawyers have experience in cases involving shoulder dystocia and its long-term effects. We can help you get answers about what happened and explore avenues for compensation through a malpractice lawsuit.
How Can Long-Term Effects Be Managed?
Managing the long-term effects of shoulder dystocia often requires a multidisciplinary approach:
- Physical Therapy: Essential for improving muscle strength and range of motion, especially in cases of Erb’s Palsy.
- Occupational Therapy: Helps children adapt to physical limitations and learn to perform daily tasks.
- Speech Therapy: Beneficial for children experiencing speech or language delays.
- Surgical Interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair nerve damage or correct physical impairments.
- Ongoing Medical Care: Regular check-ups and specialized care may be needed to monitor and manage long-term conditions.
The complications can require so many specialists that they can ruin a family’s finances. That’s why you owe it to yourself and your family to investigate whether medical malpractice may be at the root of your child’s shoulder dystocia.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
How Can Birth Injury Lawyers Group Help?
Dealing with the long-term effects of shoulder dystocia in your baby can put you through an incredible amount of stress. You may be facing significant medical expenses and ongoing care needs. Our team at Birth Injury Lawyers Group is here to support you:
- We can review your case to determine if medical negligence played a role.
- We’ll help you understand your legal rights and options.
- We can pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, therapy costs, and other damages.
- We’ll advocate for your family’s best interests throughout the legal process.
If your child is experiencing long-term effects from shoulder dystocia like Erb’s palsy or cerebral palsy, we’re here to help you seek justice and the resources you need for your child’s care.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Every child deserves the best possible start in life. If shoulder dystocia has impacted your family, our lawyers are here to listen, advise, and support you. Contact Birth Injury Lawyers Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you work towards a brighter future for your child.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."