Jacksonville Shoulder Dystocia Attorney

Nothing brings more joy to a family than the birth of a child. However, many births have complications which may lead to injuries, and some are preventable. One of the complications is shoulder dystocia which occurs when baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during labor. Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth complication that could result in a serious injury if not diagnosed quickly or if maneuvers are not performed properly. It’s considered an emergency and the doctor must work quickly to prevent complications.

Shoulder dystocia can result in permanent disability and the resulting birth injury is sometimes caused by medical negligence of a medical professional or healthcare provider.

Birth Injury Compensation

Our Jacksonville birth injury attorneys at Abbott Law Group have successfully represented many parents whose children suffered a shoulder dystocia injury. We have proven and dedicated attorneys serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Take legal action and call us at (904) 292-1111 for a free case evaluation.

Shoulder Dystocia Complications

Use of improper techniques or misdiagnosis of shoulder dystocia during labor may increase risks for both baby and mother, and sometimes are fatal. These complications include:

• Mother Injury – hemorrhaging, lacerations, uterine rupture
• Erb’s Palsy – paralysis of the arm
• Cerebral Palsy – brain damage
• Klumpke’s Palsy – damage to brachial plexus nerves
• Collarbone fracture
• Death

Shoulder Dystocia Treatment

The HELPERR mnemonic techniques together effectively relieve the impacted shoulder. The order of the steps is less important than

• “H” Call for help
• “E” Evaluate for episiotomy
• “L” Legs McRoberts maneuver
• “P” External pressure
• “E” Enter rotational maneuver
• “R” Remove posterior arm
• “R” Roll the patient to her hands and knees

Risk Factors Associated with Shoulder Dystocia

The physicians should be aware of risk factors for shoulder dystocia so they can recommend possible cesarean delivery with high risk woman.

• Fetal macrosomia (large baby)
• Induced labor
• Maternal diabetes
• Pregestational diabetes
• Epidural use
• Maternal obesity

References

American Academy of Family Physicians AAFP – Shoulder Dystocia
Wikipedia – Shoulder dystocia
NCBI – Trends in the rate of shoulder dystocia