When Shoulder Dystocia Changes the Life of a Family
When an infant is a victim of shoulder dystocia, certain serious medical conditions can occur. Infants are sometimes left with damage to the upper brachial plexus nerves, which control feeling and movement of the shoulder, arm and hands. The effects and be permanent and can forever change the life of a family.
At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we represent Ohio families in medical malpractice lawsuits. Lawyers at our law firm are dedicated to helping our clients hold doctors accountable for the harm they cause. For more information and a free initial consultation about your medical malpractice case, contact Friedman, Domiano & Smith by calling us toll free at 866-636-8367.
About Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia often happens as a delivery room emergency. After an infant's head has been delivered, the infant's shoulder remains lodged in the pubic bone. Health care professionals should recognize risk factors and warning signs of shoulder dystocia. When these warning signs present themselves, health care professionals should know to perform a number of obstetrical maneuvers.
In certain instances, a professional may do these obstetrical maneuvers ineffectively or incorrectly in a way that harms the mother or the infant. For example, a doctor's excess use of tension can physically tear the nerves away from the spinal column. This leads to a condition often called Erb's palsy. Shoulder dystocia can also lead to oxygen deprivation and blood loss.
There are certain well-recognized risk factors of shoulder dystocia. These include diabetes, large infant size and maternal obesity. If your obstetrician has failed to recognize these and a birth injury does occur, it could be medical malpractice.
Contact Us
If your family has been affected by a birth injury, talking with an attorney is the best way to learn about your options. To talk with an attorney at Friedman, Domiano & Smith, call us toll free at 866-636-8367 or complete an online contact form. Our law firm's main office is conveniently located in downtown Cleveland. We maintain additional offices in Ohio.
