Shoulder Dystocia Malpractice Lawyer Fort Lauderdale FL
If you’re in need of a shoulder dystocia malpractice lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. can help. When a young child suffers from a birth-related injury, the emotional burden is bad enough. Unfortunately, there are many birth-related complications that, while preventable, may nonetheless cause substantial harm to newborn babies. This is why doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and midwives play an extremely important role. These professionals are supposed to help facilitate a safe delivery, but one mistake could have catastrophic results, possibly resulting in a disability.
SHOULDER DYSTOCIA
Shoulder dystocia refers to a unique type of obstructed labor in which the baby’s shoulder is not able to pass the mother’s pubic bone. If not treated immediately, damaging and life-threatening harm may occur. Shoulder dystocia may occur without any warning signs, but timely and efficient control of this situation can help make sure both the mother and child are safe.
The use of forceps during delivery is the most frequent risk factor involved with shoulder dystocia. If a baby is large, his or her head may get trapped and fail to completely leave the birth canal. Sometimes, doctors combat this by using vacuum extraction or forceps to help deliver the baby. But if a baby’s shoulder gets stuck, your Fort Lauderdale, FL shoulder dystocia malpractice lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Shoulder dystocia can occur during any delivery, but the following women have a higher risk for a delivery with a shoulder dystocia complication:
- Women who have delivered large babies in the past
- Women who are carrying more than one baby
- Women who have gestational diabetes
Generally, doctors should identify any risks associated with shoulder dystocia and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe, healthy childbirth. Usually, Caesarean section surgery is needed to quickly remove the baby and prevent damaging consequences. Also, the McRoberts maneuver, Zavanelli maneuver, suprapubic pressure, or internal rotation may be performed to help shift the baby into the proper position.
SHOULDER DYSTOCIA INJURIES
As your Fort Lauderdale, FL shoulder dystocia malpractice lawyer can explain, babies and mothers may suffer serious injuries if shoulder dystocia is not taken care of properly and quickly:
- Brain damage
- Broken bones
- Permanent nerve damage
- Erb’s (Klumpke’s) palsy
- Maternal hemorrhage
- Lacerations
- Uterine ruptures
How Parents Can Take Action If Birth Injuries Happen
When a baby suffers from a birth injury, parents may be entitled to compensation through filing a lawsuit against the doctor or facility for the negligence or mistake. Those who work in the medical field are required to uphold a reasonable level of care to patients. Doctors, nurses, or hospitals that fail to offer the standard quality of care expected within the medical community, may eventually face a lawsuit.
Parents who have a newborn with physical or cognitive injuries should consult with a Fort Lauderdale shoulder dystocia lawyer from Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. to prepare for taking legal action. In addition to shoulder dystocia, there are many ways that birth injuries can happen. Sometimes, a doctor may try to label an injury as a genetic condition as a way to elude responsibility. Parents who have a hunch their doctor isn’t telling the truth may want to obtain legal representation for clarity and protection right away.
Overly Aggressive Use of Forceps
If a mother is needs assistance in the delivery room, a doctor may use forceps to help extract her baby. When forceps are used properly, it can help reduce the baby’s chances of oxygen deprivation, fetal distress, cerebral palsy, and more. While birth-assisting tools can be helpful, if a doctor uses them aggressively, it can cause further damage. If forceps are used too harshly, it can lead to temporary or permanent nerve damage of the baby’s neck or chest, along with scrapes and bruises of the scalp.
Incorrect Use of Vacuum
If the baby has not exited the birth canal within a reasonable time frame, a vacuum may be required to speed up the process. Vacuums latch onto the baby’s shoulder or skull, and helping guide the baby along the birth canal. While this can be gentle enough, a doctor or nurse that is too hasty may not place the vacuum correctly. This can lead to serious injuries for both the baby and the mother. If your doctor used a vacuum and your baby experienced injuries, you should contact your Fort Lauderdale shoulder dystocia malpractice lawyer. If the abnormalities are still present, take photographs so these symptoms can be documented.
C-Section Delay
If a baby is suffering from fetal distress, a doctor may order an emergency c-section. The doctor and nurses must strictly monitor the mother’s blood pressure, baby’s heart rate, and other common issues with delivery. Other reasons for a c-section may include umbilical cord prolapses, uterine ruptures, placenta covering the cervix, and a slowed labor. If the medical team doesn’t identify and address these issues promptly, they may be held liable for the damages and injuries that result.
As your Fort Lauderdale shoulder dystocia malpractice lawyers, we can provide legal insight, strategy, and support as you seek justice for your baby’s birth injury. Contact us today, and let’s get started together.
CONTACT A SHOULDER DYSTOCIA MALPRACTICE LAWYER FORT LAUDERDALE FL FAMILIES TURN TO FOR HELP
While shoulder dystocia may not be avoidable, there are steps that can be taken to help ensure a safe delivery. However, if your baby’s shoulder dystocia was not addressed or was improperly treated, your birth injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation and closure.
If you believe your child suffered from a birth injury, the team at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. can help. Get in touch with us today, and see how a Fort Lauderdale shoulder dystocia lawyer from our team can make a difference.