Phoenix Shoulder Dystocia Lawyers | AZ Malpractice & Injury

Shoulder Dystocia


Arizona Medical Malpracitce Lawyers for the Victims of Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia can be one of the most frightening delivery room emergencies and may occur with no warning.  It is caused by excessive forces during delivery.  Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder hangs up on the mother’s pelvis and cannot pass completely through the birth canal.  As a result, the umbilical cord may become compressed, creating a life-threatening emergency for the baby, if it is not delivered quickly.

Medical Malpractice for Failing to Properly Treat Shoulder Dystocia

Failure to promptly deliver the baby can also result in anoxic encephalopathy (deprivation of oxygen to the brain) resulting in brain damage or death of the baby.  Improper management of shoulder dystocia can lead to a brachial plexus injury (nerve damage affecting the function of the entire arm).  When shoulder dystocia is identified, the physician is required to attempt a series of progressive maneuvers to deliver the baby. None of them require anything more than gentle traction which will not cause a permanent injury.  Failure to follow these procedures is medical malpractice.  Unfortunately, following the appropriate procedures does not guarantee that the baby will not suffer a brachial plexus injury.

 

Contact Our Phoenix, Arizona Medical Malpractice Birth Injury Team for Claims Involving Shoulder Dystocia

Contact us at (602) 648-3200 about any medical malpractice involving shoulder dystocia resulting in birth injury a loved one may have experienced anywhere in Arizona. Consultations are free and confidential.