Shoulder Dystocia Medical Malpractice Oregon

While many births occur without incident, there are time when obstetrical emergencies can happen. An obstetrical emergency is considered to be an event or complication that is life-threatening. There are different types of obstetric emergencies, including cephalopelvic disproportion, uterine rupture, umbilical cord prolapse, and shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia is very serious and can result in serious injury if it is improperly handled. In fact, there are times when shoulder dystocia can be prevented entirely with proper care and assessment prior to labor and delivery. In cases where obstetrical emergencies such as shoulder dystocia could have been prevented and it results in injury, it is considered to be negligence. 

 

Shoulder Dystocia Explained

 

Shoulder dystocia occurs during delivery of the baby when the baby’s shoulder or shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. This prevents the baby from exiting the birth canal. Shoulder dystocia can be due to a variety of factors, including the size of the infant, the size of the mother and the mother’s birth canal, and the way that the baby is exiting the birth canal.

 

Risks for Shoulder Dystocia

 

There are some factors that may place a newborn at risk for shoulder dystocia. Examples of these risk factors include the following:

 

• Maternal history of a prior baby with shoulder dystocia
• Babies who are born after their due date
• Multiples
• Induction of labor
• Operative vaginal delivery (i..e use of forceps or vacuum extractor)
• The mother has an abnormal pelvis
• The mother has a small pelvis
• Mother with gestational diabetes
• Obesity
• Macrosomia (abnormally large infant)

 

Dangers of Shoulder Dystocia

 

There are many serious injuries that can occur as a result of shoulder dystocia. Examples of these include the following:

 

• Asphyxia (oxygen deprivation)
• Brachial plexus injury (nerve damage to the hand, shoulder, or arm)
• Erb’s palsy (numbness or paralysis of the arm)
• Collarbone or arm fracture
• Cerebral palsy
• Learning disabilities
• Death due to lack of oxygen
• Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

 

Treatment of Shoulder Dystocia

 

As stated previously, shoulder dystocia is considered to be a medical emergency. If this complication is not immediately identified and treated properly, it can result in many catastrophic injuries, including death. Medical providers must use obstetrical procedures and manipulative techniques that can dislodge the baby. Proper assessment of where the baby’s shoulder is lodged is essential to dislodge the baby and deliver the baby safely. If done correctly, obstetrical procedures and manipulation techniques can aid in safely delivering the baby. 

 

Shoulder Dystocia Due to Medical Malpractice

 

There are some causes of shoulder dystocia that are due to a healthcare provider’s negligence. Examples of this include the following: 

 

• Failure to identify cephalopelvic disproportion prior to labor and delivery
• Failure to opt for a c-section when indicated (i.e. in cases of babies with macrosomia who can likely not be delivered safely vaginally)
• Improper use of extraction tools
• Birth injuries resulting from shoulder dystocia, due to improper care of a baby with shoulder dystocia (i.e. use of excessive force)

 

Shoulder Dystocia Due to Medical Malpractice: Ask Us For Help

 

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.

 

Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton,  Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles,  St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.

 

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.