Shoulder Dystocia Lawyers in Seattle
Experienced Birth Injury Attorneys Fighting for Washington Families
When shoulder dystocia occurs during childbirth, the attending medical professionals must act quickly and competently to protect the health of both mother and child. If you or your baby has been injured as a result negligent medical care of shoulder dystocia, you may be entitled to compensation for damages.
At Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, we understand how devastating these injuries can be for Washington families – physically, emotionally, and financially. We also know how important it is to hold accountable those responsible for their actions. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for a fair settlement on your child’s behalf – whether through a negotiated settlement or at trial – so that you can focus on the health and well-being of your child.
For experienced guidance, speak with skilled Seattle shoulder dystocia attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender. Contact us online or call (206) 208-0318.
Consequences of Shoulder Dystocia
The long-term effects of shoulder dystocia can be devastating for both the mother and the newborn baby. In some cases, babies who have been affected by shoulder dystocia may experience persistent physical challenges such as:
- Erb’s palsy: This type of nerve damage to the brachial plexus affects movement and sensation in the baby's arm. It can cause weakness or paralysis in the shoulder, arm, or hand muscles.
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxemia): In severe cases of shoulder dystocia, the baby may experience a lack of oxygen due to umbilical cord compression that can lead to brain damage. This can cause cognitive impairments, learning difficulties, hearing loss, and vision problems.
- Fractures: Excessive force used during delivery to remove the stuck shoulder may result in broken bones such as fractures in the collarbone or humerus.
Shoulder Dystocia Long-Term Effects
Shoulder dystocia can have profound long-term effects on a child's health and development, which are critical to understanding in the context of legal considerations and potential compensation claims. Physically, the most common complication is brachial plexus injury, which can lead to varying degrees of nerve damage. This may result in weakness, loss of function, or even paralysis in the affected arm, potentially necessitating lifelong medical treatment. Mobility issues and chronic pain can also arise, impacting the child's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Understanding Shoulder Dystocia and How it Can Impact Your Delivery
Shoulder dystocia is a serious medical condition when one or both of the baby's shoulders become stuck in the mother's pelvis during the birthing process. This condition can lead to damaging birth injuries for both mother and baby if not managed properly by medical personnel.
During an uncomplicated delivery, the baby's head is delivered first with their shoulders and arms following next. With shoulder dystocia, however, the baby's head will pass through normally but the baby’s shoulders become trapped behind the mother's pelvic bone. When this occurs, medical staff must take swift action to gently but quickly remove the shoulder using maneuvers like applying gentle pressure on the mother’s abdomen or rotating the baby out manually.
Causes of Shoulder Dystocia
There are several potential causes of shoulder dystocia during childbirth. These include:
- Fetal macrosomia: When the baby is larger than average, it can cause the shoulders to become stuck in the birth canal.
- Prolonged labor: When contractions last longer than expected, or if labor takes place over an extended period of time, it can increase the risk of shoulder dystocia.
- Maternal diabetes: Pregnant women who suffer from maternal diabetes are at higher risk for shoulder dystocia.
- Multiple births: Having twins or triplets increases the likelihood of shoulder dystocia.
- Use of forceps or vacuum: The use of these tools during delivery can increase the chances of the shoulder becoming lodged behind the public bone.
These factors can be exacerbated by medical negligence during delivery. In some cases, a doctor may not have performed all necessary steps to ensure a safe delivery leading up to birth or may have actively mismanaged care during childbirth, leaving both mother and baby at risk.
If your delivery involved shoulder dystocia that resulted in an injury, you may be entitled to pursue legal recourse if it was due to medical negligence. Medical professionals are expected to exercise reasonable care in their handling of labor and delivery, including recognizing signs of risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia and responding appropriately should it occur during delivery.
Failure to do so could result in long-term health issues for both mother and child. A skilled Seattle lawyer can help you better understand your rights and options after a traumatic delivery experience due to shoulder dystocia.
How Do I Know If My Child’s Shoulder Dystocia Was Due To Medical Negligence?
Determining if your child's shoulder dystocia was due to medical negligence involves understanding the standards of care expected during childbirth. Medical negligence may have occurred if the healthcare provider failed to anticipate or appropriately manage shoulder dystocia, resulting in injury. Indicators of negligence include not identifying risk factors like maternal diabetes or fetal macrosomia, using excessive force during delivery, or delaying necessary interventions. Consulting with a Seattle shoulder dystocia attorney from Schroeter Goldmark & Bender can be pivotal in evaluating the circumstances of your case. Our team has years of experience in birth injuries and we specialize in assessing medical records and identifying deviations from standard practices. We can help determine if the healthcare provider's actions were inconsistent with what a competent professional would have done under similar circumstances. By seeking legal advice, you can explore your options for pursuing compensation to support your child's recovery and future needs.
Legal Representation for Birth Injury Cases
At Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, our team of experienced attorneys specializes in representing families in birth injury cases, including those involving shoulder dystocia. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that birth injuries can have on families, and we are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
When you choose our firm to represent you in a birth injury case, you can expect the following:
- Compassionate and personalized legal guidance
- Thorough investigation and evaluation of your case
- Aggressive advocacy for your rights in and out of the courtroom
- Access to top medical experts and resources to support your case
- Transparent communication and updates on the progress of your case
Don't navigate the complexities of a birth injury case alone. Contact Schroeter Goldmark & Bender to schedule a consultation with our dedicated legal team.
Let Schroeter Goldmark & Bender Provide Experienced Support
It is not easy to cope with the aftermath of a birth injury caused by medical negligence. Not only are families dealing with physical and emotional trauma, but they also face financial burdens associated with seeking treatment for long-term health issues due to injuries resulting from shoulder dystocia during childbirth.
Our Seattle-based shoulder dystocia lawyers are committed to providing the legal resources and experience that Washington families can rely on during these situations. Our team at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender has extensive experience representing clients affected by medical malpractice during childbirth, and we understand how overwhelming this situation must feel for you and your family. Our attorneys are passionate about helping families seek justice after their babies are injured due to medical negligence.
