Can I Sue for Harm Caused by My Baby’s Shoulder Dystocia?

 Posted on April 04, 2025 in Birth Injury

The human birth canal is relatively narrow, but a baby’s entire body must pass through it during a vaginal delivery. In a normal birth, the baby’s head emerges first, followed by one shoulder, then the other. The baby’s body passes between the mother’s pubic bones during delivery, but in some cases, one or both of the baby’s shoulders become stuck in that area. Known as shoulder dystocia, this medical emergency requires immediate intervention to prevent harm to the mother and child.

Medical staff should know shoulder dystocia risk factors and be prepared to take appropriate action if the child’s shoulders become lodged during labor and delivery. If you or your child is harmed by shoulder dystocia because of a medical error, our experienced Chicago, IL birth injuries attorneys can help you pursue maximum compensation.

What Are Known Risk Factors for Shoulder Dystocia?

Babies weighing over eight pounds, post-term, or in breech position can easily become stuck in the birth canal. Some maternal conditions, including a previous child experiencing shoulder dystocia, obesity, and diabetes, also increase the risks. Labor induction or the use of delivery tools, such as vacuum extraction or forceps, can also lead to this condition.

If these or other risk factors are present, your obstetrician should explain the risks of a vaginal delivery, offering to perform a C-section instead. If you make an informed decision to have your baby vaginally despite the risks, the delivery team should take extra precautions to avoid harming you and your child.

How Can Shoulder Dystocia Harm Mothers and Babies?

Complications from shoulder dystocia can include:

• Asphyxia, which can cause brain injuries like cerebral palsy
• Permanent nerve damage from brachial plexus injuries
• Klumpke’s or Erb’s palsy
• Uterine rupture
• Maternal hemorrhaging

These and other types of harm can require extensive medical treatments. Your child may have permanent disabilities and need lifelong care. You may need a hysterectomy. The financial losses you could face are extremely high, but the emotional and mental costs can also be devastating. If medical negligence caused your losses, you deserve compensation.

What Medical Mistakes Can Lead to Shoulder Dystocia and Resulting Harm?

Your medical team’s errors could include failing to monitor you and your baby during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery, failing to recognize and explain the risk factors, and failing to perform a C-section if your baby is distressed. Improper use of delivery tools, surgical errors, and incorrect dosages or administration of medications can also cause harm.

If you believe you or your child was harmed by medical negligence, call our office right away. We can investigate your situation and take appropriate action on your behalf.

Call Our Dedicated Cook County, IL Shoulder Dystocia Attorneys

Most complications associated with shoulder dystocia are preventable. A skilled Chicago, IL birth injuries lawyer from Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. can help you hold the at-fault medical professionals accountable. Request your free consultation today by contacting us online or calling 312-462-4200.