Handling Shoulder Dystocia and Other Birth Injury Cases
In general, dystocia refers to an abnormal or difficult labor and birth process. A specific type of dystocia can occur, called shoulder dystocia. This type of birth injury can result in serious, permanent injuries to the child, and even fetal death. At the law firm of John J. Hopkins & Associates in Alton, Illinois, our attorneys provide compassionate and professional representation to parents whose children have experienced shoulder dystocia and the resulting injuries during the birth process. We have more than 30 years of experience practicing in the area of medical malpractice and utilize our knowledge to help you pursue compensation for hospital or doctor negligence.
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a condition in which an infant's shoulders become stuck or pinned behind the mother's pubic bone. This causes a situation in which the baby must become dislodged or the risk of additional birth injuries increases. In many cases, being stuck or the attempted removal by a medical professional can cause Erb's Palsy or a brachial plexus injury.
Umbilical Cord Compression As the Result of Shoulder Dystocia
Once a baby is stuck, a critical time period is entered in which the baby must be delivered or risk death. The death may occur due to the compression of the umbilical cord during the awkward positioning and situation that led to the newborn becoming stuck. The compression of the umbilical cord causes hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, that can lead to brain damage or death.
Contact a Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer at Our Office
We can help you understand what shoulder dystocia is, how it happens, and the affects it may have on an infant. Our firm can review your case to determine if the shoulder dystocia and other injuries your child suffered were the result of physician negligence.
Contact us at the law firm of John J. Hopkins & Associates today. Call to schedule a free initial consultation at 618-307-4053 or toll free at 888-779-6064. All cases are taken on a contingency basis.
