At Tittle & Perlmuter, our Cleveland shoulder dystocia attorneys are standing by, ready to fight for your family’s rights. Did your infant suffer a shoulder dystocia injury as a consequence of medical malpractice? We are here to help you fight for justice and financial compensation. Negligent doctors and hospitals must be held accountable. For a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Ohio medical malpractice lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Cleveland office.
What is Baby Shoulder Dystocia?
The Cleveland Clinic explains that shoulder dystocia is a childbirth complication that occurs when an infant’s shoulders become lodged in the mother’s pelvic bone after the head has been delivered.
It is a medical emergency as the condition can pose serious risks to both the newborn and the mother if it is not managed promptly and effectively. Notably, baby shoulder dystocia often requires specialized obstetric maneuvers to safely release the trapped shoulders and complete the delivery.
Management and prevention strategies include prenatal assessments of maternal and fetal risk factors and strong preparedness by the delivery team to address the problem if it arises.
Understanding the Shoulder Dystocia Long-Term Effects
Shoulder dystocia in an infant is a serious matter. Understanding the potential long-term effects of shoulder dystocia is crucial for parents and healthcare providers alike. The condition—although it may be resolved at birth—can leave lasting impacts on both the child and the mother. For the infant, the most immediate concern is potential nerve damage—especially to the brachial plexus. The damage can be mild, moderate, or severe. The long-term adverse effects may include
- Permanent nerve damage
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Developmental delays
For mothers, the psychological impact of a traumatic delivery can be profound. In some cases, it can lead to postpartum depression or severe anxiety. A mother deserves proper care as well.
Medical Malpractice Laws in Ohio
A health care provider in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, or elsewhere in Northeast Ohio is not automatically liable for an infant’s shoulder dystocia injury. With that being said, they can and should be held legally responsible if the injury happened because of negligence. Medical provider negligence can give rise to a medical malpractice claim for a birth injury. A top-tier Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer who has experience taking on shoulder dystocia cases can help you hold negligent health providers—and their malpractice insurers—accountable.
We Help Families Fight for Justice and the Maximum Compensation
We are dedicated to helping families fight for justice and secure the maximum compensation they deserve. Our Cleveland birth injury attorneys team is committed to providing compassionate legal support and aggressive representation in court. We understand the impact of personal loss and strive to ease your burden by handling every aspect of your case.
Know the Law: Ohio has a statutory medical malpractice cap for non-economic damages. You can recover full compensation for economic damages, such as medical bills and loss of earning power. However, a statutory cap on non-economic damages applies. The cap on non-economic damages for an individual claimant is between $250,000 and $500,000—depending on the extent of your economic damages and the severity of your (or your child’s) injuries.
Why Trust Our Cleveland Shoulder Dystocia Injury Lawyer
Shoulder dystocia is a serious issue during a birth. It can cause major complications—both to the mother and the infant. At Tittle & Perlmuter, we help families hold negligent doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers accountable. We encourage you to hear what our clients have to say and review our case results to learn more. Our team is proactive. We are prepared to:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about shoulder dystocia claims
- Investigate the shoulder dystocia incident, gathering evidence of malpractice
- Handle any legal paperwork and settlement negotiations with insurers
- Take aggressive action to help you secure the best possible outcome
Shoulder Dystocia Injury: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Consult With a Medical Malpractice Attorney for My Baby’s Shoulder Dystocia?
Yes. Shoulder dystocia in an infant is a serious birth complication. In many cases, it happens because of negligence by doctors, nurses, and institutional medical providers. A top-tier Cleveland. OH medical malpractice lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Shoulder Dystocia Birth Injury Claim in Ohio?
It depends. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for a shoulder dystocia birth injury claim is generally four years from the date of the injury. However, a minor may have additional time to bring a claim. Indeed, for minors, the countdown begins on their 18th birthday. Still, there is no reason for families to wait to take legal action. Consult with a Cleveland birth injury attorney right away.
Does Shoulder Dystocia in an Infant Cause Permanent Impairments?
It can. Shoulder dystocia can potentially cause permanent impairments in infants, particularly if it leads to brachial plexus injuries. These injuries may result in deep nerve damage—which can adversely impact a child’s ability to move their arm/hand. Notably, the extent of the impairment often depends on the severity of the initial injury and the effectiveness of early intervention.
Contact Our Cleveland Shoulder Dystocia Injury Attorney for Immediate Help
At Tittle & Perlmuter, our Cleveland medical malpractice lawyers are fierce advocates for justice. If your infant suffered a shoulder dystocia injury, we are here to help. Give us a call now or connect with us online for a free, no commitment consultation. From our Cleveland office, we handle medical malpractice cases throughout all of Northeast Ohio.
