Birth Injury Med Mal

One of the difficulties that a newborn may face on their journey into this world is shoulder dystocia, defined as the baby's head being delivered, but the shoulders are stuck and the baby is unable to be delivered naturally. This is an emergency situation and requires prompt action by the doctor doing the delivery to avoid any complications.

Shoulder dystocia is a term that actually means difficult birth, and indeed it is when the baby is stuck, unable to move forward without help. This may be caused if the baby is a large one, but may also happen with any size. There are several methods doctors may use to help the baby along, including fondal pressure (but not excessive) forceps or even vacuum assisted delivery.

Lately there has been a move to rotate the baby's head during birth to prevent dystocia, which, if done correctly, assists in a proper birth. If done incorrectly, it causes dystocia. The other method of delivery involves lateral traction. This happens when there is a little delay after the baby's head has cleared the birthing canal. This may be a natural delay, but some doctors panic and use lateral traction. Many doctors are now finding that lateral traction pushes the baby's head towards its shoulders, which causes shoulder dystocia.

There are other causes of shoulder dystocia, but suffice it to say that in some instances, it may be the result of medical malpractice. Unfortunately there is a high risk of brain and nerve damage in babies with shoulder dystocia. The nerve damage is a brachial plexus injury, otherwise called Erb's palsy and it affects the nerves that control movement and sensation in the fingers, hands and arms.

If you feel that you have been the victim of medical malpractice, call a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your potential birth injury case. Your lawyer will ensure you are informed of your rights and keep you apprised of everything happening on your file as your lawsuit progresses.

Michael G. Smith is a Little Rock injury lawyer and Little Rock accident lawyer, practicing personal injury law in Little Rock Arkansas. Learn more by visiting Arkansaslawhelp.com