Infants are especially vulnerable when moving through the birth canal during delivery. One common complication involves the baby’s shoulder getting caught in the pelvic area, a medical emergency known as shoulder dystocia. If not properly addressed, shoulder dystocia can cause lasting damage to the infant and could lead to a birth injury claim if medical negligence contributed to the injury.
At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., our Cook County, IL birth injury attorneys can investigate a case of shoulder dystocia to figure out who what happened and who may be legally responsible. Our firm, led by Attorney Allen Schwartz, has secured verdicts and settlements worth millions on behalf of injured mothers and their children, so you can trust us to investigate every detail of your claim.
How Does Shoulder Dystocia Happen?
Several conditions can increase the risk of shoulder dystocia. A large baby is one known risk factor. Babies who weigh more than eight pounds, 13 ounces at birth face a higher chance of getting stuck. Diabetes in the mother is another known risk factor. Diabetes during pregnancy can also increase the chance that a baby will grow larger.