Chicago Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer Helping Families Seek Answers
Shoulder dystocia can make childbirth dangerous within moments. It happens when a baby’s shoulders do not pass through the mother’s pelvis after the head has emerged. The medical team must respond quickly and use proper techniques to reduce the risk of injury.
Some cases cannot be prevented. Others may involve medical negligence, especially when providers fail to recognize risk factors, delay treatment or use too much force during delivery.
A Chicago shoulder dystocia lawyer can review the medical records and help parents understand whether a preventable error caused their child’s harm. At Morrissey Legal Group, LLC, Frank Morrissey represents families facing the medical, emotional and financial effects of serious birth injuries.
What Causes Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia may occur without warning, but certain factors can increase the risk. These include:
- A baby with a high birth weight
- Maternal or gestational diabetes
- A long or difficult labor
- A previous shoulder dystocia delivery
- The use of forceps or a vacuum extractor
- An induced or assisted delivery
Because the condition can develop suddenly, doctors and nurses should know how to identify it and perform accepted delivery maneuvers. Pulling forcefully on the baby’s head or neck can cause severe harm.
Injuries Linked To Shoulder Dystocia
A trapped shoulder can place pressure on the baby’s nerves, bones and oxygen supply. The resulting injuries may be temporary or permanent.
Common complications include:
- Brachial plexus damage: An injury to the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm and hand
- Erb’s palsy: Weakness or paralysis affecting the shoulder and upper arm
- Fractures: Broken bones involving the collarbone or upper arm
- Brain injury: Neurological harm caused by a prolonged lack of oxygen
Parents may notice that their baby does not move one arm normally, has a weaker grip on one side or keeps an arm close to the body. Some children recover through therapy. However, others may need surgery, long-term treatment or lifelong support.
When Medical Negligence May Be Involved
A difficult delivery alone does not prove malpractice. A claim generally requires evidence that a medical provider failed to follow accepted standards and that this failure caused the injury.
Possible examples include:
- Ignoring clear risk factors before delivery
- Failing to consider a cesarean section when appropriate
- Responding too slowly after the shoulder became trapped
- Applying excessive force to the baby
- Misusing forceps or vacuum equipment
- Failing to monitor fetal distress
- Failing to call for additional medical help
Frank Morrissey previously defended hospitals, doctors and manufacturers. That experience helps him understand how medical providers and insurers approach malpractice claims. He also knows how to explain complicated medical issues in clear terms.
Compensation For A Birth Injury
A serious injury can create years of treatment expenses and support needs. Depending on the case, compensation may cover:
- Past and future medical care
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Surgery and specialist treatment
- Assistive devices
- Home or vehicle modifications
- Lost future earning ability
- Pain and loss of normal life
- Educational and caregiving support
The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury, the child’s future needs and the evidence connecting the harm to negligence.
Illinois Time Limits
Illinois law limits how long families have to file medical malpractice claims. Adult claims generally must be filed within two years after the injury and its possible cause were discovered, subject to an outside four-year limit in many cases.
Different rules apply to minors. A claim involving a child generally must be filed within eight years of the negligent act and before the child turns 22. Claims belonging to the parents may have shorter deadlines, so early legal guidance is important.
Speak With Frank Morrissey Today
Morrissey Legal Group, LLC offers free consultations and handles medical malpractice cases on a contingency-fee basis. Families pay no attorney fees upfront, and the firm receives a fee only if it recovers compensation.
Contact the firm at 312-815-5856 or via email to discuss your child’s injury with a Chicago shoulder dystocia lawyer.