When a baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery, there are specific, proven maneuvers that trained staff should execute in sequence. Unfortunately, panic, poor training, and medical negligence can lead to dangerous responses. When your child develops shoulder dystocia due to medical negligence, you deserve justice.
The Vegas personal injury attorneys at The Janda Law Firm have helped countless families in Las Vegas navigate the complex world of birth injury claims. We will determine whether your medical team missed warning signs, used excessive force, or failed to perform necessary maneuvers. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how our Las Vegas shoulder dystocia attorney will fight for you.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Dystocia and Erb’s Palsy
Shoulder dystocia occurs when your baby’s shoulder becomes trapped behind your pelvic bone during delivery. This complication can cause severe stretching or tearing of the brachial plexus, the network of nerves running from your baby’s spine through the shoulder and down the arm. When these delicate nerves are damaged, your child may develop Erb’s palsy, a condition that affects your child’s ability to move and feel their arm.
Common Erb’s palsy symptoms include:
- A limp arm that hangs loosely at your baby’s side
- Muscle weakness that prevents normal movement
- Numbness or reduced sensation in the affected arm
- Reduced grip or difficulty grasping objects
- Partial or complete paralysis of the arm
- A dangling arm with fingers curved upward, known as the waiter’s tip position
How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Brachial Plexus Damage
In shoulder dystocia cases, negligence can transform a manageable complication into a devastating, permanent injury for your child. Healthcare providers are required to follow an accepted standard of care when treating patients, and when they deviate from this standard and your child is harmed, they can be held liable.
Several forms of negligence can lead to brachial plexus damage. Your medical team may have failed to identify risk factors during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, excessive fetal weight, or a history of previous shoulder dystocia. When providers ignore these warning signs, they miss opportunities to plan for safer delivery methods.
Excessive force during delivery is another common cause. Healthcare providers may pull too hard on your baby’s head or neck instead of following established protocols. Additionally, delaying a necessary C-section when vaginal delivery becomes too risky can lead to this injury.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit for Shoulder Dystocia in Las Vegas
A medical malpractice lawsuit holds negligent providers accountable while securing compensation for your family’s losses. These cases can recover damages for your child’s past and future medical expenses, the pain and suffering that your child has endured, and more.
The Vegas medical malpractice lawyers at The Janda Law Firm can guide you through the process of filing a legal claim and building an ironclad case that proves the at-fault party’s negligence. We will retain expert witnesses to analyze your medical records, demonstrate how proper protocols were ignored, and prove the extent of your child’s injuries. Most importantly, we will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your child’s recovery.
Speak with a Las Vegas Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer Today
When shoulder dystocia occurs due to malpractice, the resulting injuries can mean years of surgeries, physical therapy, and permanent limitations for your child. Their future should never be compromised by someone else’s negligence. The Janda Law Firm will leverage medical knowledge, aggressive legal strategy, and a wealth of resources to recover the compensation your family deserves. Contact us at (702) 758-8888 for a free case evaluation and begin your legal journey.