Shoulder dystocia is a birth complication which affects a small number of women and their newborn babies. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby's shoulder becomes trapped behind the mother's pelvic bone during pregnancy.
The effects of shoulder dystocia can vary from minor to serious. Shoulder dystocia could result in a broken bone or clavicle or a strain of the nerves running through the neck. The most serious effect of shoulder dystocia is shoulder paralysis, which may even be permanent.
Unfortunately, some cases of shoulder dystocia are the result of clinical negligence. If this is the case, a compensation claim may be possible.
Shoulder dystocia and clinical negligence
There are ways of dealing with shoulder dystocia which include repositioning the mother or performing a caesarean section. Doctors should also be aware of risk factors, which include:
- A suspected large baby
- Maternal diabetes
- A family history of shoulder dystocia
If the doctor or medical organisation fell short of fulfilling their duty of care in a case of shoulder dystocia, a compensation claim for clinical negligence may be possible.
Claiming compensation for clinical negligence
Contact Legal Advice Helpline on 0800 612 3042 for information on how to pursue a negligence claim for shoulder dystocia. We can help by providing access to an expert solicitor with experience in shoulder dystocia cases who will be able to advise you on whether to pursue a compensation claim.