What is shoulder dystocia injury?
Shoulder dystocia occurs when one or both of the baby's shoulders become trapped behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery, causing significant delays and risks to the wellbeing of both mother and child. While healthcare providers are trained to manage this emergency situation promptly, delays or improper handling can result in severe and permanent injuries.
Potential consequences of shoulder dystocia include nerve damage, such as brachial plexus injuries (often known as Erb’s palsy), fractures of the collarbone or limbs, oxygen deprivation resulting in brain injuries, and long-term developmental delays. These injuries can result in lifelong physical, emotional, and financial burdens for families.
Can you claim compensation for shoulder dystocia injury?
If your baby has sustained injuries from shoulder dystocia and you believe medical negligence played a part, you may be able to pursue compensation on their behalf. To successfully claim compensation, it must be established that medical professionals failed to provide an acceptable standard of care, resulting in unnecessary injury or harm.
Common examples of medical negligence that can lead to successful shoulder dystocia claims include:
- Failure to recognise or anticipate factors that can lead to shoulder dystocia (such as gestational diabetes, excessive birth weight, or previous delivery complications)
- Delay or incorrect management of shoulder dystocia during labour and delivery
- Incorrect use of birth assistance equipment such as forceps or vacuum extraction
- Failure to adequately inform the mother of potential risks or alternative delivery options
Our specialist solicitors at Stephensons will gather the necessary medical evidence and work alongside independent medical experts to prove negligence and ensure your child's best interests are represented throughout every step of the process.
Why choose us?
Stephensons is a leading UK law firm with extensive experience and an outstanding reputation in handling complex medical negligence claims, including those involving shoulder dystocia injuries. Our medical negligence solicitors have achieved significant compensation awards for numerous families, helping them secure financial support to meet their child’s future needs.
We hold accreditations from renowned legal organisations such as the Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme demonstrating our commitment to providing the highest quality legal representation and ethical standards. Our empathetic approach ensures families receive clear, compassionate, and practical guidance throughout the process, helping to alleviate stress during a highly emotional time.
How we can help
At Stephensons, we understand the profound emotional and practical difficulties shoulder dystocia injuries can cause. Our team provides comprehensive support, guiding you clearly and carefully through the process of bringing a medical negligence claim. We will:
- Provide a free initial consultation and honest assessment of your case
- Obtain and analyse your medical records
- Seek independent medical expert opinions to establish negligence and clarify the extent of the injury
- Negotiate and, if necessary, litigate your claim to achieve the best possible outcome
- Obtain interim payments where appropriate to assist with immediate rehabilitation, therapies, and care costs
Contact Stephensons today
If your child has been affected by shoulder dystocia injury due to medical negligence, act now to secure the legal support and compensation they are entitled to. Call Stephensons today on 0161 696 6165 or complete our online enquiry form, and one of our specialist solicitors will contact you promptly to discuss your case in confidence.
Frequently asked questions about shoulder dystocia injury claims
How long do I have to make a shoulder dystocia injury claim?
In England and Wales, you generally have three years from the date of the injury or from the date you first became aware of the negligence. However, if the injury involved a child, the three-year limitation period starts from their 18th birthday, giving you until their 21st birthday to initiate a claim.
How much compensation can I expect for a shoulder dystocia injury?
Compensation levels vary depending on the severity of the injury, long-term impact, and financial requirements for care and support. Our expert solicitors ensure each claim is thoroughly assessed to achieve a settlement that adequately reflects your child's specific current and future needs.
Will my claim go to court?
Many medical negligence claims are settled out of court through negotiation. However, if court proceedings become necessary, our expert solicitors will support you every step of the way, providing personalised advice and representation to achieve the best possible outcome.
Speak to Stephensons today on 0161 696 6165 to discuss your shoulder dystocia injury claim. Our medical negligence solicitors are ready to provide you with professional and compassionate support.