California Medical Malpractice Law Blog

Recently, an Oklahoma jury awarded a child who suffered a birth injury and her family a $1.8 million medical malpractice verdict. The injury was the result of a shoulder injury received at birth called “shoulder dystocia.” Shoulder dystocia is a type of birth injury that occurs when a babies shoulder gets stuck behind a mother’s pelvic bone and if not taken care of correctly, can lead to a brachial plexus injury or other developmental delays.

If you believe you child has suffered shoulder dystocia or any type of birth injury, it is important to consult with an experienced California birth injury law firm. An experienced birth injury lawyer can provide crucial guidance concerning your next steps and answer your birth injury questions.

Reportedly in this matter, a doctor inadvertently ruptured the nerves in the child’s shoulder, rendering her left arm useless after the difficult delivery. According to reports, the doctor made several critical medical mistakes that led to the result. Evidence showed that the doctor used vacuum extraction after the baby became stuck and that the doctor pulled on the baby’s head – using excessive force to remove the baby. Other medical practices exist that would decrease the likelihood of this injury from occurring.

Unfortunately, shoulder dystocia is permanent and may lead to serious life long difficulties including having an arm with little functional use, living with the deformity of one arm being longer that the other and delayed development of fine motor skills.

When medical malpractice causes a birth injury, it may be possible to obtain compensation. Here, the jury determined that the doctor’s actions lead to the child’s harm and awarded $1.2 million. The jury verdict includes damages for past and future medical bills, potential lost wages and pain and suffering.