Settlements for Shoulder Dystocia

Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers Pursuing Damages for Shoulder Dystocia

Childbirth should be one of the most joyful moments in a family’s life, but when complications arise, the outcome can be life-altering. One of the most dangerous complications during delivery is shoulder dystocia, a condition in which a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. While shoulder dystocia is a known obstetric emergency, proper management can often prevent permanent harm. When doctors fail to respond appropriately, however, both mother and child may suffer devastating consequences. Many families affected by this type of negligence will bring medical malpractice claims against the parties responsible for their losses. Although some cases ultimately go before a jury, many are resolved through settlements prior to trial. While money alone cannot resolve the harm caused by medical negligence, settlements for shoulder dystocia can provide financial resources to cover the extensive medical care, therapy, and lifelong support a child may need. If your child sustained injuries at birth, it is important to talk to an attorney about your rights. At Arfaa Law Group, our experienced Baltimore malpractice attorneys understand both the medical and legal complexities of birth injury cases, and if you hire us, we will zealously pursue any compensation available.

The Risks and Harms Caused by Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs unpredictably, but it is a complication that obstetricians are trained to anticipate and manage. Certain risk factors, such as a large baby, maternal diabetes, or a prolonged second stage of labor, should alert medical providers to prepare for this possibility. When shoulder dystocia happens, immediate maneuvers are necessary to safely deliver the baby without causing injury. If handled improperly, the consequences can be severe. Babies may suffer brachial plexus injuries, fractured clavicles, lack of oxygen to the brain, or even death. These injuries often lead to permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, or cerebral palsy.

For families, the physical, emotional, and financial toll is profound. A child injured during delivery may require years of therapy, repeated surgeries, or assistive devices to manage lifelong disabilities. These realities make settlements for shoulder dystocia not only a means of addressing economic damages but also a vital way to provide families with the resources to care for their child’s future.

Proving Negligence in Maryland Birth Injury Claims

Negligence standards usually govern birth injury claims involving shoulder dystocia. To succeed on a negligence claim in Maryland, a plaintiff must establish four key elements. First, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a duty. Generally, doctors owe their patients a duty to provide care that meets the accepted standards of reasonably competent professionals. Next, the plaintiff must establish a breach. A breach occurs when a provider fails to meet this duty, whether by not recognizing risk factors, failing to employ established maneuvers, or using excessive force that causes injury.

Third, the plaintiff has to show causation. This means they must prove that the provider’s actions or omissions directly caused the plaintiff to suffer measurable harm. For instance, if a physician applied excessive traction to the baby’s head and neck, resulting in a brachial plexus injury, that conduct can be linked directly to the child’s condition.

Expert testimony is essential in Maryland birth injury cases. Obstetricians, neonatologists, or pediatric neurologists often testify to establish what the standard of care required during delivery, how the defendants deviated from it, and how that deviation caused the injuries. When the evidence is compelling, families may be entitled to substantial compensation through settlements for shoulder dystocia, ensuring that their child’s ongoing and future needs are met.

Benefits of Settlements for Shoulder Dystocia

Although every case is prepared for trial, many shoulder dystocia malpractice claims are resolved through settlement. Litigation can be lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining for families who are already coping with caring for an injured child. Trials also carry inherent risks, as juries may struggle to evaluate complex medical evidence or may be swayed by defense arguments about the unpredictability of shoulder dystocia. For health care providers and insurers, the potential for a large jury verdict makes settlement an attractive option.

Settlements provide families with financial stability without the delays and uncertainties of a courtroom battle. They can be structured to cover immediate medical expenses as well as long-term needs, such as rehabilitation, specialized education, and home modifications. For families, a settlement offers not only financial support but also closure, allowing them to focus on their child’s care rather than prolonged litigation.

Speak With a Baltimore Birth Injury Attorney About Your Potential Claim

The birth of a child should be a celebration, not the beginning of a lifetime of medical struggles caused by negligence. When shoulder dystocia is mishandled and injuries result, families have the right to seek accountability under Maryland law. Settlements for shoulder dystocia provide critical financial relief, ensuring that children and families receive the care and support they need while avoiding the risks of trial. If your family has been affected by the negligent management of shoulder dystocia, you should talk to an attorney. The dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys at Arfaa Law Group can explain your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We have an office in Baltimore and represent clients throughout the city. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call us at 410-889-1850 or contact us online today.