Shoulder dystocia is a condition which occurs when a child's shoulder becomes lodged in the mother's pelvis while descending down the birth canal. If not addressed properly, shoulder dystocia can result to serious injury to a series of nerves known as the brachial plexus which control the arm and shoulder. Injuries to the brachial plexus can result in life-long disability to the child. The actions of a doctor in connection with the delivery of a child can be the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit when a child suffers a brachial plexus injuries based upon:
Failure to anticipate shoulder dystocia: very large, or macrosomic, infants are more likely to become lodged in the pelvis; when this is recognized as a likelihood, caesarean section should be considered;
Failure to resolve the shoulder dystocia: when the infant becomes lodged in the canal, there are a series of maneuvers which the doctor must do to try to correct the condition; other actions are generally recognized as being improper under the conditions;
Failure to perform a caesarean section: when the standard maneuvers intended to correct the condition fail, delivery by section is warranted when possible.
