Shoulder Dystocia Compensation Claims

There is still a wide variety of things that can go wrong with childbirth. In addition to the dangers to the mother, there is also the risk of health issues relating to the child. Shoulder dystocia is one of many cases of difficult births and obstructed labour which can be threatening to the health of the baby. This medical complication occurs when the shoulders fail to be successfully delivered following the foetal head.

Due to compression of the umbilical cord and the chest, it is possible that shoulder dystocia can prevent the child from breathing. This means that, without quick medical treatment, death during childbirth can occur. While it can still be difficult to predict, it is possible in some circumstances. Similarly, there are medical practices in place to ensure that the child survives the complication.

Here at Tylers Solicitors, we can work with you to identify whether the medical practitioner in charge of your birth was medically negligent. If they were, you could be entitled to compensation to help you move on with your life and outfit your home to deal with any long-lasting damages associated with the pregnancy complication. Over the years, our team of medical negligence specialists have worked with a wide range of families to deliver the compensation and justice that they need.

What is Shoulder Dystocia during Childbirth?

Anterior Dystocia occurs when the anterior shoulder of the child cannot naturally pass through the maternal pelvis. This is an emergency and, if not dealt with quickly and professionally, it can actually cause the death of the child. The baby becomes trapped in the birth canal and will either suffer compression of the chest or damage to brachial plexus system of nerves, which has the potential to cause long-lasting disabilities.

Can Anterior Dystocia Ever be Predicted?

While it can be difficult to predict, there are many features of the mother which have been proven to contribute to the likelihood of this obstetric emergency occurring. Just some of the features that your medical professional should have looked out for include:

• The mother is older than 35.
• She is short in stature.
• Has a small or abnormally shaped pelvis, usually due to previous injuries.
• More than 42 weeks gestation period – the child can be larger than normal.
• When the foetus weighs more than 4500 grams.
• If the mother has developed maternal diabetes during childbirth.

What Factors Should I Look Out for During Childbirth?

In addition to the features listed above, there are signs throughout childbirth that can either increase the chance of shoulder dystocia claims occurring or can act as warning signs. Some of the mid-labour warning signs can include:

• The need for oxytocic medication.
• Prolonged first or second-stage labour.
• No shoulder rotation or descent.

How Will Shoulder Dystocia Be Managed?

Over the past few years, more and more obstetrical medical units across the world have worked to improve treatment for shoulder dystocia. Some of the most effective treatments used by today’s medical professionals can be observed in the popular medical mnemonic, ALARMER:

A – Ask for help. No medical practitioner should deal with this complication on their own. For effective management, your healthcare professional should ask for help from a dedicated obstetrician and supply you with anaesthesia. It may also be necessary to bring in a paediatrician for infant resuscitation in the worst circumstances.
L – Leg Hyperflexion.
A – Anterior Shoulder Disimpaction.
R – Rubin Manoeuvre.
M – Manual Delivery of Posterior Arm.
E – Episiotomy.
R – Roll onto All Fours.

Am I Eligible to Make a Claim for Shoulder Dystocia and Medical Negligence?

If you’re looking to make an anterior dystocia claim against your medical practitioner, then you need to make sure that they didn’t pick up on the potential warning signs or failed to utilise the medical standards for delivery.

If your medical practitioner did pick up on the warning signs but neglected to recommend a Caesarean section, then they could be guilty of medical negligence. Shoulder dystocia claims could help you to get the compensation that you need to move on with your life or ensure that your child has the treatment it needs to live comfortably in your home.

Should I Call Tylers Solicitors for Shoulder Dystocia Claims in the UK?

Here at Tylers Solicitors, we are proud to deliver no-win, no-fee medical negligence claims for all kinds of clients. Whether you’ve suffered due to ineffective medical treatment or if your healthcare specialist failed to notice warning signs of a developing complication, you could be entitled to no-win, no-fee compensation.

Whether the shoulder dystocia complication results in long-lasting damage, temporary pain or even infant death, you may be entitled to medical compensation. If you’re looking to make a medical negligence claim following a difficult birth, get in touch with our no-win, no-fee team today.

You can reach our no-win, no-fee specialists today by calling us directly on 0800 699 0079. If you prefer, you can get in touch with us via email. Just send any questions or concerns you have to info@tylerssolicitors.co.uk and we’ll get back at a time that is convenient for you.

For any Misdiagnosis Claims, call Tylers Solicitors today, a leading UK provider of no-win, no-fee legal services. Our experienced team will work with you to get the maximum amount of compensation you’re entitled to, following any kind of injury that isn’t your fault!