Upper Marlboro Birth Injury Attorneys

Southern Maryland Shoulder Dystocia Lawyers

Shoulder dystocia is a complication that occurs during delivery, when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind one of the mother's pelvic bones. The complication occurs in about 1 percent of all deliveries but is very serious when it does occur.

If your child suffered brain damage, nerve damage, other injuries, or died as a result of shoulder dystocia, the medical records should be examined for evidence of medical malpractice. If the obstetrical doctor or delivery team failed to take specific actions to minimize the risks associated with shoulder dystocia, you may have a claim for medical malpractice. Compensation via a medical negligence claim can provide a measure of financial stability during the aftermath of a shocking or tragic event as your family gets used to a different reality — whether the reality is the absence of your newborn if a premature death occurred, or care of an infant with special needs.

Experienced and compassionate Maryland birth injury lawyers

At Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher, our Upper Marlboro birth injury lawyers have successfully handled dozens of shoulder dystocia cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. We also have significant experience with other types of birth injury cases, including delivery errors resulting in Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries.

Evidence of malpractice in shoulder dystocia deliveries

If a high risk of shoulder dystocia is identified before labor begins, the obstetrical doctor should inform the mother of the risks and discuss the pros and cons of a cesarean section delivery. This is often a good option for safe delivery in shoulder dystocia cases.

If shoulder dystocia develops during delivery, there are several different maneuvers the delivery team can and should use to attempt moving the baby's shoulder before continuing with delivery.

If the doctor or midwife fails to perform these maneuvers or fails to suggest c-section delivery, and serious injury to the baby and/or mother results, there may be a valid claim for medical malpractice.

Free consultation and claim evaluation

To schedule a free consultation with an Upper Marlboro birth injury lawyer at Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher, call 301-627-5500 or contact us online. We serve clients throughout Maryland from offices in Upper Marlboro and La Plata. We also handle select cases in Washington, D.C.

Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher
Prince George's County, Maryland

SCB accepts Visa and MasterCard. These credit cards may be used to pay for legal work previously performed and expenses incurred by the firm for the client. But there are ethical restrictions on the acceptance of credit card payments for retainer fees (i.e., advance payment for work or expenses to be performed or incurred). Because of those restrictions, SCB cannot accept credit card payments for retainers and other advance payments. (For further details, see Maryland State Bar Ass'n, Ethics Docket 02-23 (Acceptance of Credit Card Payment as Retainer)).