Westchester County Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer

Shoulder dystocia is a delivery complication that can place both mother and baby at risk when medical professionals fail to respond appropriately. Families who discover that a preventable medical error caused their child’s injuries have the right to seek accountability. Contact Fiedler Deutsch, LLP at (914) 993-0393 or reach out online for a free consultation.

Why Choose Our Westchester County Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer

• We maintain close communication with families, keeping them informed and supported at every stage of their case.
• With more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have successfully handled complex medical malpractice and birth injury claims throughout New York.
• We work with leading medical experts to build strong, evidence-based cases that help families recover full and fair compensation.

Our Case Results

• $27 Million in future payments for a baby who sustained brain damage after physicians failed to perform a timely cesarean section.
• $9 Million for a young girl who developed Erb’s palsy when excessive traction was applied during delivery following shoulder dystocia.

These and our other case outcomes reflect the firm’s commitment to achieving justice for victims of medical negligence.

What is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes trapped behind the mother’s pelvic bone after the head has emerged. When handled correctly, most cases can be resolved safely. However, delayed or improper maneuvers can lead to the following injuries:

• Brachial plexus injury (Erb’s or Klumpke’s palsy)
• Fractures to the clavicle or humerus
• Oxygen deprivation and hypoxic brain injury
• Permanent loss of arm or hand function
• Maternal hemorrhage or uterine rupture

These injuries often require long-term therapy, surgery, and specialized care, creating significant financial and emotional strain for families.

How Medical Negligence Causes Shoulder Dystocia Injuries

While not every case of shoulder dystocia is caused by negligence, many result from preventable medical mistakes. Examples include:

• Failure to recognize risk factors such as fetal macrosomia or maternal diabetes
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction tools
• Applying excessive lateral traction on the baby’s head or neck
• Failing to perform a timely cesarean section
• Neglecting to use accepted obstetrical maneuvers when the shoulder becomes lodged

When healthcare professionals ignore warning signs or use unsafe delivery techniques, both mother and baby can suffer avoidable harm.

Types of Damages Families May Recover

Children injured by shoulder dystocia may require lifelong medical support. A successful malpractice claim can help families recover damages for:

• Medical and hospital costs
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Assistive devices and rehabilitation
• Educational and special needs support
• Pain and suffering
• Future care and lost earning capacity

The total compensation available depends on the severity of the injury, the child’s long-term prognosis, and the financial impact on the family.

Why Hire an Attorney

Going up against medical professionals and their insurers can be difficult for families. Hospitals have access to extensive resources, experienced defense teams, and experts who work to dispute liability. A skilled Westchester County Birth Injury Lawyer can review medical records, consult with obstetric and pediatric experts, identify where standards of care were violated, and pursue fair compensation through settlement or trial. Legal representation can give your family peace of mind knowing your rights are fully protected.

Contact Us Today

If your child suffered injuries from shoulder dystocia during delivery, call (914) 993-0393 or contact Fiedler Deutsch, LLP online today. Our Westchester County medical malpractice attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and help your family pursue justice.