Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs to a baby during the delivery process when the baby’s chin compresses against the walls of the birth canal, causing a possible long-term medical condition called Erb’s palsy. If the medical staff fails to monitor and correct the positioning of the baby’s head immediately, the compression of the umbilical cord can cut off oxygen and result in death.

Physicians and delivery room staff are trained to monitor and protect against the possibility of dystocia, as well as prevent injuries during emergency extraction methods, such as forceps and vacuum extractors. If your baby suffered Erb’s palsy or other traumatic nerve injury or fetal distress during delivery, your doctor and attending medical staff may be liable for negligence.

The birth injury attorneys at Miller & Wagner, are ready to explain your legal options for recovering the full and fair money damages your child will need for medical care and social needs.

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Attorney Dave Miller has more than 34 years experience litigating medical negligence laws and has personally handled more birth injury lawsuits than any lawyer in Oregon who represents injured patients. His deep understanding of obstetrics and neo-natal medicine and ability to work effectively with the medical specialists who can comment on the performance of your labor and delivery team can give you a powerful advantage in establishing malpractice liability and recovering the damages you need for the extra support and treatment your child will require for years to come.

Our law firm advises parents about birth injury claims in western Oregon, central Oregon and Washington, especially Vancouver and Clark County. Here are some examples of the birth injuries most likely to result from professional negligence:

• Cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, nerve damage
• Fetal distress injuries
• Forceps injuries, vacuum extractor injuries
• Injuries due to delay in C-section delivery
• Brain damage due to resuscitation errors