Jacksonville Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer

Trusted Legal Help for Birth Injury Victims in Jacksonville, FL

Birth injuries are a heartbreaking reality for many families. One of the most serious complications that can occur during childbirth is shoulder dystocia—a condition that can result in lasting harm to both mother and child. If your child suffered an injury due to shoulder dystocia during delivery, and you believe it could have been prevented, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our experienced Jacksonville shoulder dystocia lawyers are dedicated to helping families understand their legal rights and pursue justice after a preventable birth injury.

Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a Jacksonville shoulder dystocia attorney.

What is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia is a birth complication that occurs when a baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone after the head has been delivered. This medical emergency can delay the completion of the birth and may require urgent medical intervention to prevent injury or death.

Although shoulder dystocia is considered a rare complication—affecting approximately 0.2% to 3% of vaginal deliveries—it can lead to severe consequences if not handled correctly. Proper management by the attending medical professionals is critical to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child.

Common signs that shoulder dystocia is occurring include:

• Difficulty delivering the shoulders after the head emerges
• The “turtle sign” (the baby’s head retracts back into the birth canal)
• Maternal pushing with no progression of delivery

Doctors and nurses must act swiftly and appropriately to reduce the risk of injury. If they fail to respond according to accepted medical standards, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Common Causes of Shoulder Dystocia

There are several known risk factors and causes associated with shoulder dystocia. While the condition cannot always be predicted, competent healthcare providers are trained to identify risk factors during prenatal care and take appropriate action to reduce potential harm.

Risk Factors Include:

• Large birth weight (macrosomia) – Babies weighing more than 8 lbs., 13 oz. are at greater risk.
• Maternal diabetes – Gestational or preexisting diabetes can increase the chance of macrosomia.
• Excessive maternal weight gain – Significant weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to fetal macrosomia.
• Prolonged or difficult labor – Extended second stage of labor increases the likelihood of shoulder dystocia.
• Previous shoulder dystocia – A history of shoulder dystocia increases recurrence risk.
• Use of forceps or vacuum – Improper use of these tools during delivery can cause or worsen dystocia.

Despite these known factors, not all cases are preventable. However, failure to plan for a high-risk birth or inappropriate actions during delivery may constitute medical malpractice.

Short- & Long-Term Effects of Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia can result in serious physical injuries to the baby, the mother, or both. These complications can have both immediate and long-term consequences for the child’s health and development.

Common Injuries to the Baby:

• Brachial plexus injury – Damage to the nerves in the shoulder/arm, potentially leading to Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy.
• Clavicle or humerus fracture – Broken bones caused by excessive force during delivery.
• Hypoxia – Oxygen deprivation due to a compressed umbilical cord or delayed delivery, which can lead to brain damage or cerebral palsy.
• Permanent disability – In severe cases, shoulder dystocia can result in lifelong impairment or developmental delays.

Injuries to the Mother:

• Postpartum hemorrhage – Excessive bleeding after birth.
• Uterine rupture or tearing – Potentially life-threatening.
• Emotional trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common following a traumatic delivery.

When these outcomes occur due to poor medical decision-making or delayed intervention, families have the right to seek legal recourse. A skilled Jacksonville shoulder dystocia attorney can help determine if medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury.

Shoulder Dystocia Claim FAQs

Can I sue my doctor for shoulder dystocia injuries?

Yes, if your doctor or medical team acted negligently and failed to properly prevent or manage shoulder dystocia, you may be able to file a malpractice lawsuit. An attorney can help determine if your case meets the legal criteria for a claim.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a birth injury claim in Florida?

In Florida, medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, but no more than four years after the incident. However, exceptions may apply, especially for minors. Speak to a Jacksonville shoulder dystocia lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How much compensation can I receive in a shoulder dystocia claim?

Every case is different, and compensation depends on the severity of the injuries, the extent of medical negligence, and the long-term impact on the child’s life. Successful claims may result in settlements or verdicts ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

What if the hospital says the injury was unavoidable?

Hospitals often claim that shoulder dystocia injuries are unpredictable. However, medical records may reveal warning signs or poor decision-making that could have prevented the outcome. A lawyer can help investigate these claims thoroughly.

Will I need to go to court?

Many medical malpractice cases are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How a Jacksonville Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer Can Help

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we understand the immense emotional and financial toll a birth injury can place on your family. Our legal team has experience in investigating medical malpractice claims involving shoulder dystocia and other birth injuries. We work closely with medical experts to analyze your medical records, identify instances of negligence, and build a compelling case for compensation.

We may be able to help you recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
• Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of earning potential (if the child is permanently disabled)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct)

Our goal is to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and secure the financial support your child will need for a better quality of life.

Contact us today at (904) 295-1050 to arrange your free consultation.