Pawtucket Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer

Trusted Legal Advocacy for Birth Injury Victims in Pawtucket, RI

When childbirth complications arise due to medical negligence, the results can be life-altering. One such complication is shoulder dystocia—a serious birth injury that can cause lasting harm to both mother and child. If you believe your child’s injury was preventable, a Pawtucket shoulder dystocia attorney at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can help you seek justice and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call (401) 200-4059 or contact us online today to schedule a free case evaluation.

What is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia is a delivery complication that occurs when a baby's shoulders become lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone after the head has already emerged. This can lead to a prolonged and difficult labor, putting the infant at risk of serious injuries, including:

• Brachial plexus injuries (nerve damage to the arm)
• Fractured collarbone or arm
• Lack of oxygen (hypoxia), which may result in brain damage
• Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy (partial or full paralysis of the arm)
• In severe cases, death of the infant

For the mother, shoulder dystocia may cause postpartum hemorrhaging, tearing, or uterine rupture. When this condition is mismanaged by medical professionals, the consequences can be tragic and legally actionable.

Common Causes of Shoulder Dystocia

Although some shoulder dystocia cases are unpredictable, many are entirely preventable. Proper prenatal care and labor monitoring are essential to identifying risk factors. Common causes include:

• Fetal macrosomia (a baby larger than 8 lbs 13 oz)
• Maternal diabetes (gestational or preexisting)
• Obesity in the mother
• Excessive use of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors
• Improper use of Pitocin or other labor-inducing drugs
• Prolonged second stage of labor
• Previous history of shoulder dystocia in prior births

Obstetricians and hospital staff have a duty to assess these risks and prepare accordingly. Failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice.

Who is Liable?

Determining liability in a shoulder dystocia case requires a thorough investigation. Multiple parties may be responsible, including:

• Obstetricians or Delivery Doctors: Doctors are responsible for recognizing risk factors before and during delivery. If they fail to perform a timely C-section or improperly use delivery tools, they may be held liable for medical negligence.
• Nurses and Hospital Staff: Monitoring vital signs and communicating concerns to doctors are essential roles. Errors in charting or failing to report fetal distress can make nurses or hospital staff accountable.
• Hospitals or Medical Facilities: Hospitals may be held liable for inadequate staffing, poor training, or improper protocols. They may also be responsible for the actions of their employees under vicarious liability laws.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., our team collaborates with medical experts to investigate your case and determine exactly where the system failed.

FAQs About Shoulder Dystocia Claims in Pawtucket, RI

Is shoulder dystocia always a sign of malpractice?

Not always. However, if your doctor failed to assess risk factors or did not take timely action during delivery, it may qualify as medical negligence.

What kind of compensation can I recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Lost earning capacity (for your child)
• Emotional distress

How long do I have to file a claim in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island generally allows three years from the date of injury to file a medical malpractice claim. However, some exceptions may apply, especially in birth injury cases involving minors.

Do I need an expert witness?

Yes. Rhode Island law often requires testimony from a qualified medical expert to prove that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care. Our firm works with top medical professionals to build a strong case.

How long will my case take?

Each case is unique. While some claims are resolved in months through negotiation, others may take a year or more if they go to trial. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Call a Pawtucket Shoulder Dystocia Attorney Today

If your child suffered a birth injury due to shoulder dystocia, you are not alone. At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we are committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable and helping families heal through justice and financial relief.

Contact us at (401) 200-4059 to start your journey toward a fair settlement and a brighter future.