Shoulder dystocia is a birth injury that can have severe and devastating consequences for a child’s life. If you or your baby has been injured due to shoulder dystocia, it is vital to speak to a skilled Baltimore birth injury lawyer who can explore the facts of your case. At Arfaa Law Group, we will guide you through the legal process and give your case the attention and time it deserves.
Holding a Negligent Health Care Provider Accountable for Shoulder DystociaShoulder dystocia is a birth injury that occurs when, after delivery of the baby's head, the shoulders gets stuck inside the mother's body. When this happens, the physician must act quickly to deliver the baby’s body because the umbilical cord may be compressed and cut off oxygen to the baby’s brain. This can cause long-term damage to a child’s nervous system and lead to conditions such as Erb’s palsy, cerebral palsy, brachial plexus damage, and umbilical cord issues.
Most medical malpractice cases proceed under the theory that a medical professional was negligent in treating the patient. In medical malpractice cases, the relevant question is whether the health care professional used the appropriate degree of care that other medical professionals in the same specialty would have used under the same or similar circumstances. When a medical professional fails to use the proper level of care and such failure results in harm to the patient, then that health care professional may be liable for medical malpractice.
If medical malpractice is established, the victim may be able to recover compensation. Damages available for relatively quantifiable costs and losses include medical bills, the costs of future treatment, and loss of earning capacity. A victim may also seek compensation for more intangible forms of harm, such as pain and suffering or disfigurement. Although there is a cap on non-economic damages, Maryland does not impose a cap for economic damages.
If you are thinking of filing a medical malpractice claim, it is best to act quickly. Maryland imposes a time limit for patients and their families to take legal action. A medical malpractice claim must be filed within the earlier of five years from the time of the injury was committed or three years of the date the injury was discovered. The failure to file within the relevant time frame may mean losing your right to bring a claim altogether.
Discuss Your Birth Injury Case with a Baltimore LawyerAt Arfaa Law Group, our team of knowledgeable Baltimore birth injury attorneys will zealously advocate for your rights and pursue the full amount of compensation for your child’s injuries. Birth injury cases tend to be complicated, so enlisting the representation of an experienced attorney is an important first step in your case. Located in Baltimore, we proudly represent victims of medical malpractice throughout Maryland. To set up a free consultation with a medical malpractice attorney at Arfaa Law Group, call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.