Shoulder Dystocia Claims

Childbirth is usually a joyful experience, but complications can sometimes occur. Shoulder dystocia is a complication that can pose serious risks to both baby and mother. If your child suffered an injury during birth due to shoulder dystocia, and you believe it was caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Macks Solicitors, our specialist medical negligence team provides compassionate and expert support to families navigating these claims.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder Dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery, making birth more difficult. It is a serious obstetric complication that requires prompt and skilled intervention to prevent injury to the baby or mother.

If not managed correctly, shoulder dystocia can result in complications such as nerve injuries, fractures, or other birth-related trauma.

Injuries Caused by Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia can lead to injuries for both the baby and, less commonly, the mother. Common birth injuries include:

For the baby:

• Brachial plexus injuries – nerve damage affecting the arm and shoulder, which may result in weakness or limited movement
• Erb’s palsy – a type of brachial plexus injury causing partial paralysis of the arm
• Fractures – most commonly clavicle (collarbone) or humerus (upper arm) fractures
• Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) – in severe cases, limited oxygen supply can affect the brain
• Soft tissue injuries – bruising or minor trauma during delivery

For the mother:

• Perineal tears – severe tears of the perineum requiring surgical repair
• Postpartum haemorrhage – heavy bleeding after delivery
• Pelvic injuries – less common, but can occur during difficult delivery

Prompt and skilled intervention is essential to minimise these injuries. If any of these injuries occur due to substandard care, parents may have grounds for a birth injury claim.

Can I Make a Claim for Shoulder Dystocia?

You may be entitled to make a claim if shoulder dystocia occurred due to substandard care or failure to follow proper medical procedures during the delivery. Our specialist medical negligence team will carefully review your baby’s medical records and the circumstances surrounding the birth to determine if negligence played a role.

We provide clear, practical advice and guide families through the claims process, helping you understand your options and supporting you every step of the way. For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Can Compensation Cover?

If your claim is successful, compensation can help cover a range of costs and support needs, including:

• Medical care and ongoing treatment for your child
• Support for physical, developmental, or neurological injuries
• Loss of earnings or additional care costs for parents or carers
• Pain, suffering, and the impact on family life

We’ll help ensure your claim reflects the full extent of the impact on your child and family.

What Are the Time Limits for Making a Shoulder Dystocia Claim?

Yes, medical negligence claims usually must be made within three years of the injury or within three years of when you became aware that negligence occurred. However, for children, the time limit doesn’t start until their 18th birthday.

How Macks Can Help

We will thoroughly explore your case and determine the best course of action that is tailored to your specific needs. We will discuss the funding arrangement that best suits your case and provide you with efficient, practical advice.

Contact us

For more information about making a Shoulder Dystocia claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.