The day your child is born should be filled with relief and celebration. Yet for some families in Pennsylvania, that joy turns quickly into worry when something goes wrong in the delivery room. One of the most devastating complications is shoulder dystocia, where a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during birth. If the situation is not handled properly, the brachial plexus nerves in the neck and shoulder can be stretched or torn, leading to weakness, loss of function, or even permanent disability.
These injuries change the course of a child’s life and place heavy emotional and financial burdens on parents. The good news is you do not have to face this alone. At Latona Law, we provide free consultations for families who believe medical mistakes may have harmed their child.
What Happens During Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder lodges against the mother’s pelvic bone after the head has already been delivered. This can create a medical emergency in the delivery room. Doctors and nurses must act quickly, but they also need to use safe, careful techniques. Too much force or improper use of delivery tools can damage the delicate brachial plexus nerves, which control sensation and movement in the arm and hand.
The severity of injury can range widely. Some infants recover fully after therapy, while others develop long-term problems like Erb’s palsy, which affects movement of the upper arm, or Klumpke’s palsy, which impacts the lower arm and hand. Parents often notice signs such as a limp arm, difficulty gripping objects, or limited shoulder movement in the months following birth.
When Medical Negligence Is a Factor
Not every shoulder dystocia case is the result of negligence, but many are preventable. Physicians are expected to recognize risk factors such as a larger baby, gestational diabetes, or a history of delivery complications. When these risks exist, doctors should prepare and use safe delivery methods.
Medical negligence may occur if a provider fails to anticipate the problem, applies excessive pulling on the baby’s head or arm, or misuses tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor. In these circumstances, the injury is not just an unfortunate outcome of birth. It may be a result of medical error, and families have the right to pursue a claim under Pennsylvania law.
Why Families File Birth Injury Claims in Pennsylvania
A lawsuit cannot erase what happened. What it can do is provide support for the care your child needs. Medical treatment for brachial plexus injuries often involves therapy, surgery, or years of monitoring. Costs add up quickly. Some children may struggle with tasks as simple as buttoning a shirt or playing sports, which can affect both independence and confidence as they grow.
Through a birth injury claim, families can seek compensation for medical expenses, ongoing therapy, assistive devices, and even future lost earnings. The law also holds doctors and hospitals accountable so the same mistakes are less likely to happen again. Because Pennsylvania sets strict deadlines for filing these cases, it is critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Why Families Choose Latona Law
Choosing a lawyer in a birth injury case is not just about legal knowledge. It is about trust. At Latona Law, we understand how frightening it is to realize your newborn may face permanent challenges because of what happened in the delivery room. Our team has decades of experience handling birth injury and medical malpractice cases throughout Pennsylvania.
We work with respected medical experts to uncover the truth and demonstrate how negligence caused harm. Just as importantly, we give families the personal attention and compassion they need during such a difficult chapter. Our mission is to help you secure both answers and the support your child deserves.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Child’s Future
Shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injuries can turn what should have been a beautiful day into years of stress and uncertainty. If your child is struggling because of an avoidable mistake, taking legal action may provide the means to secure medical care and hold those responsible accountable.
At Latona Law, we believe every child deserves a fair chance at a healthy future. If you suspect medical negligence played a role in your child’s birth injury, contact us today for a free legal consultation. Let us stand beside you and fight for the justice your family deserves.