Shoulder Dystocia Attorneys in Connecticut
Legal Help for Connecticut Families After Shoulder Dystocia
Learning that your child suffered shoulder dystocia during delivery can be overwhelming, especially if you are left wondering whether the injury could have been prevented. If you have questions about the care you or your child received during a Connecticut delivery, RisCassi & Davis, P.C.can help you understand your legal options and determine whether negligence may have played a role.
We know parents in this situation are scared about their child’s future, worried about medical bills, and unsure whom to trust. For more than 70 years, our firm has represented injured individuals and families in this state. We focus only on people who have been harmed, never insurance companies, and we work to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your child.
Our attorneys have helped clients recover more than half a billion dollars in hundreds of injury cases. We offer free consultations and handle birth injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a financial recovery for you.
If you're looking for a shoulder dystocia attorney in Connecticut, you're in the right place. Call us at (860) 245-2412 to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Shoulder Dystocia Birth Injuries
Shoulder dystocia occurs when one or both of a baby's shoulders are lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone. Although it is an obstetrical emergency, healthcare providers are trained to recognize risk factors and respond with accepted delivery techniques to reduce the risk of injury.
Some situations can increase the chance of shoulder dystocia, including:
- The baby weighs over eight pounds and 13 ounces
- The baby is in the wrong position
- The birthing parent's pelvic opening is too small
- The birthing parent is in a position that limits the room in their pelvis
Obstetric providers are generally trained to recognize risk factors and to use accepted maneuvers if this complication occurs. The way a team responds can affect whether a child is injured.
Medical malpractice related to shoulder dystocia include:
- Delayed intervention
- Ignoring risk factors
- Improper use of delivery tools
- Using excessive force to deliver the baby
Not every shoulder dystocia injury results from medical malpractice. However, when healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, families may have legal options. Our shoulder dystocia lawyer in Connecticut can review the circumstances surrounding your child's birth and help determine whether negligence may have contributed to the injury.
Shoulder Dystocia Complications
Shoulder dystocia can lead to serious injuries that may require ongoing medical care and therapy. Depending on the circumstances, complications may affect both the child and the birthing parent.
Potential complications for a child include:
- Brachial plexus injuries: Damage to the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand, which may result in weakness or paralysis.
- Fractured bones: Shoulder dystocia can cause fractures of the clavicle or upper arm during delivery.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): A lack of oxygen during birth may lead to brain injuries with lifelong effects.
Potential complications for the birthing parent may include uterine rupture, perineal tears, postpartum hemorrhage, and other delivery-related injuries.
If your family has been affected by a shoulder dystocia injury, our Connecticut shoulder dystocia attorneys can explain your legal options and help you determine whether medical negligence may have played a role.
Compensation in Shoulder Dystocia Claims
One of the hardest questions parents face after a shoulder dystocia injury is how they will pay for the care their child may need over a lifetime. A successful birth injury case can provide financial resources that help support medical treatment, therapy, and educational services. While no amount of money can change what happened, financial security can make planning for the future more manageable.
Compensation in shoulder dystocia claims can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- And more
We work to understand the long-term impact of a birth injury by consulting with medical professionals. This allows us to present a clearer picture of what your child is likely to need over time.
Why Hire Our Connecticut Shoulder Dystocia Attorney?
Choosing a lawyer after a birth injury is a major decision. You need a team that understands the medical issues and the high stakes for your child’s long-term care. At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we have represented injured plaintiffs across Connecticut since 1955, and our practice has always been devoted to helping people, not defending hospitals or insurance companies.
Choosing our firm means you benefit from:
- Proven results: Our attorneys have recovered more than half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients.
- Board Certified Trial Lawyers: Seven of our attorneys have earned Board Certification in Civil Trial Law.
- Collaborative representation: Our attorneys work together and consult with a national network of medical and technical professionals when evaluating complex birth injury cases.
- No upfront attorney fees: We handle shoulder dystocia cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Statewide accessibility: We travel throughout Connecticut to meet with families when needed.
Families can expect a client-centered approach that values compassion, responsiveness, and clear communication. We strive to be accessible with same-day appointments when possible, including evenings or weekends by request, and we travel across Connecticut to meet with clients when needed.
Talk with Our Shoulder Dystocia Team
If you believe your child’s shoulder dystocia injury may be linked to mistakes during labor or delivery, you do not have to sort through the medical and legal questions alone. Speaking with our attorneys can help you understand what happened and what options may be available for your family.
To schedule a free consultation with our team, call (860) 245-2412 today. Our shoulder dystocia attorney in Connecticut can pursue the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a birth injury case?
There are no upfront attorney fees. We represent families on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is a percentage of any recovery. If there is no financial recovery, you do not owe attorney fees. We explain our fee agreement and anticipated case costs before you decide.
What will your attorneys handle so I can focus on my child?
We typically obtain medical records, consult with medical professionals, evaluate legal options, and communicate with insurers or defense counsel. We manage the legal steps, explain developments clearly, and help you make informed decisions while you focus on your child’s care and daily needs.
What Sets Us Apart
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Significant Honors & Recognition
In our 70+ years of experience, we have received both national & regional recognition for our handling of injury cases, and many honors from our legal colleagues.
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An Expert Team Approach
We have an extensive national network of experts available to us in the fields of medicine, engineering, traffic safety, accident reconstruction, and more – each available to work on your case should it require their expertise.
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Over Half a Billion Dollars RecoveredWe've taken hundreds of cases to trial and we've won some of the largest personal injury verdicts and settlements in Connecticut history.
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Board-Certified Trial LawyersOur seven attorneys who have achieved this honor demonstrated they have the training & depth of experience to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Recent Case Victories
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$40 Million Truck Accident
Pedestrian injured by a delivery truck resulting in paralysis.
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$15.2 Million Wrongful Death
Jury trial verdict for a young woman killed by a reckless driver in Waterbury.
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$12.6 Million Wrongful Death
Injury and death damages as a result of an explosion at the Kleen Energy plant.
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$11 Million Truck Accident
Collision with commercial delivery truck results in brain injury.
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$9 Million Paralyzed Worker
$9,000,000 settlement for a paralyzed construction worker.