
Taos County Shoulder Dystocia Attorney
Compassionate Legal Advocacy for Families in Taos County, NM
The birth of a child is meant to be a joyful milestone. However, complications like shoulder dystocia can turn what should be a celebration into a difficult and emotional experience for families. Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery, often leading to severe health issues such as nerve damage, fractures, or oxygen deprivation. These injuries can have lasting impacts on children and families, both emotionally and financially.
At James Wood Law, we understand the challenges families in Taos County face after a shoulder dystocia injury. Our experienced attorneys are committed to advocating for parents and their children, ensuring that negligent medical professionals are held accountable and that families receive the financial compensation they need.
Call James Wood Law at (888) 579-3866 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth emergency that arises when the baby’s head is delivered but the shoulders are unable to pass through the birth canal. This complication can lead to significant injuries for both the newborn and the mother if not addressed properly and swiftly by the medical team.
Risks and Complications:
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: Damage to the nerves that control arm and hand movements, potentially causing long-term mobility issues.
- Fractured Bones: Broken collarbones or arms from improper delivery techniques.
- Oxygen Deprivation: Delays in delivery can restrict oxygen to the infant, risking brain damage.
- Maternal Injuries: Birth canal tears or postpartum hemorrhaging for the mother.
Prompt action and skilled medical intervention are critical during shoulder dystocia to protect the health and safety of both mother and child. When these precautions are neglected, families may have grounds to pursue legal action.
How Medical Negligence Contributes to Shoulder Dystocia
While shoulder dystocia is not always preventable, it is often made worse by medical errors or negligence during labor and delivery. Doctors and healthcare providers must monitor for risk factors and respond to complications quickly and effectively.
Common Forms of Negligence:
- Improper Use of Tools: Mishandling delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
- Delayed Emergency Action: Failing to perform an emergency C-section when labor complications arise.
- Excessive Force: Pulling too forcefully on the baby’s head or shoulders, causing nerve or bone damage.
- Failure to Monitor Prenatal Risk Factors: Ignoring risk indicators such as large baby size, maternal diabetes, or breech positioning.
Our attorneys at James Wood Law investigate these errors and identify whether deviations from the standard of care led to preventable injuries.
Why Choose James Wood Law?
Shoulder dystocia cases demand both medical understanding and legal expertise. At James Wood Law, we are passionate about providing families in Taos County with the guidance and advocacy they need to face this legal battle confidently.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Extensive Experience in Birth Injury Cases: With decades of handling medical malpractice claims, our team has the expertise to tackle even the most challenging cases.
- Client-First Approach: We believe in building strong relationships with our clients, offering personalized strategies based on your unique circumstances.
- Local Knowledge: Our familiarity with Taos County’s healthcare and legal systems ensures that your case is handled with insight and precision.
- Proven Results: Our record of successfully recovering compensation for injured families speaks to our commitment and skill.
- No Upfront Costs: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we secure a recovery on your behalf.
When you choose James Wood Law, you partner with a legal team that genuinely cares about your family’s well-being and future.
Securing Compensation for Shoulder Dystocia Injuries
Caring for a child injured by shoulder dystocia often means incurring significant healthcare and rehabilitation expenses. Filing a medical malpractice claim can help ease these financial burdens and ensure your child receives the care they need.
Your Compensation May Cover:
- Medical Costs: Including emergency care, physical therapy, and surgical procedures.
- Therapeutic Support: Funding for occupational or rehabilitation therapies to improve long-term outcomes.
- Parental Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost while caring for your injured child.
- Home Modifications: Adapting your living environment to meet your child’s unique needs.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional and physical toll on your family.
At James Wood Law, our attorneys will pursue every aspect of available compensation to give your family the resources necessary to support your child’s recovery.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Birth Injury Claim in Taos County?
New Mexico imposes a statute of limitations on medical malpractice claims, typically within three years from the time of the injury. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case, which we at James Wood Law are ready to handle with urgency and care. Acting promptly not only secures the necessary evidence but also prevents the inadvertent waiver of rights to potential claims. We guide clients to understand these timelines and prepare thoroughly well in advance of any deadlines.
Steps to Take Following a Shoulder Dystocia Diagnosis
If your child’s injuries resulted from shoulder dystocia, the steps you take now can strengthen your case and ensure your family’s rights are protected.
What to Do:
- Obtain a Medical Evaluation: Work with pediatric specialists to diagnose and document the extent of your child’s injuries.
- Keep Thorough Records: Save copies of medical bills, delivery notes, and communications with your healthcare provider.
- Contact James Wood Law: Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.
Acting quickly can help preserve crucial evidence and meet New Mexico’s statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims.
How Can a Shoulder Dystocia Lawyer in Taos County Help Me?
A shoulder dystocia lawyer can help by evaluating the circumstances of the birth injury, gathering evidence, and determining if medical negligence occurred. At our firm, we work closely with medical experts to establish a case and push for fair compensation while easing the legal burden on the family. The complexity of these cases requires a strategic approach that considers all potential avenues for accountability, from healthcare providers to hospital administrations. By securing expert evaluations early, we ensure a robust case foundation that can withstand rigorous legal scrutiny.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
When medical negligence during childbirth leads to shoulder dystocia, families in Taos County deserve compassionate legal representation to hold responsible parties accountable. At James Wood Law, we are committed to helping you secure justice and financial resources to care for your child.
Call us at (888) 579-3866 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
When Experience Matters, Hire the Best
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Multiple Verdicts and Settlements Obtained of $5,000,000 or More
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Settled Hundreds of Cases Successfully
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Board Certified Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
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Rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®
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SuperLawyers in Medical Malpractice Law
