Bigger Babies = Bigger Shoulder Dystocia Risk

Parents of a Chicago baby that suffered complications of shoulder dystocia at birth won a $3.27 million judgment in a jury trial.

The baby's mother had several risk factors for carrying a large baby and was not informed of the dangers of a vaginal birth. The baby's shoulder became stuck against his mother's pelvic bone. When the doctor pulled too hard, the baby suffered permanent damages to the nerves in his right arm.

The doctor failed to disclose the risks and alternatives to vaginal delivery.

The child, now 8 years old, has limited use of his right arm which is shorter and smaller than his left arm and has undergone surgeries to correct it.