Shoulder Dystocia Attorneys in Columbus

Support For Families After Shoulder Dystocia Birth Injuries in Columbus

When a delivery becomes complicated by shoulder dystocia, parents may leave the hospital with more questions than answers. At the same time, you may be wondering if the medical staff could have done more to prevent what happened.

At Rourke & Blumenthal, we help families in Columbus understand whether a shoulder dystocia birth injury was an unavoidable complication or the result of medical negligence. Our attorneys bring more than 150 combined years of legal advocacy experience, and we use that background to stand up for children. If you are worried about your child’s future, we strive to listen and explain your options.

Our firm is based in Columbus, and we regularly represent individuals facing powerful opponents, including large medical providers and insurance companies. We treat our clients like family, and our goal is to give you clear information and steady support as you decide what to do next.

Let our shoulder dystocia lawyer in Columbus guide you throughout the legal process. Dial (614) 321-3212 to begin. We offer free case evaluations.

What Is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder (or both) becomes stuck behind the birthing parent's pelvis.  

Shoulder dystocia can happen due to the following reasons:

• The baby is in the wrong position
• The pelvic opening is too small 
• The birthing parent is in a position that limits pelvic room
• The baby is over eight pounds and 13 ounces

Not every case of shoulder dystocia results from medical negligence. However, providers are expected to recognize risk factors and respond appropriately when this emergency occurs. 

A medical malpractice claim may arise when preventable mistakes contribute to a birth injury, such as:

• Excessive force
• Improper use of birthing tools
• Failing to perform a timely C-section

When shoulder dystocia is not managed properly, a newborn can suffer serious injuries. These may include brachial plexus injuries that affect the nerves controlling the arm and hand, fractures of the collarbone or upper arm, fractures, and, in some cases, a lack of oxygen that can lead to brain injury. Some of these injuries heal with time and therapy, while others can cause lasting weakness, pain, or developmental challenges.

What To Do If You Suspect Negligence

If you are questioning whether your baby’s shoulder dystocia injury could have been prevented, you are not alone. Many parents in the Columbus area feel torn between trusting their providers and sensing that something was not right. You do not need to have every medical fact sorted out before you reach out to a lawyer. Asking questions is a reasonable and important step.

These simple actions can help safeguard your child’s future:

• Keep your medical records: Save records from your pregnancy, labor, delivery, and your child's treatment.
• Write down what you remember: Record details about the delivery, including conversations with medical staff and who was present.
• Continue recommended care: Attend follow-up appointments and keep notes about diagnoses, therapies, and your child's progress.
• Save important documents: Keep hospital correspondence, insurance paperwork, and other records, and avoid signing releases without understanding their impact.
• Document your child's recovery: Photos or videos of therapy, mobility, or medical equipment may help illustrate your child's condition over time.
• Speak with an attorney: A Columbus shoulder dystocia lawyer can explain your legal options and determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

You do not have to determine on your own whether medical negligence occurred. Our Columbus shoulder dystocia lawyer can review the available records, answer your questions, and help you understand the next steps during a free consultation.

Let Our Columbus Shoulder Dystocia Attorney Assist You

Choosing the right legal team can make a meaningful difference after a birth injury. At Rourke & Blumenthal, we combine decades of experience with a compassionate, client-focused approach to help families pursue answers and accountability.

Families choose our firm because:

• More than 150 years of combined experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling injury cases.
• No fee unless we recover compensation: We handle birth injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
• Proven results: We have a strong track record of helping injured individuals and families.
• Flexible appointments: Evening and weekend consultations are available when needed.

We also know that your family is living with the daily reality of caring for an injured child, not just a lawsuit. We build close relationships with the families we represent and strive to understand each child’s needs, from early physical therapy to potential surgeries or adaptive equipment later in life. Our clients often describe feeling like part of our firm’s family, and that feeling guides how we communicate and make decisions together.

Talk With Our Team About Your Child’s Future

Deciding whether to pursue a shoulder dystocia birth injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you are focused on your child’s day-to-day care. Speaking with our attorneys can help you understand what happened, what options may exist, and how legal action could support your child’s long-term needs.

Call (614) 321-3212 to talk with our team. Our shoulder dystocia attorney in Columbus, OH, can guide you and your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby’s shoulder injury was preventable?

You usually need a detailed review of medical records to answer that question. Our attorneys work with medical professionals who compare what happened in your delivery with accepted standards of care. Together, we help you understand whether preventable errors likely contributed to your child’s injury.

Will I have to pay your firm upfront?

In many birth injury and medical negligence cases, law firms use fee structures that avoid heavy upfront costs for families. When you contact us, we can explain how our fees work, what expenses may arise, and how payment is handled, so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.

What information should I bring to our first meeting?

Helpful items often include discharge papers, any written diagnoses, and the names of the hospital and doctors involved. If you have already obtained medical records or therapy evaluations, you can bring those too. If you do not have documents yet, we can discuss how our team can help request them.