Fetal Macrosomia Lawsuit Settlement Amounts and Jury Payouts

This post looks at fetal macrosomia lawsuits and provides sample fetal macrosomia settlement amounts and jury awards.

Our lawyers handle fetal macrosomia lawsuits throughout the country. If you want to bring a claim or have a question about your claim, call our birth injury attorneys at 800-553-8082.

Fetal Macrosomia

Fetal macrosomia is the medical term used to describe a baby that is oversized (4000 grams at term) for its gestational age. Any full-term baby over 9 pounds is considered macrosomic. This is not uncommon. But it can be dangerous—especially when doctors fail to recognize or plan for it.

A variety of factors can contribute to fetal macrosomia. These include maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, a history of delivering a large baby, going past 40 weeks of pregnancy, or certain genetic predispositions. Physicians are trained to spot these red flags. When they do not, families pay the price.

The risks of giving birth to a macrosomic baby are not limited to longer labors or unplanned C-sections. The real danger is trauma—injuries to both mother and baby. Shoulder dystocia is one of the most common emergencies we see. That is when the baby’s shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. It can lead to nerve damage, broken bones, and even oxygen deprivation. In many brachial plexus lawsuits we handle, macrosomia was the underlying issue. And no one caught it.

Advanced diagnosis is not just helpful—it is often the difference between a safe delivery and a permanent injury. A macrosomic baby should prompt serious discussion about a preemptive cesarean. Vaginal delivery might be too risky. That is why recognizing the signs early matters so much. And when doctors miss it, you start asking the obvious question: Should this C-section have happened sooner?

You might think identifying a large baby would be simple with all the technology available today. But diagnosing macrosomia is still one of the harder calls in obstetrics.

First-trimester maternal body mass index is actually one of the strongest predictors, but that requires paying attention early on.

Sonograms and ultrasounds help, but they are not perfect. Doctors rely mostly on fundal height and amniotic fluid levels to estimate fetal weight. But even when measured correctly, these numbers do not give a precise answer.

So what happens when a baby’s size is underestimated?

That is where malpractice often comes in. We have seen countless cases where the signs were there—diabetes, abnormal growth trends, previous shoulder dystocia—and the doctor either ignored them or failed to take the safest route. Shoulder dystocia injuries and emergency deliveries happen too often in situations where proper planning could have prevented them.

If your baby was injured and you are wondering whether macrosomia played a role, you are not alone. Many parents only learn later that their child’s birth complications were not just bad luck—they were avoidable. And if you suspect your doctor made the wrong call, it is worth talking to a birth injury lawyer who understands how to prove it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fetal Macrosomia Lawsuits

What is considered a macrosomic baby?

A macrosomic baby is generally defined as a newborn weighing more than 4,000 grams. So about 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth. the definition are not, unfortunately, uniform. Some definitions set the threshold higher, at 4,500 grams, or roughly 9 pounds 15 ounces. But either way, a macrosomic fetus is significantly larger than average for its gestational age, and this extra size can increase the risk of birth complications for both mother and child.

But here is the tricky part: doctors must estimate fetal weight before delivery, and that is not as straightforward as it sounds. Estimating the size of a baby in the womb is difficult, even with advanced imaging like ultrasounds. In fact, fetal weight predictions can be off by as much as 10 to 15 percent. That margin of error matters when a baby is near the macrosomia threshold.

Mistakes in estimation happen for many reasons. Sometimes doctors rely too heavily on physical measurements like fundal height. Other times, they do not adequately account for risk factors such as maternal obesity, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes. These are all known contributors to fetal macrosomia, and when they are overlooked, it increases the chance of a macrosomia misdiagnosis, or no diagnosis at all.

Our lawyers have seen the serious consequence that come with failing to recognize a macrosomic baby before delivery. Vaginal delivery may no longer be safe, and shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injuries, and even brain damage from oxygen loss can occur if delivery becomes complicated. These are the types of injuries that lead to macrosomia birth injury lawsuits.

So while macrosomia has a technical weight-based definition, what truly matters is how doctors respond to the signs. When the risk is high and they miss it, that is when families start asking the right questions and look for compensation and accountability.

How does gestational diabetes affect the baby?

Gestational diabetes can cause the baby to grow larger than normal, increasing the risk of birth complications like shoulder dystocia, nerve injury, and hypoxia. Failure to diagnose or manage gestational diabetes is often a critical issue in macrosomia malpractice lawsuits.

Can I sue for birth trauma caused by macrosomia?

Yes. If your child experienced shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury, or other trauma during birth and you believe the medical team failed to identify or respond to macrosomia risks, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Many parents file claims when a C-section could have prevented the injury.

What kind of compensation can I recover?

If your child suffered a birth injury related to fetal macrosomia, you may be entitled to significant compensation. These cases often involve long-term medical care, therapy, and lost opportunities—not just for the child, but for the entire family. Compensation in a macrosomia birth injury lawsuit can cover both economic and non-economic damages.

This includes the cost of past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation, special education services, and even in-home care if your child has permanent disabilities. Parents can also recover from lost wages if one parent has to leave work to provide care. In many macrosomia lawsuits, especially those involving brachial plexus injuries or cerebral palsy, these expenses add up to millions of dollars over a child’s lifetime.

Non-economic damages are just as important. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. In some cases, juries have awarded significant punitive damages when the medical negligence was particularly severe, like failing to diagnose gestational diabetes or ignoring clear signs of a macrosomic fetus.

Settlements and verdicts vary, but many families recover amounts in the hundreds of thousands to millions. Our lawyers see fetal macrosomia settlement amounts of $1 million or more in cases involving shoulder dystocia, vacuum extraction injuries, and oxygen deprivation. Some verdicts have reached eight figures.

How do I find the best fetal macrosomia lawyer?

Look for a birth injury law firm with experience handling macrosomia and shoulder dystocia lawsuits. These cases require medical expertise, access to top experts, and the resources to take a case to trial if necessary. You can guess who we think is the best lawyer for your fetal macrosomia lawsuit. But do your own research to see if you agree.

Diagnosing Fetal Macrosomia

It is very important for doctors to monitor for and timely diagnose fetal macrosomia when it occurs during pregnancy. Diagnosing macrosomia in advance is critically important to avoiding complications during delivery that can cause major birth injuries.

Measuring fetal weight and diagnosing fetal macrosomia is complex and notoriously difficult. This challenge arises because there is no practical way to weigh a fetus inside the womb. Obviously, you cannot take the fetus out and put it on a scale. Imaging tools like sonograms and ultrasounds provide visual images but cannot accurately measure or estimate fetal weight.

In the third trimester, ultrasound images can help estimate fetal weight by taking various measurements of the fetus. However, the formula used for these calculations is based on averages, making it less accurate for fetuses with abnormally large heads, abdomens, or long bones. Growth pattern analysis from earlier ultrasound images is a more effective method for diagnosing macrosomia. Doctors usually use 2 indicators to diagnose fetal macrosomia: (1) fundal height, and (2) amniotic fluid levels.

Causes of Fetal Macrosomia

One known cause of fetal macrosomia is somewhat obvious: genetics. Physical traits like body size and obesity are passed on through genetic inheritance. So physically large or obese parents are more likely to have babies that are abnormally large.

The baby’s gender also factors in. Male babies are much more likely to be macrosomic than female babies. Again, the reason for this is sort of obvious: male babies tend to be bigger than female babies. Another key cause/risk factor for fetal macrosomia is diabetes. Mothers who have diabetes prior to getting pregnant or who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are 10 times more likely to have macrosomic babies.

Dangers of Fetal Macrosomia

The primary risk posed by fetal macrosomia is that the baby is highly likely to become stuck or suffer physical trauma during a normal vaginal delivery. This size mismatch between the mother’s pelvis and the baby’s head is known as cephalopelvic disproportion. When fetal macrosomia is diagnosed in advance, this issue can be avoided by scheduling a C-section.

If fetal macrosomia is not diagnosed beforehand, it can lead to hazardous conditions during vaginal delivery. Complications like shoulder dystocia become much more likely, and the risk of the baby getting stuck in the birth canal increases significantly. When a baby experiences a difficult passage through the birth canal, the risk of birth injuries is very real. A competent OB/GYN will discuss the option of a Caesarean section and the associated risks of vaginal delivery for a macrosomic baby with the patient.

Regarding induction of labor due to suspected fetal macrosomia, the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines state that “Suspected fetal macrosomia is not an indication for induction of labor, because induction does not improve maternal or fetal outcomes.” However, a C-section is a different matter. According to ACOG guidelines, “With an estimated fetal weight of greater than 4,500 g, a prolonged second stage of labor or arrest of descent in the second stage is an indication for cesarean delivery.”

High birth weight also puts newborns at risk for subconjunctival hemorrhage, a temporary and harmless condition caused by burst blood vessels in the eyes.

Medical Negligence and Fetal Macrosomia

Medical negligence during pregnancy can take many forms, but few are as serious as the failure to recognize and respond to fetal macrosomia. Doctors are expected to monitor a baby’s growth and assess whether a safe delivery is possible. When a baby is unusually large, careful planning matters.

Sometimes, that planning does not happen. A mother might not be told her baby is measuring large. A physician might miss the warning signs of gestational diabetes or choose not to recommend a cesarean delivery, even when it would reduce the risk of harm. These mistakes can lead to long-term consequences.

A child born with shoulder injuries, nerve damage, or signs of oxygen loss may face a lifetime of medical needs. In many of these cases, families start asking questions. Was this avoidable? Did someone overlook something important?

Not every birth injury is caused by negligence. But families deserve clear answers when there is a failure to diagnose or a missed opportunity to act. That is where an experienced team comes in—reviewing records, understanding how macrosomia was handled, and explaining whether the injury might have been prevented.

If you are wondering what caused your child’s injury, you are not alone. Others have asked similar questions after learning about birth trauma linked to macrosomia. And often, those questions lead to action.

Negligent Failure to Diagnose Fetal Macrosomia

If fetal macrosomia is diagnosed in a timely manner, it can typically be managed safely with an early C-section delivery. The standard of care requires healthcare providers to consider the use of a C-section and discuss with the mother the options and risks, particularly due to the higher risk of shoulder dystocia and subsequent brachial plexus injury.

However, if fetal macrosomia is not properly diagnosed, it can lead to dangerous complications during delivery. A baby that is too large is much more likely to become stuck in the birth canal. Delivery complications, such as shoulder dystocia, are far more likely in cases of undiagnosed fetal macrosomia. When these complications arise, doctors in the delivery room must use emergency techniques and tools, often resulting in birth injuries. Damage to the brachial plexus can lead to total or partial paralysis of the baby’s upper extremity (Erb’s Palsy). Additionally, oxygen deprivation can lead to cerebral palsy.

Misdiagnosis of macrosomia is not the only issue leading to birth injuries and medical malpractice lawsuits. Our lawyers frequently encounter cases where doctors were aware of the risk of macrosomia but failed to adjust delivery plans accordingly. A common mistake, as seen in the settlements and verdicts below, involves using a vacuum to deliver a baby suspected to weigh over 4,500 grams. Medical literature clearly indicates that a vacuum is contraindicated for these babies, yet many obstetricians either overlook this information or proceed regardless.

Common Signs Doctors Should Recognize in Fetal Macrosomia Cases

There are certain red flags during pregnancy that should prompt any competent healthcare provider to evaluate for fetal macrosomia. These signs are not obscure or rare—they are well-known indicators that an unborn baby may be too large for a safe vaginal delivery. When doctors overlook or ignore these warning signs, it often leads to a birth injury misdiagnosis or a missed opportunity to prevent harm.

The most common predictors of macrosomia include maternal obesity, excessive pregnancy weight gain, a prior delivery of a large baby, or a history of shoulder dystocia. Another major risk factor is gestational diabetes. When gestational diabetes is not properly diagnosed or managed, it dramatically increases the chances of delivering a macrosomic baby. That is why failure to diagnose gestational diabetes is frequently a central issue in macrosomia birth injury lawsuits.

Doctors should also pay close attention to fundal height measurements, which can offer early clues about fetal growth. If a baby’s growth appears unusually rapid or if an ultrasound shows a potential macrosomic fetus, that should trigger additional monitoring. This is especially important in the third trimester. When the warning signs are there and nothing is done—no C-section offered, no referral for high-risk care—it often reflects poor judgment or outright negligence.

Too many parents learn after the fact that the complications they faced were avoidable. When a baby suffers from shoulder dystocia injuries, brachial plexus damage, or oxygen loss, the harm is real and often permanent. And in so many of these cases, the problem was not just the delivery itself—it was the failure to plan for the risks associated with fetal macrosomia properly.

If your child was injured and you suspect macrosomia was overlooked or mismanaged, it is worth asking the hard questions. Our macrosomia attorneys review these cases every day. Our lawyers look at the medical records, examine what the doctor should have seen, and determine whether earlier action could have prevented the trauma. Because no family should have to live with the consequences of a mistake that could have been avoided.

Fetal Macrosomia Verdicts and Settlements

Let’s take a look at settlement amounts and jury payouts in other fetal macrosomia lawsuits.

$1,000,000 Settlement (South Carolina, 2023): A baby suffered a brachial plexus injury during vaginal delivery. The lawsuit alleged that healthcare providers failed to recognize risk factors for fetal macrosomia and did not manage labor appropriately to prevent shoulder dystocia.

$525,000 Settlement (New York, 2023): An infant sustained a left brachial plexus injury during birth. The claim centered on the failure to communicate the potential for macrosomia and inadequate consideration of the mother’s condition, leading to negligent care.

$2,537,354 Settlement (New York, 2022): A child was born with a brachial plexus injury, resulting in permanent disability. The lawsuit contended that the medical team failed to identify the high risk for macrosomia and shoulder dystocia, and did not opt for a cesarean delivery.

$956,504 Verdict (Utah, 2021): A 12-pound baby experienced shoulder dystocia during vaginal delivery, leading to brachial plexus palsy. The court found that the medical team should have anticipated the risks associated with macrosomia and chosen a cesarean delivery.

$956,504 – Verdict (Utah 2020): Shoulder dystocia was encountered during vaginal childbirth of 12-pound baby. The baby suffered nerve damage during the process and was diagnosed with brachial plexus palsy. The lawsuit alleged that the defendants were negligent because they never should have even attempted a vaginal delivery due to the obvious indications that the baby was very large and because the mother had a previous delivery with shoulder dystocia.

$975,000 – Settlement (California 2019): A newborn boy suffered oxygen deprivation, micro bleeding, and meconium aspiration at birth. He subsequently experienced developmental and cognitive delays, cerebral palsy, and ADHD. His parents alleged that the obstetrician’s negligent care caused these permanent injuries. They claimed he improperly addressed fetal macrosomia, failed to address breech presentation, and delayed the C-section. This case settled for $975,000.

$926,358 – Settlement (New York 2019): A newborn girl weighed over 11 pounds at birth. During her delivery, the nurse-midwife encountered shoulder dystocia. The girl subsequently experienced a brachial plexus injury and neuropathy. Her mother sued the midwife, alleging that the nurse-midwife’s failure to consider and test for macrosomia caused her permanent injuries. This case was resolved for a settlement amount of $926,358. I would like to tell you I’m surprised to see another midwife lawsuit involving fetal macrosomia. I’m not. Midwives get sued way too often and there are also often insurance coverage issues. My advice is to deliver with an obstetrician. It is just safer.

$883,704 – Settlement (New York 2019): A newborn boy sustained Erb’s palsy and a right brachial plexus injury at birth. He now experienced developmental delays. The boy’s mother alleged that the physicians’ negligence caused his permanent injuries. She claimed they failed to appreciate her gestational diabetes as a macrosomia risk factor. The boy’s mother also claimed the physicians failed to order a C-section and negligently used excessive force during a vacuum-assisted delivery. This case settled for $883,704.

$975,000 – Settlement (California, 2019): A baby boy experienced oxygen deprivation and later developed cerebral palsy and cognitive delays. The family alleged that the doctor mishandled macrosomia risks, ignored breech presentation, and delayed a C-section. Although not one of the largest payouts, it shows how delays in decision-making can have devastating long-term effects.

$926,358 – Settlement (New York, 2019): An 11-pound newborn girl suffered a brachial plexus injury during delivery. The midwife was accused of failing to consider or test for macrosomia. Sadly, these cases involving midwives are all too familiar. They often involve a lack of adequate planning or experience when things go wrong during delivery.

$73,030,000 – Verdict (New Mexico 2018): A newborn boy weighed over nine pounds at birth. He suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and a brachial plexus injury. His mother also suffered vaginal, rectal wall, and anal sphincter lacerations. The boy’s parents alleged that the hospital’s negligent care caused these injuries. They claimed its staff failed to test for macrosomia despite his mother’s diabetes. The parents also claimed they failed to offer a C-section and used excessive force during a vacuum-assisted delivery. The hospital denied liability. It argued that its staff met the standard of care. The jury awarded the family a $73,030,000 verdict.

$15,340,000 – Verdict (New York 2018): A newborn girl sustained a brachial plexus injury at birth. She developed Erb’s palsy. The girl’s left arm was left with limited mobility and strength. Her mother hired a fetal macrosomia attorney who alleged that the hospital’s negligence caused her permanent injuries. She claimed its staff failed to appreciate a sonogram that revealed that the baby was large for her gestational age. The woman also claimed the physician applied excessive force in a vacuum-assisted delivery, improperly treated shoulder dystocia, and failed to offer a C-section. A jury awarded a $15,340,000 verdict.

$2,090,000 – Settlement (California 2017): A newborn girl suffered a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury at birth. She developed spastic quadriplegia, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and speech impairments. The girl now required lifelong assistance with daily activities. Her mother alleged that the hospital’s negligence caused her permanent injuries. She claimed they failed to recognize the rapid fetal size increase within the last gestation month as a macrosomia sign. The girl’s mother also claimed the initial attending physician abandoned her during labor and failed to tell the inexperienced covering physician of her high pregnancy risk. This case settled for $2,090,000.

$8,000,000 – Settlement (California 2016): A newborn boy weighed over 15 pounds at birth. He suffered hypoxic brain damage which resulted in developmental delays. The boy now required a feeding tube and round-the-clock nursing care. His mother alleged that the hospital’s negligence caused his permanent injuries. She claimed they failed to timely diagnose macrosomia, delayed a C-section, and failed to timely resuscitate and transfer him. This case settled for $8,000,000.

Fetal Macrosomia Research and Studies

Understanding the causes and risk factors of fetal macrosomia is critical to preventing serious birth injuries. A growing body of research now examines how early warning signs—like maternal obesity, undiagnosed gestational diabetes, and abnormal fetal growth trends—can and should guide safer delivery decisions. The studies below highlight current science on fetal weight prediction, macrosomia risk factors, and how better monitoring could help reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injuries, and other delivery-related complications.

- Ewington, Lauren, et al.“Multivariable prediction models for fetal macrosomia and large for gestational age: A systematic review.” BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (2024). This review analyzes predictive models that attempt to forecast macrosomia and large-for-gestational-age outcomes, helping clinicians better assess risk early in pregnancy.
- Chen, Yu-Hsuan, et al.“Association between maternal factors and fetal macrosomia in full-term singleton births.” Journal of the Chinese Medical Association 86.3 (2023): 324–329. This study confirms a strong relationship between maternal BMI, diabetes, and increased fetal weight, reinforcing how preventable risk factors can influence macrosomia outcomes.
- Henrichs, J., et al.“Maternal psychological distress and fetal growth trajectories: The Generation R Study.” Psychological Medicine 43.4 (2013): 633–646. This study explores how maternal stress and mental health can subtly influence fetal growth, adding complexity to macrosomia prediction and prevention strategies.
- Rossi, A. C., & Prefumo, F.“Prenatal identification of fetal macrosomia: Accuracy of ultrasonographic formulas.” Journal of Perinatal Medicine 38.1 (2010): 37–43. This study evaluates various ultrasound formulas used to estimate fetal weight and highlights the limitations of relying solely on sonographic measurements for delivery planning.

Fetal Macrosomia Lawyer

If you need a fetal macrosomia lawyer anywhere in the United States, call us today at 800-553-8082 or reach out to us online.