Chicago Birth Injury Cephalohematoma Lawyers

If your baby suffered from bleeding in the skull during birth caused by a healthcare professional’s negligence, or if their bleeding was not properly monitored and cared for afterward, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Excessive pressure on a baby’s skull during delivery can cause cephalohematoma, which results in ruptured blood vessels and capillaries underneath the baby’s scalp.

It is critical that your baby is closely watched if you believe they are suffering from a cephalohematoma. If there is also heavy bleeding or a skull fracture, your child may face numerous health issues and delays that could affect their motor skills development and cognitive abilities. Babies with bleeding from the skull are also at a greater risk of jaundice, infections, and anemia. If an injury results when a physician drains or attempts to drain the cephalohematoma, you and your child may be entitled to further compensation and damages.

The Chicago cephalohematoma attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC have experience helping children suffering from birth injuries due to the negligence of a doctor or a health care provider. Contact our office at 312-346-8620 for a free consultation regarding your case.

Why Choose Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC?

A severe birth injury like cephalohematoma can permanently alter your child’s life. If a doctor is negligent during your labor and delivery, your baby may suffer irreparable harm and long-lasting effects. Expenses for medical costs and treatment can add up. You have enough to deal with after your baby’s birth, so it is essential to hire an attorney who will be your advocate during your time of need.

Our experienced Chicago lawyers have the experience as well as the resources needed to win a birth injury case. We have been representing injury victims in Chicago since 1970, and in that time we have recovered over $400 million for our clients. Our legal team will fight for you to receive the compensation and damages you need for the treatment and development of your child to ensure their healthy future. If your baby is suffering from cephalohematoma, the negligent party should be held accountable for their actions.

Common Causes of Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma is a pooling of blood in the area between the baby’s skull and the skin of the scalp where the skin that covers the skull are attached. A cephalhematoma itself is not usually life-threatening and will heal on its own. However, the condition may cause additional dangerous complications if not monitored by a doctor. Other risk factors are associated with first pregnancies, the baby’s head being bigger than the mother’s pelvic area, and long labor. When a cephalohematoma results during the birthing process, the following causes are most likely:

• Misuse of Medical Instruments — A majority of cephalohematoma cases are related to extraction tool misuse during delivery. If a physician uses a tool, such as forceps or a vacuum, incorrectly, the baby could be at risk for cephalohematoma.
• Delivery Extraction Methods — The delivery room environment can be chaotic, but this does not excuse doctors and health care professionals from being prepared for complications that arise during the birthing process. Another common cause of cephalohematoma is the use of forceful extraction methods when delivering a baby.

If your baby suffered a birth injury as the result of a medical provider’s negligence, Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC can help hold the responsible party accountable. Proving that a healthcare provider was legally negligent will require you to demonstrate that they did not provide the standard of care. This may require interviewing experts and interpreting complex medical records, tasks best left to experienced attorneys.

Common Birth Injuries and Complications Related to Cephalohematomas

It is estimated that 0.2 percent to 2.5 percent of live births result in cephalohematoma. Most of the time, medical treatment is not needed. However, when a physician has ignored the warning signs that a baby could be at risk, you may have the grounds to file a claim. When cephalohematoma is left untreated, the baby can suffer other injuries, such as the following:

• Hypotension
• Nerve damage
• Jaundice
• Skull fracture
• Cerebral palsy
• Erb’s palsy
• Infections
• Meningitis
• Brain damage
• Fetal stroke
• Anemia
• Calcium deposits
• Facial paralysis
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)

Since cephalohematoma occurs internally, it may not be readily apparent, and babies may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Some observable symptoms of cephalohematoma are infections, jaundice, anemia, and unnatural bumps or bulges on the child’s head.

Monitoring babies after birth is essential, especially if complications occurred during labor and delivery. If children aren’t carefully watched after birth, they could be at risk for losing critical time to treat and mitigate cephalohematoma. If the negligent actions of a health care professional lead to cephalohematoma or complications from cephalohematoma, your baby could suffer from irreversible injuries or illnesses that could have been prevented.

Compensation for Cephalohematoma

An experienced birth injury attorney can help you take the legal action necessary to recover compensation for the pain and suffering your family and your child has endured. These types of compensation include but are not limited to:

• The cost of both short- and long-term medical care and treatment
• Diminishment to your family and your baby’s quality of life
• Damages for any emotional trauma associated with the birth injury

If your child has experienced cephalohematoma due to doctor’s or other health care provider’s negligence, you need to contact a birth injury lawyer immediately to find out whether you have a valid birth injury malpractice case.

Contact Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC Today

If your child suffered a cephalohematoma during birth, our Chicago birth injury lawyers will ensure that your baby gets the medical care that they deserve. We will make sure that you and that your family obtain the compensation and damages needed to cover medical expenses and other bills associated with your baby’s condition. Contact Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC at 312-346-8620 or online to schedule a consultation today.