Cephalohematoma is a type of internal bleeding that causes an accumulation of blood under a baby’s scalp, according to research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). It typically occurs during the birth process, when small blood vessels in the baby’s head rupture due to prolonged or difficult labor.
If your baby suffered from cephalohematoma in the days after their birth, you could potentially hold the medical provider accountable for any damages such as medical bills and unnecessary pain and suffering. A Los Angeles cephalohematoma lawyer can help you fight for justice and compensation. Call Pintas & Mulls Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 for a free case review with our team.
Causes of Cephalohematoma
According to Healthline, between one and two percent of babies will develop cephalohematoma after birth. The cause of this condition is typically extensive pressure on a baby’s head during delivery. Factors that might increase the risk of a baby developing cephalohematoma include:
- Prolonged labor
- The baby’s head being too large for the mother’s birth canal
- Weak contractions
- Using epidurals
- Having given birth multiple times
- Abnormal fetal position
The use of assistive devices during birth can also play a role in causing cephalohematoma—for example, forceps or vacuum extraction.
Forceps
Forceps look like large tongs. They fit around a baby’s head, and when inserted into the birth canal, can progress a stalled delivery. Using forceps effectively and safely requires a considerable amount of training, skill, and experience. If a medical provider uses forceps with excessive force, birth injuries such as cephalohematoma can occur.
Vacuum Extraction
If the delivery has not progressed as it should, a doctor might use a vacuum extractor, which can help move the baby through the birth canal. For this procedure, the doctor will place a vacuum cup on the baby’s head and assist with the delivery by gently pulling the baby out. In some instances, incorrect or prolonged use of the vacuum extractor could cause cephalohematoma and other birth injuries.
The Dangers of Cephalohematoma
While cephalohematoma, if identified and treated promptly, might not develop into a serious condition, complications can occur. If you detect anything unusual, such as a bump on your baby’s head, you should get medical advice as soon as possible, as this could be a sign of cephalohematoma.
Diagnosing Cephalohematoma
A doctor can diagnose cephalohematoma by a physical examination of the baby’s head and with imaging diagnostics such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Unless your baby has a severe case of cephalohematoma or has developed other conditions, a doctor might simply observe the healing progress.
However, while some infants heal on their own, in some instances, a doctor might have to drain the blood or administer a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, since the effects of cephalohematoma can cause internal conditions, a medical provider might misdiagnose these conditions or not detect them at all.
Cephalohematoma Complications
Complications of cephalohematoma can include jaundice, anemia, and infections. Severe jaundice could cause brain damage in babies that results in developmental abnormalities and serious conditions such as cerebral palsy.
If your baby developed a severe condition due to a missed diagnosis of cephalohematoma or damaging medical treatment, you might have a medical malpractice case. You can contact a Los Angeles cephalohematoma lawyer to determine whether you have a claim. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to speak with a team member about your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Cephalohematoma Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Cephalohematoma Medical Malpractice Claim
If your baby suffered severe and permanent damage due to a misdiagnosis or wrongly treating cephalohematoma, you might have incurred damages such as hefty medical bills and other expenses. The financial strain of having a baby with a potentially permanent medical condition could also weigh on your mind.
However, if someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused your baby’s suffering and your damages, they should make you whole. You could have legal recourse with a medical malpractice claim.
A Los Angeles cephalohematoma lawyer potentially can help you build a case against a negligent healthcare provider. In a medical malpractice claim. you will typically have to prove the following elements:
- You had a doctor-patient relationship with the medical provider.
- The doctor was negligent and did not uphold a reasonable standard of care.
- The doctor’s mistake or negligence caused your baby’s injury.
- The injury led to damages such as medical bills and physical pain and suffering.
Compensation in Malpractice Cases
If you win your malpractice case or receive an insurance settlement, you could recover several types of compensation, including:
- All medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost work and earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- The costs for medical devices and accessories
- Costs for adapting your home to your baby’s needs
- Disability
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You could also receive other compensation related to your claim. If a doctor or hospital acted particularly recklessly or negligently, you could also receive punitive damages.
Los Angeles Cephalohematoma Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact Us Today for Help
If your baby suffered avoidable injuries during the birthing process, you might want to contact your Los Angeles cephalohematoma lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence when it comes to medical malpractice cases in California. CCP § 340.5 generally limits you to filing your case no later than three years after your baby’s injury or only one year after you discover the injury.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we understand that you want to concentrate on your baby and family during this difficult time. We know how challenging and lengthy medical malpractice cases can be. We can take charge of all aspects of your medical malpractice case so you can spend your valuable time with your nearest and dearest.
We can tackle tough cases and fight for your rights and compensation in a medical malpractice case. We can help you with your claim in several ways, including:
- Gathering evidence
- Building your case
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court
Having a baby with a birth injury can be an emotional as well as a financial challenge. We do not charge any upfront attorney’s fees and work on contingency, so there is no financial risk for you.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444. Let one of our team members evaluate your case and help you weigh your legal options.
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