Learn what cephalohematoma is and how it relates to medical malpractice law.
Cephalohematoma is a birth injury in which blood pools between a baby’s skull and brain. While it rarely causes brain injury, it can lead to other complications, such as anemia and jaundice. The most common cause of cephalohematoma is trauma to the head during delivery. This trauma may occur because of the negligence of an attending doctor or medical staff member. If so, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit and recover damages.
Why Cephalohematoma Occurs During Delivery
Cephalohematoma may occur when a baby incurs trauma to the skull during delivery. In some cases, this trauma is unavoidable. The baby may have a large head relative to the size of the mother’s birth canal or may hit his or her head against the mother’s pelvis through no fault of the doctor’s.
But in many situations, a doctor’s negligence leads to the baby suffering trauma that leads to cephalohematoma. The condition is associated with the use of birth assistance devices, such as forceps and vacuums. Doctors use these tools to facilitate difficult pregnancies. When their use is justified, they lead to better outcomes for both mother and baby.
But assistance devices have many drawbacks and can increase the risk of birth injuries — head trauma being one of them. Your doctor has a duty to weigh the risks and rewards carefully and, if he or she decides forceps or a vacuum is necessary, must exhibit the utmost care in using them.
Risk Factors for Cephalohematoma
Another duty of your doctor is to know if you possess one or more risk factors for cephalohematoma. If you do, your doctor must factor this information into any decision he or she makes about your delivery. The most common risk factors include:
- A large baby, which can delay the delivery process by moving slowly through the birth canal.
- A small birth canal
- Weak uterine contractions
- A baby in an abnormal position for delivery
- A multiple-baby delivery.
If you had one or more of these risk factors and feel your doctor did not take them into account, we can help you file a medical malpractice claim and pursue damages.
Get a Free Medical Malpractice Case Evaluation Today
The Newsome | Melton legal team helps clients recover damages when the negligence of a health care provider leads to a birth injury. If your child suffered cephalohematoma, we can investigate and determine if your doctor or a member of his or her staff is liable. We can then pursue compensation for your damages. For a free case evaluation with a member of our team, call 888-526-8947
Cephalohematoma - Frequently Asked Questions
![You cannot be physically functional with an incomplete form of locked-in syndrome. How Functional Can You Be With An Incomplete Form of Locked-In Syndrome?](https://medicalmalpracticehelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/faqs-how-functional-can-you-be-with-an-incomplete-form-of-locked-in-syndrome-1-300x200.jpg)
You cannot be physically functional with an incomplete form of locked-in syndrome. Most locked-in syndrome patients never regain mobility in their face, speech, or other body movements. However, there have been rare cases where an individual improves if the underlying cause is treated. For example, shrinking a tumor that caused the disorder could increase functionality.Cognitively,
Read More![If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, it can be frustrating to contact an attorney only to have them decline to take your case. Why Do Attorneys Turn Down Medical Malpractice Cases?](https://medicalmalpracticehelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Attorneys-Turn-Down-Medical-Malpractice-Cases-300x158.jpg)
If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, it can be frustrating to contact an attorney only to have them decline to take your case. Just because a lawyer turns down your medical malpractice claim does not mean you do not have a solid case or that you cannot win it with the help
Read MoreCephalohematoma - News Articles
![Suspended Washington State Naturopath Physician Allegedly Continues Practice In October 2012, Brian Hirsh contacted Lucinda Messer, while searching to find an alternative treatment option for his colon cancer. Suspended Washington State Naturopath Physician Allegedly Continues Practice](https://medicalmalpracticehelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Medical-Malpractice-Advice_Malpractice-Lawyers_Legal-Advice-Help-Resource-300x200.jpg)
Suspended Washington State Naturopath Physician Allegedly Continues Practice In October 2012, Brian Hirsh contacted Lucinda Messer, while searching to find an alternative treatment option for his colon cancer. Messer admitted Hirsh in to the Goddess Sanctuary, her former naturopathy retreat that was located in Kirkland, WA. But Hirsh’s estate claims that he entered on false
Read More![Nephritis Misdiagnosis](https://medicalmalpracticehelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MMP-2000x1900-300x285-300x285.png)
On February 24, 1998, the year after graduating from high school, Jason Simcakoski joined the United States Marine Corps. Simcakoski served for four years and was honorably discharged in 2002 after sustaining a significant injury to his head. After his service was over he began suffering from anxiety attacks and sought treatment at the Tomah
Read More