What Is Cephalohematoma?
According to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, a cephalohematoma is a birth injury that presents with bleeding beneath the bones in the cranium. The condition is usually caused by a long second stage of labor or delivery by certain instruments, such as a ventouse, which is a device used in vacuum-assisted deliveries. When a child develops a cephalohematoma, he or she is at risk for multiple complications.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cephalohematoma?
A cephalohematoma appears as a raised lump on the baby’s head. It usually becomes noticeable several hours after the birth and can vary in size considerably. Depending on its magnitude and severity, the lump can take anywhere from two weeks to three months to disappear completely. If the cephalohematoma is particularly large, the baby may develop complications such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin due to a build up of bilirubin), hypotension (low blood pressure) or anemia (low iron). Children with cephalohematoma are also at risk for serious infections, such as meningitis and osteomyelitis.
In some cases, cephalohematoma can be a symptom of a linear skull fracture, a more serious condition that can lead to other severe complications, including stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). If the cephalohematoma becomes infiltrated by calcium and permanently disfigures the child’s skull, the child may require cranial reconstructive surgery.
Do I need a Cephalohematoma lawyer?
If your child developed a cephalohematoma after birth and you suspect that the hospital or medical personnel may have caused the injury via a violation of the standard of care, a cephalohematoma lawyer (birth injury lawyer) may be able to help you obtain compensation. These lawyers can analyze your child’s medical records, investigate your claims and learn more about what happened during your child’s birth. If the lawyer finds that the injury likely resulted from the actions of medical personnel, he can file a lawsuit on your behalf and recover damages to help you pay for your child’s medical care, as well as possibly compensate pain and suffering as well.
Find a Cephalohematoma Lawyer…
To find a cephalohematoma lawyer to help with your case, you can use the tools provided on our website to search for qualified attorneys in your area. Our website also offers statistics you can use to compare the quality of various lawyers so that you can make the best decision possible for your case. If you need help getting started on your search, feel free to contact us for more assistance.
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