After a difficult delivery, you may notice swelling on your newborn’s scalp and be told they have Caput Succedaneum. In many cases, doctors will reassure you that this is a common and minor condition that will resolve on its own in a few days. Often, they are right.
However, sometimes Caput Succedaneum is not a minor issue. It can be an early warning sign of a traumatic birth, or it can lead to serious complications if it is not monitored correctly. If a medical professional’s negligence during delivery caused the condition or led to further harm, you may need a Caput Succedaneum lawyer. A Caput Succedaneum lawyer can help protect your child’s rights.
At CP Family Help, we understand that the line between a minor birth condition and a serious injury isn’t always clear. Our experienced birth injury attorneys can investigate the circumstances of your child’s birth to determine if medical malpractice occurred and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Engaging the services of a Caput Succedaneum lawyer can be crucial for navigating legal complexities.
What is Caput Succedaneum and When is it Dangerous?
Understanding the implications of having a Caput Succedaneum lawyer can be essential for families facing these challenges.
Caput Succedaneum is the swelling of a newborn’s scalp. It often appears as a soft, puffy area that may be bruised. It is caused by pressure on the baby’s head as it moves through the birth canal, especially during a long or difficult delivery. The use of delivery assistance tools like a vacuum extractor or forceps is a common cause.
While a simple Caput is usually harmless, the danger arises in three situations:
- It leads to complications: The breakdown of blood from the bruising can cause severe jaundice, which, if left untreated, can lead to a type of brain damage called kernicterus.
- It is a sign of a more traumatic birth: The same forces that caused the Caput may have also caused a more severe, less obvious injury, like oxygen deprivation or brain bleeding.
- It is misdiagnosed: Sometimes, a more serious condition like a cephalohematoma (bleeding under the periosteum of the skull bone) is mistaken for a Caput Succedaneum.
A Caput Succedaneum lawyer helps families when these situations arise due to a medical professional’s failure to provide the accepted standard of care.
7 Signs You Need to Call a Lawyer About Caput Succedaneum
It’s important to consult a Caput Succedaneum lawyer if you suspect malpractice.
If your child was diagnosed with Caput Succedaneum and you notice any of the following signs, it is crucial to seek legal advice. These are red flags that a more serious injury may have occurred due to medical negligence.
Remember that a Caput Succedaneum lawyer can provide necessary guidance through this process.
1. Your Baby Develops Severe Jaundice
Consulting with a Caput Succedaneum lawyer ensures that your child’s condition is taken seriously.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) is common in newborns. However, the bruising from a Caput Succedaneum releases bilirubin into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of severe jaundice. If doctors fail to monitor bilirubin levels and provide timely phototherapy treatment, it can lead to kernicterus, a devastating and permanent brain injury.
Having a Caput Succedaneum lawyer on your side can make a significant difference.
2. It Was Misdiagnosed and is Actually a Cephalohematoma
Consider speaking with a Caput Succedaneum lawyer if you have concerns about your baby’s care.
A Caput Succedaneum crosses the suture lines of the skull, while a cephalohematoma does not. A skilled doctor should be able to tell the difference. A cephalohematoma involves deeper bleeding and carries a higher risk of complications. A misdiagnosis can lead to a failure to monitor for these complications and may be a clear sign of negligence.
A Caput Succedaneum lawyer can help assess the legal aspects of your situation.
3. Delivery Tools Were Used Improperly
Speak to a Caput Succedaneum lawyer about your child’s developmental milestones.
Vacuum extractors and forceps are a leading cause of Caput Succedaneum. While their use is not automatically negligent, there are strict protocols for their application. If the doctor pulled too hard, left the vacuum on for too long, or used the tools improperly, it could have caused both the Caput and a more severe underlying brain injury. A Caput Succedaneum lawyer will investigate how these tools were used.
Reaching out to a Caput Succedaneum lawyer can help address your concerns effectively.
4. Your Baby Has Seizures
If the swelling persists, a Caput Succedaneum lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights.
Seizures in a newborn are never normal. They are a primary indicator of a brain injury, such as Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) from oxygen deprivation. In this context, the Caput is not the problem itself, but rather a symptom of the same traumatic birth event that caused the brain damage.
Consult a Caput Succedaneum lawyer if you have questions about your legal standing.
5. Your Baby is Missing Developmental Milestones
You were told the Caput was minor, but now, months later, your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones like rolling over, sitting up, or babbling. This can be the first sign that a brain injury occurred during birth, potentially leading to conditions like Cerebral Palsy. The Caput was an early clue that the delivery was traumatic.
6. The Hospital Staff Dismissed Your Concerns
Getting the advice of a Caput Succedaneum lawyer can help clarify your next steps.
Contact a Caput Succedaneum lawyer to discuss your unique situation.
Did you voice concerns about your labor or your baby’s condition after birth, only to be ignored? Were you told “everything is fine” when you knew something was wrong? A failure to listen to the mother and a failure to properly assess a newborn for signs of distress can be forms of medical negligence.
7. The Swelling Persists or Shows Signs of Infection
A typical Caput Succedaneum resolves within a few days. If the swelling lasts for over a week, gets worse, or the area becomes hard, red, or drains fluid, it could be a sign of a serious infection or another complication that requires immediate medical care. A failure to diagnose and treat this is a breach of the standard of care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We understand this is a confusing and stressful time. Here are some answers to common questions.
Is having a Caput Succedaneum always a sign of malpractice?
No. The condition itself can occur even with proper medical care during a difficult birth. However, it serves as a significant red flag that the birth was traumatic and warrants a deeper investigation to ensure no other injuries occurred. Malpractice arises when the condition is caused by negligence, is mismanaged, or is accompanied by a more severe, preventable injury.
How much does it cost to hire a Caput Succedaneum lawyer?
At CP Family Help, we represent all our clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket. We cover all the costs of the investigation and legal case. Our fee is a percentage of the financial recovery we win for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
How long do I have to file a claim for a birth injury?
Every state has a strict time limit for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, known as the Statute of Limitations. This deadline can be complex for injuries involving a child. It is critical to contact an attorney as soon as you suspect an injury to ensure you do not lose your right to seek justice.
Talk to a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If your child’s Caput Succedaneum was accompanied by any of the warning signs discussed above, you deserve answers. Do not let a hospital’s reassurances stop you from uncovering the truth about your child’s health.
The dedicated legal team at CP Family Help is here to provide a free, confidential case evaluation. We will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to get the help you need.
