After a difficult delivery, you may be relieved when a doctor tells you the swelling on your baby’s head is a minor cephalohematoma that will go away on its own. While this can be true, a cephalohematoma is not a simple bruise. It is a collection of blood trapped between the skull and its outer membrane, and it is a clear sign of birth trauma. If you suspect medical negligence, consider consulting a cephalohematoma lawyer.

When that trauma was caused by a medical professional’s preventable error, or when the complications of the cephalohematoma are mismanaged, the consequences can be devastating. An experienced cephalohematoma lawyer knows that this diagnosis is a major red flag that warrants a thorough investigation into the quality of care your family received.

Finding a skilled cephalohematoma lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

If your family is facing the challenges of a cephalohematoma diagnosis, partnering with a dedicated cephalohematoma lawyer can be crucial.

At CP Family Help, our legal team specializes in investigating the root causes of birth trauma. We understand that a cephalohematoma can be the first sign of a much more serious injury, and we are dedicated to uncovering the truth and fighting for families affected by medical negligence.

In cases of suspected malpractice, an experienced cephalohematoma lawyer can provide valuable insights.

Consulting a cephalohematoma lawyer can ensure that you are aware of your rights.

How a Cephalohematoma Can Be a Sign of Medical Malpractice

A cephalohematoma is caused by the rupture of blood vessels during a difficult labor and delivery. While it can sometimes occur without negligence, it is frequently linked to a breach in the standard of care.

A cephalohematoma lawyer will investigate two primary areas of negligence:

  1. The Cause of the Initial Trauma: Was the cephalohematoma the result of a doctor’s improper actions, such as the misuse of forceps or a vacuum extractor, or allowing a difficult labor to continue for too long?
  2. The Management of Complications: After the cephalohematoma was diagnosed, did the medical team fail to properly monitor and treat its known complications, such as severe jaundice, leading to further injury?

A qualified cephalohematoma lawyer will aggressively pursue the facts of your case.

Our team includes a cephalohematoma lawyer who understands the intricacies of such cases.

Answering these questions is the key to determining if you have a valid medical malpractice claim.

4 Things a Lawyer Will Investigate in a Cephalohematoma Case

When we take on a cephalohematoma case, our investigation is deep and fact-driven. We focus on four critical areas to determine if negligence occurred.

1. The Use of Assisted Delivery Tools (Forceps and Vacuum)

This is the number one cause of traumatic cephalohematomas. Forceps and vacuum extractors are powerful tools that can cause serious injury if used improperly. Our investigation will scrutinize:

  • The Justification: Was the use of these tools truly necessary and appropriate for the situation?
  • The Technique: Did the doctor apply the forceps or vacuum to the correct part of the baby’s head? Was excessive force or traction used?
  • The Number of Attempts: In a vacuum delivery, how many “pop-offs” occurred? The standard of care dictates that after a few failed attempts, the procedure should be abandoned in favor of an emergency C-section.

We work with medical experts to prove that the misuse of these instruments is what caused the trauma.

2. The Overall Management of Labor and Delivery

It is important to have a cephalohematoma lawyer who can analyze the labor records thoroughly.

A cephalohematoma can also be caused by the baby’s head being battered against the mother’s pelvis during a prolonged, difficult labor. A lawyer will obtain and analyze the complete labor and delivery records to see if:

  • The labor was allowed to continue for too long despite a lack of progress.
  • There were clear signs of cephalopelvic disproportion (a mismatch between the baby’s head size and the mother’s pelvis) that were ignored.
  • A timely C-section should have been performed hours earlier, which would have prevented the head trauma entirely.

3. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Complications, Especially Jaundice

A large cephalohematoma places a baby at extremely high risk for developing severe jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia). As the pooled blood breaks down, it releases a large amount of bilirubin into the bloodstream. If not managed properly, this can lead to kernicterus, a devastating and preventable form of brain damage. A cephalohematoma lawyer will investigate:

Our team includes a dedicated cephalohematoma lawyer who will fight for your case.

  • Was the baby’s bilirubin level monitored closely and frequently?
  • When bilirubin levels rose, was phototherapy started promptly and aggressively?
  • Was the baby discharged from the hospital too soon, without a clear follow-up plan to re-check their bilirubin levels?

A failure to manage jaundice is a major and common form of negligence in these cases.

4. The Presence of an Underlying Skull Fracture or Brain Injury

The force required to cause a cephalohematoma can also cause more severe injuries. A cephalohematoma should always alert doctors to the possibility of an underlying linear skull fracture. More dangerously, it can be accompanied by an intracranial hemorrhage (a brain bleed). We will investigate whether doctors took the necessary steps to rule out these injuries, especially if the baby was showing other neurological signs like lethargy, irritability, or seizures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

With the help of a cephalohematoma lawyer, your family can receive the support needed during this difficult time.

We understand you have many questions during this confusing time. Here are answers to some common concerns.

Hiring a knowledgeable cephalohematoma lawyer is a vital step in handling your case.

Asking questions to your cephalohematoma lawyer can clarify uncertainties surrounding your child’s situation.

Consult with a cephalohematoma lawyer to explore your options and gain clarity.

My baby’s cephalohematoma went away on its own. Can we still have a case?

Possibly. Even if the cephalohematoma itself resolved, the traumatic forces that caused it may have also caused a more subtle brain injury. If your child is later diagnosed with developmental delays, learning disabilities, or Cerebral Palsy, it could be linked back to the original birth trauma. It is always wise to consult an attorney to understand your rights before the deadline to file a claim expires.

How is a cephalohematoma different from a caput succedaneum?

A caput is generalized swelling of the scalp tissue that is soft, boggy, and can cross the skull’s suture lines. A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the covering of a skull bone, so it feels firmer and is confined by the suture lines (it does not cross them). A cephalohematoma is considered a more serious sign of trauma.

How much does it cost to hire a cephalohematoma lawyer?

There are no upfront costs. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. We fund the entire investigation and legal process from our own resources. We are only paid a percentage of the compensation we successfully secure for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

Speak With an Experienced Cephalohematoma Lawyer Today

With the assistance of a cephalohematoma lawyer, you can pursue justice effectively.

Reach out to a cephalohematoma lawyer today to discuss your case.

If your child was diagnosed with a cephalohematoma after a difficult birth, you deserve answers about the quality of care you received. You should not have to bear the emotional and financial burden if your child’s injury was caused by a medical professional’s mistake.

The dedicated legal team at CP Family Help is here to provide a free, confidential case evaluation. We can help you understand what happened and fight for the justice your family deserves. Contact us today.