Chicago Birth Injury Lawyers

Cephalohematoma

A hematoma is a bruise, or a buildup of blood outside of blood vessels. A cephalohematoma is a buildup of blood between the skull and the periosteum, or the membrane that lines the outer surface of all bones. This injury is most common among newborn infants, particularly after difficult births.

Causes of Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma is generally the result of prolonged labor, particularly during the second stage. The second stage of labor is the point at which the cervix is fully dilated and the infant is delivered. If this stage is too prolonged, the stress placed on the infant can lead to birth injuries.

Cephalohematoma is also linked to the use of a ventouse, a vacuum device used to hurry along a labor process that is progressing too slowly. While this technique can be a relatively safe and effective way to end a difficult delivery, it can also have negative consequences for the infant. These consequences are usually short-lived, but in worst case scenarios they can lead to long-term health complications.

Symptoms of Cephalohematoma

The swelling and blood loss associated with this injury can create serious problems for a newborn child, including:

• Anemia
• Hypotension
• Jaundice
• Infection, possibly leading to meningitis
• In some cases, it can actually be a sign of a skull fracture

Determining Responsibility

If an infant’s birth injury could have been avoided using reasonable safety measures, then the medical professionals who delivered the child can be found legally responsible. Demonstrating this responsibility in court can be difficult, however, and generally requires the assistance of a skilled Chicago medical malpractice attorney.

Contact Us

If your newborn child has suffered a birth injury as a result of healthcare providers’ negligence, contact the Chicago birth injury lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.