Did Your Child Suffer a Cephalohematoma Injury? Our Skilled Attorneys in Indianapolis Can Aid in Pursuing Accountability and Compensation

The unfortunate reality, as reported by the Indiana Department of Health, is that hundreds of babies get hurt and many of them die before their first birthday in Indiana in a single year. And in several cases, these fatalities indeed involved injuries during delivery that were preventable and the result of medical negligence.

In cases of birth injuries, we know that early legal intervention is crucial to support affected families and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Our attorneys specialize in navigating birth injury cases, offering guidance, support, and expert legal representation to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

What is Cephalohematoma Birth Injury?

A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood beneath the scalp of a newborn baby due to blood vessel damage during birth. This typically manifests within the first few days of life.

Cephalohematomas are not always indicative of medical negligence, but they can lead to serious health issues and developmental delays if left untreated or mismanaged. Thus the importance of conducting a thorough investigation of your child’s injury to determine liability and whether someone was at fault for the injury.

Effects of Cephalohematoma on Children

While many cephalohematomas resolve without treatment, larger hematomas can extend far beyond the physical lump on a child’s head, potentially leading to anemia, jaundice, increased intracranial pressure, and in rare cases, infection or even skull fracture.

Is Cephalohematoma Caused by Medical Negligence?

Not all cases of cephalohematoma result from medical negligence, but many could be prevented with proper care and attention during delivery.

Sometimes, certain circumstances indicate that a healthcare provider failed to exercise reasonable care and caused a cephalohematoma injury. For example, this can happen due to using excessive force during delivery, failure to monitor fetal heart rate, and using vacuum extraction or forceps incorrectly.

In these situations, you may have a medical malpractice case. To handle cases falling under this distinct area of law, the team of attorneys at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell starts by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of each birth injury, determining whether negligence played a role and how best to proceed with a claim.

How to Identify Cephalohematoma in a Child

The most common symptom of cephalohematoma is a soft, bulging area on the top of a newborn’s head, which may not be immediately noticeable but become more apparent several hours or days after birth. Recognizing this early is crucial for the child’s health and any potential legal action.

Other symptoms of cephalohematoma include:

  • Feeding difficulties
  • Increased head circumference
  • Pain in the skull area
  • Seizures
  • Swelling
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting

Your Rights If Your Child Suffered Cephalohematoma Due to Medical Negligence

The Indiana Code 34-23-1-2 outlines the rights of families affected due to medical negligence, including the pursuit of damages to ensure they have the resources needed for their child’s recovery and future well-being.

If your child suffered from cephalohematoma due to medical negligence, you have legal options to seek compensation for those damages, including:

Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

This process involves formally suing the healthcare provider or institution in court for negligence that resulted in a birth injury. It requires gathering evidence, including medical records and expert testimony, to prove that the standard of care was breached, directly causing harm.

Our team of attorneys can help you through each stage of this process. You can rest assured in the fact you have an expert legal team who is handling every little detail of your case on your behalf.

Seeking a Settlement through Negotiation

Before or after filing a lawsuit, parties can engage in negotiations to reach a financial settlement without going to trial. This approach involves discussions between the injured party’s attorney and the defense, aiming to agree on compensation that adequately addresses the harm suffered.

Here, our lawyers play a crucial role in handling negotiations to prevent lowball offers or unfair claim denials.

Pursuing a Complaint through a Medical Board

In addition to legal action, filing a complaint with the medical board can be an effective way to address medical negligence. This process can lead to disciplinary action against the healthcare provider, helping to prevent future incidents.

FAQs About Cephalohematoma Injuries in Indianapolis

How Long Do You Have to Sue a Hospital for Negligence in Indiana?

Indiana law stipulates a two-year statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, starting from the date the malpractice occurred or the date it was discovered.

Can Cephalohematoma Cause Brain Damage?

Cephalohematoma can potentially lead to brain damage if it causes severe jaundice or is associated with a brain hemorrhage, both of which can result in significant neurological complications.

Can You Sue for a Cephalohematoma After Surgery?

If a cephalohematoma develops as a result of surgical intervention and it can be demonstrated that the surgery was performed negligently, it’s possible to sue for damages.

Request a Free Consultation With an Expert Cephalohematoma Injury Attorney in Indianapolis – We’ve Been Fighting for the Injured for Over 40 Years

For over 40 years, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has been offering families affected by birth injuries the support, expertise, and compassion they need during challenging times. We do this by building a compelling case, claiming compensation with a strong foundation of evidence, and then fighting to defend the case whether in negotiations or court.

If your child has suffered from a cephalohematoma injury, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Together, we can explore your legal options and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation your family deserves.