Rhode Island Cephalohematoma Lawyers

“Cephalo-“ means “head” and a hematoma is a type of internal bleeding. Most cephalohematomas are evident by a raised bump on the baby’s head, appearing several hours after the birth and growing larger in the following days. The bump is actually an accumulation of blood underneath the skin of the scalp, on top of the baby’s skull. Cephalohematomas occur in about 2 out of every 100 births and usually are caused by external force on the baby’s head from birth-assisting devices such as vacuum extractors and forceps. A difficult or prolonged birth may also cause cephalohematoma, particularly if the baby’s head is very large and it pushes against the mother’s pelvis while leaving the birth canal.

Usually, this type of injury clears up within a few weeks and doesn’t leave the baby permanently disabled. However, for some infants, what a doctor diagnoses as a simple cephalohematoma could be another more serious birth injury. If this is the case, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.

In most cases, no. A cephalohematoma by itself is usually a minor injury lasting only a few weeks, not causing permanent disability. Like any birth injury, though, your concern is valid.

If your baby experiences any of the following symptoms, it could indicate a brain injury:

• Anemia
• Infection
• Jaundice
• Unnatural bulges on the head
• Bruising on the head
• Signs of developmental delays
• Motor skill deficiencies
• A cephalohematoma lasting longer than expected

The presence of any, or all, of these symptoms could be cerebral palsy. Our birth injury lawyers at Decof, Barry, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can help you get the answers you need and seek justice for you.