Philadelphia Cephalohematoma Attorneys

A cephalohematoma is a birth injury to the scalp of a newborn baby. It most often results from physical trauma associated with labor/delivery. If a physician uses instruments for vacuum extraction, the chances of the baby suffering a cephalohematoma are slightly greater. Similarly, the condition is more common in deliveries associated with longer-than-normal labor or difficult birthing positions.

Given that there are numerous classes of newborn scalp bleeding, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis upfront to treat the condition. Cephalohematoma can resemble another relatively minor injury, caput succedaneum, as well as potentially more serious conditions, such as subgaleal and epidural hematomas, which, if untreated or poorly treated, can lead to an array of unpleasant and potentially dangerous problems.

In the majority of cephalohematoma cases, physicians don't order lab examinations. If left alone a cephalohematoma will often harden and resolve from the outside inward. That said, in some cases, cephalohematoma may be a precursor to conditions like jaundice or anemia. In certain instances, the injury can lead to infection of the newborn's brain (e.g. meningitis) or can indicate a slight fracture to the baby's skull.

If bleeding and clotting is severe, a doctor may order transfusions or treatment via phototherapy. Should the newborn present with any kind of neurological impairment in the wake of the scalp hematoma, a doctor may order a CAT scan or X-ray of the head.

An informed parent is an empowered parent. If your infant was diagnosed with a cephalohematoma that occurred as a result of a poorly managed birthing process, you may be able to hold your doctors or your hospital liable for costs associated with its treatment. If you suspect that negligence contributed to your baby's cephalohematoma, talk to the experienced, high-rated attorneys of pa-birthinjurylawfirm.com (Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP). Our practice has helped numerous Pennsylvania families get the compensation due to them. Look through our website now to learn more about different types of birth injuries and answers to frequently asked questions about birth injury law, or connect with our offices today at 888-845-2703 to set up a free consultation with us.