Have you ever had a bump on the head after you hit it? It hurts a lot and it can take weeks to go away. Imagine being born into this world with one of those. It can happen, and it often happens because of a doctor’s negligence.
These bumps are called cephalohematoma. They’re a sign that external trauma damaged your baby’s head, and they may be the first sign of a deeper injury. You should speak with our Illinois infant cephalohematoma attorneys if this has happened to your child.
For a free legal consultation, call 1-800-222-9529
A Sign of Negligence
Cephalohematoma happens when delicate blood vessels under the scalp get broken. They bleed under the skin and create the raised bump. They only happen when something causes trauma to the vessels.
Risk factors for cephalohematoma include using vacuum extraction or forceps, prolonged vaginal delivery, and epidural pain relief during childbirth. Large babies or multiple babies also increase the chance of this condition.
If your doctor used assistive devices, didn’t offer the option for a cesarean section, or if you received an epidural without warning you of the risks, you may have a case. Speak with a birth injury lawyer in Illinois to see if malpractice caused your baby’s cephalohematoma.
Illinois Infant Cephalohematoma Lawyer Near Me 1-800-222-9529
Is Cephalohematoma Dangerous?
Cephalohematoma is usually not dangerous, but complications can arise that can be life-threatening. Babies need medical monitoring to watch for these complications. On its own, the bump will go away within a few weeks, but while it heals, it could cause conditions like:
- Anemia – the swollen bump takes away blood from the rest of the body. Large cephalohematomas can create anemia.
- Infections – If it breaks open, it can create infections that could become life-threatening.
- Jaundice – The reabsorbed blood can cause bilirubin levels to rise and create jaundice in your child. Take your baby for an exam if their eyes or skin get a yellow tint.
- Calcification – If a cephalohematoma lasts longer than five weeks, bone deposits may form in the bump and affect skull formation. Babies must receive corrective surgery to remove it before it interferes with growth.
- Skull Fractures – Many babies with cephalohematoma also have skull fractures. Some are linear, which doesn’t affect the bones of the skull. But in rare cases, other fractures can happen that put babies at risk for brain bleeding and potential brain damage.
Babies that have these complications may have a stronger case for malpractice, but even if it’s just a bump, you may still have a case. Your baby may have suffered an injury they shouldn’t have experienced and caused you to pay more than you should for their care. You deserve to be compensated for it.
Click to contact our birth injury lawyers today
How Will You Prove Malpractice Against My Medical Team?
Winning a malpractice case starts with contacting one of our Illinois infant cephalohematoma attorneys. We will listen to your concerns and ask questions about what happened. If we believe you may have a case, our lawyers will start an investigation to prove malpractice.
We must find out if your medical team violated the standards of care and created a situation that caused your baby’s cephalohematoma. This violation may be something they did, like squeeze too hard with a pair of forceps, or something they failed to do, like monitor your baby’s weight incorrectly.
If we can prove these things, that shows negligence happened and makes you eligible for compensation. At this point, we will calculate how much your case is worth and submit a claim to your medical provider’s insurance company. If they fail to pay what you’re owed, we’ll take them to court.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Much Could I Get from My Baby’s Case?
Each case contains a unique set of factors, so we cannot calculate how much your case is worth until we investigate what happened. The complications your baby had and the impact of your child’s injury on your life all play a role in how much you get.
Broadly speaking, you will get compensated for all the economic damages you’ve suffered from your case. This includes all the medical expenses, medications, travel to doctor’s visits, lost time from work, and any other financial costs you’ve suffered.
You could also get non-economic damages for your baby’s pain and suffering. If you’ve ever had a bump on the head, you know how painful it can be. Your baby deserves to get compensated for suffering that pain unnecessarily. We’ll fight to make sure you get it.
Does Illinois Limit How Much I Can Get from a Malpractice Case?
Ever since 2010, there are no medical malpractice caps in Illinois. Thus, there is no statutory limit to how much you can receive. In states with caps, a jury may award you money beyond the cap but the law would limit how much you could receive.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer’s Help to File a Claim?
Medical malpractice insurers know they could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars, even millions, if their policyholders are negligent. They will fight hard to pay as little as possible, and laypeople don’t have the skills to do it well.
Illinois has filing requirements for malpractice lawsuits that need the help of a competent lawyer. For example, our infant cephalohematoma lawyers in Chicago know how to get the required affidavit of merit required to file a malpractice lawsuit in the state.
Our lawyers will also keep your case moving forward so you don’t reach legal deadlines that could deny your compensation. Children injured in Illinois can have a lawsuit filed on their behalf within 8 years of the injury, which is longer than the usual deadline, but you shouldn’t delay hiring a lawyer to help you with your case. The sooner you start, the better your chances.
Contact an Illinois Infant Cephalohematoma Lawyer Today
Don’t discount your child’s head bump as a minor injury. It can quickly turn into something much more serious and it may be a sign of malpractice. Get answers about whether malpractice harmed your child at birth by contacting the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today.
Our infant cephalohematoma lawyers in Chicago are ready to speak with you. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.
Call or text 1-800-222-9529
or complete a Free Case Evaluation form