Welcoming a newborn into the world should be a time of joy and celebration. Yet, this precious moment can quickly become a nightmare for some families when complications arise.
Subgaleal hematoma, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in newborns, can leave parents grappling with uncertainty and fear.
Dempsey, Kingsland & Osteen is a leading Missouri personal injury law firm. We help families navigate the difficulties of subgaleal hematoma in newborns and are here to help you get justice. If your child suffered a birth injury, call our firm today to schedule a free consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer.
What Is a Subgaleal Hematoma?
Subgaleal hematoma is a medical condition that can occur in newborns, often as a result of trauma during childbirth. This condition involves the accumulation of blood between the skull and the scalp.
In minor cases, it can lead to swelling and soreness. In the worst cases, the condition can be life-threatening, leading to blood loss and other complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
Subgaleal hematoma can occur due to various factors during childbirth. Understanding these causes and risk factors is vital for recognizing potential complications and seeking timely medical attention.
Possible causes can include:
- Traumatic birth. A leading cause of subgaleal hematoma is often traumatic or difficult childbirth. A traumatic birth can put the mother and child under immense physical pressure, leading to injuries.
- Large birth weight. Newborns with a higher birth weight may be at increased risk of experiencing subgaleal hematoma. Their increased size exposes them to greater pressure and trauma during delivery.
- Instrumental delivery. Some doctors use medical instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, to help with delivery. However, these tools may increase the likelihood of injury to the baby’s scalp, leading to subgaleal hematoma.
- Head trauma. Accidental head injuries during childbirth can cause bleeding within the scalp tissues and lead to a hematoma.
Dempsey, Kingsland & Osteen has decades of experience investigating the causes of subgaleal hematoma in newborns. Speak with our firm to see if you can receive compensation for your child’s injury.
Common Subgaleal Hematoma Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of subgaleal hematoma is crucial for early detection and prompt medical intervention. Speak with a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Swelling. A hematoma often leads to swelling on the newborn’s head, particularly on one side or at the back. The swelling may appear rapidly or gradually increase in size over time.
- Bumps and lumps. You may feel a soft bulge or mass on the baby’s scalp, indicating the presence of accumulated blood beneath the skin.
- Changes in skin color. Subgaleal hematoma can sometimes change the baby’s appearance, causing pale or bluish skin in the affected area.
- Jaundice. You may notice yellowish discoloration of the baby’s skin and eyes, sometimes due to the breakdown of red blood cells from the bleeding.
- Irritability or fussiness. Newborns with subgaleal hematoma may exhibit signs of discomfort, irritability, or fussiness.
- Signs of anemia. Severe subgaleal hematoma can lead to low red blood cell count, as lethargy, weakness, poor feeding, or paleness.
It’s important to note that not all newborns with subgaleal hematoma will exhibit all of these symptoms. Pay close attention and speak with a doctor if you notice any changes in your baby’s appearance, behavior, or overall well-being.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
During childbirth, you place a tremendous amount of trust in your doctor and healthcare team. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of both you and your newborn. However, not all healthcare professionals give you the attention you deserve.
If medical staff are responsible for your child’s injuries, you may have a medical malpractice claim. This occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care, harming the patient.
Who Is Liable for a Subgaleal Hematoma?
Under Missouri medical malpractice law, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to hold the at-fault party accountable for harming your child. Possible liable parties can include:
- Doctors,
- Nurses,
- Specialists,
- Hospitals, and
- Medical device manufacturers.
It’s important to understand that this is not an exhaustive list, and the specific facts of your case will determine who may be liable. Dempsey, Kingsland & Osteen can help you investigate the cause of your child’s injury and choose the appropriate course of action.
Compensation You Can Recover
Managing the difficulties that come with subgaleal hematoma in newborns can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. While no amount of money can undo the harm, seeking compensation can help ease the burden and ensure your child has the resources they need to heal.
Below are some potential types of compensation you can recover:
- Medical bills. You can seek payment for subgaleal hematoma treatment, including hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, and any necessary therapies. This can cover both past and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages. Caring for a sick child can sometimes lead to missed work or reduced hours. Compensation can help offset lost income during this challenging time.
- Pain and suffering. Your child may experience pain and discomfort from the injury. While this can’t be quantified with a dollar amount, compensation can acknowledge this suffering.
- Emotional distress. As parents, witnessing your child’s injury and the emotional toll it takes can be devastating. Compensation can recognize the impact this has on your mental well-being.
- Punitive damages. You can request punitive damages in cases of willful or malicious misconduct by healthcare providers. These damages are meant to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and deter future misconduct.
The specific amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your child’s injury, the associated medical expenses, and the long-term prognosis. Speak with an attorney from our firm to understand the full range of your potential compensation.
Speak with a Birth Injury Lawyer
We understand this is a difficult time for your family, but you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The attorneys at Dempsey, Kingsland & Osteen have over 100 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of children who have suffered birth injuries. We have a proven track record of securing millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, ensuring their children have the resources they need for a brighter future.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case with a compassionate and experienced lawyer.
The legal team at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen works to ensure that the injured are fully compensated for their lasting injuries from medical malpractice or other negligence. We push for comprehensive damages that anticipate the long-term needs of our clients, rather than taking a quick settlement out of convenience.
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