New York Cephalohematoma Lawyers

What Is Cephalohematoma?

A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between a newborn’s skull and the thin membrane covering it (periosteum), caused by ruptured blood vessels during delivery. It often appears as a soft, raised bump on the baby’s head hours or even days after birth and can take weeks or months to heal.

While some cases are mild, others are associated with serious risk factors, including:

• Prolonged or difficult labor
• Improper use of delivery instruments
• Failure to perform a timely C-section
• Mismanagement of fetal size or positioning
• Large infant size (macrosomia) or abnormal fetal positioning
• Multiple births (twins, triplets) increasing the delivery complexity
• Maternal pelvic abnormalities that make passage difficult
• Accidental trauma during birth or shortly after delivery

According to studies, cephalohematoma occurs in about 1–2% of all live births, but negligent medical practices can significantly increase this risk.

When Cephalohematoma Is Medical Malpractice

Not all cephalohematomas are caused by medical negligence. However, malpractice may be involved if:

• Excessive force was used during assisted delivery
• The medical team failed to monitor fetal distress and act promptly
• An indicated C-section was delayed or not performed
• Postnatal complications (such as jaundice or anemia) were ignored
• The baby’s size, position, or delivery risks were improperly assessed

Our New York cephalohematoma lawyers work with medical experts, including neonatologists, pediatric neurologists, and labor and delivery specialists, to determine whether your child’s injury was preventable.

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Cephalohematoma May Signal More Than a Bump on the Head! Get Answers.

While some cases heal on their own, others can cause serious complications, especially if linked to medical negligence. Our New York cephalohematoma lawyers can investigate your child’s injury and fight for the compensation your family needs.

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Possible Complications from Cephalohematoma

While cephalohematomas themselves are often not life-threatening, complications can be severe if not promptly diagnosed and managed:

• Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia): High bilirubin levels from blood breakdown can cause kernicterus and permanent brain damage.
• Anemia: Significant blood pooling can lower red blood cell counts, affecting oxygen delivery.
• Infection: Particularly if improper medical techniques lead to contamination.
• Skull fractures: Often missed without proper imaging, increasing developmental risks.
• Neurological injuries: Severe cases may result in seizures, cerebral palsy, or developmental delays.
• Calcification or deformity: Untreated cephalohematomas can harden over time, causing skull shape changes.

Early detection and proper treatment are critical. When medical providers fail to act, the consequences can last a lifetime.

Compensation Available in a Cephalohematoma Lawsuit

If professional malpractice caused your child’s cephalohematoma or related complications, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Specialized therapies and rehabilitation
• Lost income due to caregiving needs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for New York families facing birth injuries, ensuring both immediate needs and long-term care are covered.

Statute of Limitations for Cephalohematoma Cases in New York

In New York, most medical malpractice claims must be filed within 2 years and 6 months from the date of negligence. However, for medical errors made during the birthing process that caused an injury or condition, the statute is extended until the child’s 10th birthday.

Because filing deadlines can vary depending on the details, we strongly recommend contacting our team as soon as you suspect malpractice to protect your rights.

How We Can Help — and What You Should Do Next

At the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm, we understand the urgency and complexity of birth injury cases. When you hire our team, we will:

• Investigate your case thoroughly by reviewing labor and delivery records, prenatal and postnatal care notes, and any witness accounts.
• Consult medical professionals to confirm negligence, explain how the injury occurred, and connect it to your child’s current and future needs.
• Assess the full scope of damages including projected medical costs, therapy, and long-term care, with input from lifecare planners and economists.
• Negotiate relentlessly with hospitals, physicians, and insurers to seek the maximum possible settlement.
• Pursue litigation when necessary, taking your case to court to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

What You Should Do Now

1. Document everything. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and written communication from doctors or hospitals.
2. Write down your observations. Note when you first saw symptoms, what you were told, and how your child’s condition has changed.
3. Avoid speaking with the hospital or insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
4. Contact our office immediately. Early legal involvement can preserve evidence and strengthen your case.

Why Families Trust Their Cases to Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm

• Trusted birth injury advocates for over 40 years: For decades, our firm has been a leader in New York birth injury law, fighting for families affected by preventable medical mistakes during labor and delivery.
• Millions recovered for injured newborns: We have won multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements that provide children with the medical care, therapy, and financial security they need for life.
• Compassionate, family-first representation: We listen, guide, and keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring your voice is heard in every decision about your case.
• Legal support in multiple languages: We serve families across New York’s diverse communities, offering assistance in English, Spanish, and other languages to make legal help accessible to all.
• No legal fees unless we win for you: We handle cases on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing in attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for your child’s injuries.