Indianapolis Cephalohematoma Birth Injury Attorney

When a baby enters the world, parents expect joy and relief, not fear and confusion. However, birth injuries can turn what should be a celebratory moment into a time of distress and worry. One such injury is cephalohematoma, a condition where blood collects beneath a newborn’s scalp due to birth trauma.

While some cases resolve without lasting harm, others lead to serious complications that affect a child’s health and development. When medical errors contribute to this injury, families have the right to seek answers and hold responsible parties accountable. The Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson provides focused legal representation for families affected by cephalohematoma birth injury in Indianapolis. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Our Experienced Indianapolis Cephalohematoma Birth Injury Attorney Can Help You

At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, medical negligence cases receive careful attention. Kelley J. Johnson provides direct, personal representation in medical malpractice claims against healthcare providers, including cases presented before the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund. Each case is handled with preparation and detail, ensuring families feel supported throughout the legal process.

Working with medical expert witnesses across specialties allows thorough evaluation of each birth injury case, helping determine whether healthcare providers violated the required standard of care during labor and delivery. This approach strengthens cases for families seeking justice after preventable birth injuries.

One client shared that “Kelley, Janet, and the entire team were incredibly supportive, informative, and thorough throughout our case. They recognized us as individuals, guided us through every step, and consistently outperformed opposing counsel.”

Another noted, “I highly recommend Kelly and her entire team. Kelly is very professional and easy to work with. She will fight for her client’s best interest to win the case. Her medical knowledge is astounding. She goes above and beyond, looking at every detail, to do what is best for her clients. Kelly is, by far, the most competent and thorough medical malpractice attorney around.”

An Indianapolis cephalohematoma injury attorney can:

• Investigate the birth injury
• Review medical records
• Consult medical professionals
• Gather evidence
• Handle filings
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Represent families before the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund
• Pursue full compensation for medical costs, ongoing care, and emotional distress
• Provide guidance throughout the process

The Indiana Department of Health reports hundreds of babies suffer preventable birth injuries each year. Acting promptly preserves evidence and protects your family’s right to seek fair compensation.

What is a Cephalohematoma Birth Injury?

A cephalohematoma occurs when blood collects between a baby’s skull and the outer membrane covering the bone due to damaged blood vessels during delivery. It usually becomes visible within the first few days after birth as a soft, raised bump confined to a single area of the skull.

Prolonged labor, difficult deliveries using forceps or vacuum extractors, and pressure from the baby’s position in the birth canal can increase the risk of a baby suffering serious birth injuries. Babies of larger size or mothers with narrower pelvic structures are more susceptible.

While not all cephalohematomas result from medical negligence, many of these birth injury cases could be prevented with careful monitoring, timely intervention, and proper use of delivery instruments, protecting the baby from avoidable trauma.

How to Identify Cephalohematoma in a Child

The most common sign of cephalohematoma is a soft, raised area on the top or side of a newborn’s head. This bulge may not appear immediately after birth, but it often becomes more noticeable within several hours or days. The lump typically feels firm around the edges with a softer center.

Parents and caregivers should watch for these additional symptoms:

• Feeding difficulties or poor appetite
• Increased head circumference as the hematoma grows
• Tenderness or pain when the affected area is touched
• Seizures or unusual neurological symptoms
• Visible swelling that seems to expand
• Excessive tiredness or lethargy
• Vomiting or difficulty keeping food down
• Yellowish tint to the skin or eyes, indicating possible jaundice

Any of these signs warrants immediate medical attention. Early recognition allows doctors to monitor the condition and intervene in a timely manner if complications develop during the birth process.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects

Many cephalohematomas resolve naturally within weeks as the body reabsorbs the blood, but larger or poorly managed cases can cause serious complications. Jaundice is common as blood breakdown releases bilirubin, which can cause yellow skin and eyes.

Severe cases may lead to kernicterus, causing permanent developmental delays, hearing loss, or movement disorders. Anemia can develop when trapped blood reduces circulation, leaving the infant pale, fatigued, and feeding poorly.

Infection is a risk if bacteria enter the hematoma, potentially causing cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis. About 25% of cases involve skull fractures, usually linear and self-healing but requiring monitoring. Persistent hematomas may calcify, altering skull shape and sometimes requiring surgery. Even minor bumps require medical evaluation to prevent medical complications.

Newborn Cephalohematoma and Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing harm. During childbirth, doctors and nurses must monitor vital signs for both the mother and baby, respond to complications, and use medical instruments correctly.

Cephalohematoma can result from excessive force during delivery or improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, including incorrect placement or prolonged use of these devices. Failure to track fetal distress, delayed cesarean sections, and prolonged labor can also increase risk.

After a cephalohematoma birth injury develops, healthcare providers must monitor bilirubin levels, watch for signs of infection, and provide proper follow-up care. Determining whether negligent prenatal care was the cause of a baby’s injury requires reviewing medical records and protocols. An Indianapolis birth injury lawyer can examine the delivery, consult medical experts, and assess whether care fell below the accepted standard.

Your Rights If Your Child Suffered Cephalohematoma Due to Medical Negligence

If your child suffered a birth injury due to improper care from their medical providers, Indiana law allows families to seek justice and compensation. Parents can hold healthcare providers accountable for failing to meet professional standards of care.

Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit allows families to pursue damages for negligent care, with deadlines set by the statute of limitations, typically commencing when the injury occurred. Birth injury claims undergo a medical review by a panel of healthcare professionals to determine if the standard of care was met.

Successful medical malpractice cases may cover medical expenses, therapy, assistive devices, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related damages. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can evaluate the claim, negotiate settlements, and pursue fair compensation.

Contact an Indianapolis Cephalohematoma Birth Injury Attorney For Help

If your child suffered cephalohematoma due to birth injury, seeking legal advice early protects your rights and preserves vital evidence. Medical records and witness statements are key to building a strong case, so gathering them promptly is essential.

During a consultation, you can review the birth circumstances, any complications that arose, and the care provided afterward. Indiana’s time limits make early legal intervention essential. Contact the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson by submitting our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.