Minnesota Cranial Compression Injuries Lawyer
Newborn babies can suffer from a variety of birth injuries, but those that affect the brain are some of the worst. Brain injuries in newborn babies occur in many different ways, and cranial compression is just one of these. Cranial compression injuries are often the result of improper care provided by a doctor or other medical personnel. If your child has suffered an injury, it is important to know that you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim for financial compensation for your losses. A Minnesota cranial compression injuries lawyer can help file your claim so you recover the full settlement you deserve.
What is a Cranial Compression Injury?
The term ‘cranial compression injuries’ does not only refer to one injury, but rather a number of different injuries that can result in brain damage. Also referred to as cranial compression ischemic encephalopathy (CCIE), these injuries are caused when external pressure is placed on the baby’s head during labor and delivery. Any birthing process that does not rely solely on a C-section will cause the infant’s head to sustain some degree of pressure as it moves through the birth canal. However, when the pressure is considered excessive, the consequences are grave for the child, and the entire family.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals are expected to know how to reduce the pressure that is placed on a baby’s head during the birthing process. When they do not and the infant suffers an injury as a result, it may be a case of medical malpractice and medical personnel can be held liable.
Symptoms of a Cranial Compression Injury
It is not always easy to determine when a newborn suffered a cranial compression injury. Some of the most common signs are as follows:
- Caput succedaneum: Caput succedaneum occurs when a baby’s skull swells during a difficult or prolonged delivery. Although any difficulty or complication can result in this condition, it is typically more commonly seen after forceps or vacuum extractors are used improperly.
- Cephalohematoma: The area between the membrane that covers the skull and the skull is known as the periosteum. During birth, blood vessels can break in this area and blood can accumulate in the periosteum. Again, this injury is more common when forceps or a vacuum extractor is not used properly.
- Head molding: The term ‘head molding’ refers to a head that is abnormally shaped after the birthing process and it is caused by excessive pressure. Head molding does not always indicate that brain damage has occurred, as it is very common after many different types of births. Still, when head molding places more pressure inside the skull, an infant’s brain can become damaged.
Even when these signs of cranial compression injuries are present, it does not necessarily indicate medical malpractice. A Minnesota birth injury lawyer can advise on whether your child suffered as a result of negligent medical personnel.
Our Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Minnesota Can Advise on Your Claim
If your child was born with a cranial compression injury, it is important to speak to a Minnesota medical malpractice lawyer. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our skilled attorney can determine if medical malpractice occurred and if so, hold the negligent care provider liable. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.
