Neonatal Subgaleal Hemorrhage

Was Your Child Seriously Injured?

Neonatal subgaleal hemorrhages are a type of birth injury that, if not treated properly, can seriously threaten the life of a newborn infant. This type of hemorrhage occurs when the veins that connect the extracranial and intracranial venous systems burst, causing blood to quickly fill up the space between the scalp and skull. This area, also known as the subgaleal space, is large enough to contain approximately half of a newborn’s blood. If this issue isn’t identified and treated quickly, it will likely lead to permanent brain damage or even death.

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If your doctor’s actions caused your child to suffer a serious birth injury, you deserve the chance to take them to court and fight for the legal outcome you deserve. Our Phoenix birth injury lawyers at MayesTelles PLLC are committed to providing passionate and knowledgeable legal representation to injured victims in order to help them fight for the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

What Can Cause A Neonatal Subgaleal Hemorrhage?

Improper use of vacuum extractors are connected to an estimated 90 percent of all cases of neonatal subgaleal hemorrhages. These devices can cause these injures when:

• The device’s suction cup is not properly attached to the child’s head.
• The doctor using the device applies too much force.
• The doctor applies too much force when attaching the device to the child’s head.
• Using the device for an excessively long time.
• Leaving the device applied for an excessively long time.

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) estimates that one in four children suffering from this birth injury die because of it. Nearly 20 years ago, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a public health advisory stating that:

“While no instrumented delivery is risk free, we are concerned that some health care professionals who use vacuum assisted delivery devices, or those who care for these infants following delivery, may not be aware that the device may produce life-threatening complications.”

If the bleeding is allowed to continue, the child’s heart rate will drop, develop pale skin, become more lethargic, have issues breathing and feeding, begin to seize, or even go into shock. Even if the child’s life is saved through treatment, they could still suffer from any number of developmental disorders, including:

• Intellectual disabilities
• Hydrocephalus
• Developmental delays
• Seizure disorders
• Dangerously high bilirubin levels
• Brain damage
• Cerebral palsy

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Our Attorneys Are Ready To Help

At MayesTelles PLLC, our Phoenix birth injury attorneys are ready to provide you with the experienced and dedicated legal representation you need. If your child suffered a serious birth injury, give our firm a call at (602) 428-7104 to discuss your situation with a member of our firm over the phone, or fill out our online form to let us know about the details of your case and get started with a free case evaluation.