New York Leptomeningeal Cyst

Leptomeningeal cyst is a rare birth injury that is the result of a skull fracture that occurs during the delivery process. As a result of a linear skull fracture, a growth can develop called a leptomeningeal cyst. Without proper treatment, a leptomeningeal cyst can lead to the baby’s brain being deprived of oxygen. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die, ultimately leading to significant medical problems for the child. If your child is facing the challenges of a birth injury caused by an undiagnosed or improperly treated leptomeningeal cyst, immediately contact an experienced New York leptomeningeal cyst lawyer as your child may be entitled to a compensation based on his or her medical expenses and other losses suffered.

The skull of a baby is extremely fragile and easily fractured. During delivery, the doctor must take great care in order to avoid a skull fracture. Babies who are at higher risk for skull fractures during labor and delivery are also at a higher risk for developing leptomeningeal cysts. Risk factors for skull fractures during labor and delivery include:

• Large baby. Babies who weigh 9 pounds or more are difficult to delivery vaginally as they are prone to getting stuck in the birth canal. This increased the likelihood of damage to the head.
• Preterm baby: Babies delivered before 37 weeks are considered preterm. Because are more likely to suffer a skull fracture during the deliver process because they are small and underdeveloped.
• Abnormal presentation. Babies who during labor present in a position other than headfirst, such as breech presentation, are more difficult to safely deliver.
• Delivery tools. The improper use of forceps or vacuum extractor can lead to damage to the baby’skull.
• Prolonged labor. Prolonged labor puts the baby at risk for injury to the head, as the doctor is more likely to forcefully pull on the baby head, and is more likely to use delivery instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractor.
• Cephalopelvic disproportion. Inadequate pelvic shape and size for a vaginal delivery make a vaginal delivery difficult, increasing the likelihood of injuries to the baby’s skull and increasing the risk for leptomeningeal cyst.

When complications develop during childbirth, it is up to the obstetrician and other medical staff involved to make appropriate decisions in order to minimize the risk of injury to the baby and mother. This means that the doctor must take into consideration the challenge of a large baby, prolonged labor, the size and shape of the mother’s pelvis, the baby’s presentations, and any other factors that present themselves. As a New York leptomeningeal cyst attorney will explain, failure to do so may not only negligent, but may also lead to head trauma and the formation of leptomeningeal cyst.

As a leptomeningeal cyst attorney in New York will explain, a medical malpractice claim based on leptomeningeal cysts may be based on a doctor’s negligent care during childbirth, resulting in a skull fracture. A claim may also be based on the doctor’s failing to diagnose leptomeningeal cysts. Leptomeningeal cysts are identifiable by x-ray and can be fully treated with surgery. However, if the doctor fails to diagnose and treat the condition, the baby may develop seizures, developmental problems, intellectual disabilities, and hydrocephalus.

If negligence on the part of your doctor or another medical professional charged with your care led to your baby suffering a serious injury, you may be entitled to compensation for lifelong care of your child, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The birth of your baby should be a time of joy. However, if your child suffered a serious birth injury leaving him or her with permanent injuries, it can be a time of filled with stress and concern, as you struggle to figure out what went wrong and how you are going to face the financial burden of your child’s medical expenses. If your baby was injured due to your doctor's failure to appropriately manage a leptomeningeal cyst, the experienced leptomeningeal cyst attorneys serving New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates may be able to help you recover damages from the negligent doctor, hospital, and other medical staff involved. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.