New York Subdural Hematoma

During childbirth, the baby’s head travels through the birth canal, and is subject to pressure. In some cases the pressure causes only swelling and bruising of the scalp that heals quickly without treatment. In other cases pressure on the baby’s head during birth can lead to serious complications and injuries such as a subdural hematoma. A subdural hematoma is an accumulation of blood between the protective dura mater and the baby’s brain. The accumulation of blood raises intracranial pressure, which can compress the brain and lead to serious brain damage or death. Oftentimes subdural hematomas in newborns are caused by the use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery. If your baby suffered subdural hematoma at birth that left your baby with brain damage, the experienced New York subdural hematoma attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates are here to help. We have the knowledge, skill, and resources to investigate your case and protect your legal rights.

A subdural hematoma can produce signs and symptoms within minutes or weeks following birth. Vomiting is one of the signs of a subdural hematoma, along with:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Irritability
• Seizure
• Loss of consciousness
• Disorientation
• Altered respiratory pattern
• Amnesia

This birth injury can lead to seizures within a couple of days after delivery. Every infant suffering from a subdural hematoma requires supportive measures such as in intravenous fluids, to maintain body fluid levels. The findings of our New York subdural hematoma lawyer staff have revealed a severe subdural hematoma often requires surgical measures to alleviate the symptoms.

In many cases, the subdural hematoma is caused by a mistake made by an obstetrician, or other medical professional during labor and delivery. Under New York law, if a medical professional fails to deliver a proper level of care or improperly uses a medical device, that medical professional may be held accountable for medical malpractice. In order for there to be a cause of action for medical negligence, four elements present. First, there must be a duty owed to the patient. A duty is owed if there is a doctor-patient relationship between you and the person who committed the medical mistake. Such a relationship can involve a doctor, nurse, other healthcare professional, or event a hospital. Next, you must show that the defendant breached the duty of care, and as a result you or your baby suffered a serious birth injury. You must also show that as a result of the injury your suffered a loss. Damages available from a successful medical malpractice lawsuit include past and future medical expenses related to your child’s injury, lifetime rehabilitative care, your lost wages if you have to stay home to care for your child, your child’s loss of future earning potential, in-come care, special education fees, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If you feel you may have a medical malpractice case, it is important to speak with a subdural hematoma attorney in New York right away. There is a specific timeframe within which you must file a claim. If this deadline is missed, you will lose their right to sue for damages.

If your baby suffered a subdural hematoma during delivery that left your baby with serious injuries, and you believe that it was caused by medical negligence, you may have the right to receive compensation on behalf of your injured child. However, it is critical that you are represented by a skilled subdural hematoma attorney serving New York. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in successfully representing victims who have suffered injuries due to mistakes made by medical professionals. 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.