Albuquerque Caput Succedaneum Lawyer

Trusted Advocacy for Families Facing Birth Injuries

The birth of your child should be one of the happiest moments of your life. Unfortunately, medical mistakes during labor or delivery can turn that joy into fear and uncertainty. One birth injury that affects many newborns is caput succedaneum, a condition involving swelling of the scalp often caused by prolonged labor or improper use of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors.

At James Wood Law, we understand how devastating it is to learn that your baby may have suffered unnecessarily due to medical negligence. Our Albuquerque caput succedaneum attorneys are committed to holding negligent providers accountable and fighting for the compensation your family deserves.

Contact James Wood Law at (888) 579-3866 for a free, confidential case review. We will listen, evaluate your options, and aggressively pursue justice if medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury.

What Is Caput Succedaneum?

Caput succedaneum is a type of swelling on a newborn’s scalp that results from pressure during delivery. The swelling can cause visible puffiness, bruising, or an oddly shaped head. While some cases heal within days, others may lead to complications like jaundice, which—if left untreated—can progress to severe medical conditions such as kernicterus, brain damage, or hearing loss.

Because infants are so vulnerable, doctors and nurses must exercise caution during labor and delivery. When they fail to meet the accepted standard of care, their negligence can cause lasting harm.

Causes of Caput Succedaneum

Several medical errors or risk factors may contribute to caput succedaneum, including:

• Prolonged or difficult labor that places excessive pressure on the baby’s head.
• Improper use of delivery instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
• Premature rupture of membranes (water breaking too early), leaving the baby’s head unprotected for an extended time.
• Failure to order a timely C-section when complications make vaginal delivery unsafe.

When providers fail to act appropriately in these situations, families may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Symptoms and Complications

Signs that a newborn may have caput succedaneum include:

• Swelling or bulging of the scalp
• Bruising or discoloration around the scalp or face
• An unusually shaped or elongated head
• Tenderness or discomfort when the baby is handled

Although caput succedaneum often resolves without intervention, the bruising can break down into bilirubin, leading to jaundice. Severe jaundice, if untreated, can cause:

• Hearing loss
• Brain damage
• Intellectual disabilities
• Cerebral palsy

For this reason, careful monitoring and prompt medical care are critical.

Who May Be Liable?

Determining liability in a caput succedaneum case can be complex. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• Obstetricians who failed to act on warning signs or used improper techniques.
• Nurses or midwives who did not recognize distress during labor.
• Hospitals that failed to enforce proper safety protocols.

Our legal team investigates thoroughly, consulting medical experts to identify where negligence occurred and who should be held accountable.

Compensation for Birth Injury Claims

Families affected by caput succedaneum caused by negligence may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future care, including treatment for jaundice or related complications).
• Pain and suffering for the child and emotional distress for the parents.
• Future care needs, including developmental therapies if long-term complications arise.
• Loss of quality of life if the child experiences permanent injuries.

At James Wood Law, we fight to ensure that compensation reflects both the immediate and long-term impact of your child’s injury.

Why Choose James Wood Law?

Choosing the right attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Families throughout New Mexico trust James Wood Law because:

• Proven Results: We have recovered record-setting verdicts and settlements in complex injury and malpractice cases.
• Focused Representation: Our practice is dedicated to medical malpractice and birth injury claims, giving us in-depth knowledge of these cases.
• Client-Centered Approach: We treat every family with compassion and respect, keeping you informed and supported at every step.
• Local Insight: Based in Albuquerque, we understand the local courts, juries, and medical community that may affect your case.

Our Legal Process

When you choose James Wood Law, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free Consultation – We listen to your story and review the details of your child’s injury.
2. Thorough Investigation – Our team gathers medical records, consults with experts, and identifies liable parties.
3. Tailored Strategy – We build a strong case designed to pursue maximum compensation.
4. Aggressive Advocacy – Whether in negotiations or at trial, we fight relentlessly for justice.
5. Ongoing Support – We provide updates and guidance so you never feel left in the dark.

Contact an Albuquerque Caput Succedaneum Lawyer Today

No family should suffer because of preventable medical mistakes during childbirth. If your baby developed caput succedaneum due to negligence, you may be entitled to justice and compensation.

At James Wood Law, we have the resources, experience, and compassion to guide you through this difficult time. Let us fight for your child’s future and hold negligent providers accountable.

Call us today at (888) 579-3866 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.