New Jersey Craniosynostosis Attorneys
Advocating for Craniosynostosis Victims and their Families across the United States
The brain is a fascinating organ, with development that begins in the wound and continues well into adulthood. One of the critical periods of brain development occurs just after a baby is delivered until the age of two. In fact, the size of a child’s brain and skull will increase significantly just after birth. In order for a baby’s brain to grow, his or her skull must also expand. The skull is structured in a such a way to allow for this expansion, comprised of multiple bones which are held together by hinge-like structures called sutures. Think of the bones of the brain as bony plates, similar to the tectonic plates that cover the earth’s surface. The sutures of the brain are similar to the fault lines where these tectonic plates touch or separate. During typical child development, the sutures between the bony plates of the skull will close between the ages of 2 and 3. When the sutures close prematurely, the child’s brain development can be compromised or the skull can form in a distorted way to accommodate brain expansion. This condition, known as craniosynostosis, can result in serious and often life-long problems with vision, hearing, chronic pain, and developmental delays.
Medical research has discovered a link between craniosynostosis in children and the use of anti-depressant medications by mothers during pregnancy. At times, negligence of the physician can contribute to the development of this condition. In other circumstances, a pediatrician’s failure to diagnose or treat craniosynostosis can result in significant harm to the child. At Fronzuto Law Group, our highly experienced medical malpractice lawyers have achieved significant successes representing families whose children have been harmed by the negligence of medical professionals. In fact, our firm’s founder, Ernest P. Fronzuto, is a respected legal authority on craniosynostosis who consults on these cases on a national scale. Our successful track record includes multiple seven figure verdicts on behalf of children who have suffered from craniosynostosis, plagiocephaly, and other cranial deformaties. By limiting the number of cases that we take on, we are able to provide unparalleled attention, support, and guidance to our clients and their families as we work tirelessly to achieve the most favorable outcomes. To discuss your child’s case with a member of our knowledgeable legal team, please schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 973-435-4551 or toll free at 888-409-0816. You may also contact our law firm online.
What Is Craniosynostosis?
As mentioned above, craniosynostosis is a rare condition that causes one or more of the bones in an infant’s skull to fuse together prematurely, which prevents the baby’s brain from growing and expanding as it should.
Craniosynostosis can result in a variety of serious consequences, including:
- An irregularly shaped head
- Extreme pain from the internal pressure
- Vision problems
- Hearing problems
- Seizures
- Developmental disabilities
- Infant death
What Causes Craniosynostosis?
The medical community has not reached a complete consensus with regard to what causes craniosynostosis. However, studies conducted by the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, the New England Journal of Medicine and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all suggest a link between craniosynostosis and the use of antidepressant drugs during pregnancy. The following antidepressants, also known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been linked to the development of craniosynostosis:
- Zoloft
- Lexapro
- Prozac
- Paxil
- Celexa
- Wellbutrin
- Effexor
When a child suffers from craniosynostosis, it is critical for the child’s doctor to diagnose and treat the condition, or to refer the child to a specialist for immediate treatment. Failure to do so can result in devastating consequences, and in the most tragic cases, death.
Contact our New York Craniosynostosis Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation
If your child suffers from craniosynostosis, plagiocephaly, or another cranial deformity, contact Fronzuto Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation about your potential claim: 973-435-4551 (toll free at 888-409-0816). We review cases across the United States.
Craniosynostosis Resources
- A Guide to Understanding Craniosynostosis, from the Children’s Craniofacial Association
- Mayo Clinic: Craniosynostosis
- U.S National Library of Medicine:Â Craniosynostosis
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