(845) 802-0047Jaundice occurs when bilirubin levels become elevated, leading to a yellowing of the skin. Although this condition is common in newborns, it must be treated promptly to avoid the risk of adverse complications for the child. If you believe your child’s newborn jaundice led to preventable injuries because of negligence from your medical team, you should speak with an attorney who could evaluate the full scope of your legal options.
A Troy newborn jaundice lawyer could investigate the situation to determine whether the medical provider’s actions fell below the acceptable standard of care. A seasoned birth injury attorney has the experience and resources to help you get answers about your child’s medical challenges while fighting for justice and fair compensation for your family.
Signs, Symptoms, and Potential Complications of Newborn Jaundice
Because jaundice is so common in newborns, doctors and other medical providers should recognize the risks and identify when a baby is jaundiced so the appropriate treatment regimen can be followed. While any infant can develop jaundice, some infants are more at risk, particularly those who were born prematurely.
Children born with certain immune disorders, inherited disorders, or a blood type that does not match their mother’s are at elevated risk for developing jaundice. An infant who has been diagnosed with a disease impacting the liver or gallbladder may also be very likely to suffer from jaundice. Trauma during birth, such as the use of excessive forceps as well as improper use of Pitoci, can also be a risk factor for infant jaundice.
Signs of jaundice can be present in various forms, including yellowed skin, poor feeding, elevated bilirubin levels, and extreme fatigue. If bilirubin is allowed to continue building up in the bloodstream because the jaundice is not treated, this can begin to affect the brain tissue and lead to serious harm.
Some children who suffer from severe untreated jaundice may develop a secondary complication and form of brain damage known as kernicterus. Babies with kernicterus can suffer injuries like hearing loss, vision issues, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy.
A Troy attorney could review what occurred to cause your child’s injuries if they developed complications related to untreated or misdiagnosed jaundice. Depending on the facts of the case, you may be eligible to pursue compensation to hold the doctor accountable for a wide range of monetary losses associated with your child’s injury.
The Link between Medical Malpractice and Newborn Jaundice
If your child sustained kernicterus or other injuries related to newborn jaundice, a lawyer in Troy could probe the situation further to determine whether the physician was negligent. Potential examples of medical negligence in newborn jaundice cases can include:
- Hospital failures in communication
- Failure to properly diagnose jaundice
- Failure to recognize signs of jaundice
- Failing to address risk factors for jaundice
- Failure to order proper tests or adequately monitor the child
- Failure to provide timely treatment once jaundice is diagnosed
- Negligent use of forceps, vacuum extractors, or other tools that caused unnecessary trauma during birth
If you believe your child’s newborn jaundice and related injuries were caused by medical negligence, an attorney could help you understand your legal rights. You may be entitled to claim compensation on your child’s behalf for past and future medical bills, pain, suffering, and other losses.
Get Help from a Troy Newborn Jaundice Attorney Today
If your baby had jaundice that was not treated or was treated incorrectly, you may have a valid claim for compensation related to their subsequent injuries. A physician’s failure to diagnose or treat newborn jaundice can lead to physical issues that haunt the infant as they grow up and well into adulthood.
If your family is owed compensation, a Troy newborn jaundice lawyer could leave no stone unturned to recover maximum damages for the economic and non-economic losses involved. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys can protect your rights and work tirelessly to hold the liable parties legally accountable. Contact us today for more information about starting a personal injury claim.