Many infants are born with jaundice, and most cases resolve on their own without medical treatment. However, when severe jaundice goes without the proper medical care, it can cause serious injuries, such as brain damage and related disabilities.
Medical malpractice lawsuits can arise when the healthcare provider fails to diagnose and treat the condition promptly the way another physician in a similar situation would. If your infant is injured from medical malpractice, working with our team of skilled birth injury attorneys can help you build a strong case and win the compensation you deserve. Speak to a diligent and seasoned Philadelphia jaundice lawyer at The Weitz Firm, LLC, for more information.
What Is Jaundice?
Jaundice causes babies to become irritable and develop a yellow hue in their skin and eyes. It occurs because of a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow substance produced during the body’s normal breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice is common in newborns because their livers are not fully developed and cannot effectively process this substance.
High levels of bilirubin can place the child at high risk of suffering from a condition called kernicterus, which can cause brain damage. While most cases of jaundice are mild and will resolve independently, some can be severe. In serious cases, the baby may require a treatment called phototherapy or a blood transfusion. Before filing a lawsuit in Philadelphia, it is important to speak to an attorney about the details of your case and how jaundice may have caused your infant’s injuries.
Causes of Jaundice Injury Lawsuits
Causes of medical malpractice lawsuits for jaundice injuries include the following:
- Failure to recognize the symptoms and risk factors for severe jaundice
- Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of jaundice
- Failure to monitor bilirubin levels properly
- Inadequate or improper condition treatment
- Failure to adequately inform the infant’s parents of the potential risks of severe jaundice and the symptoms and signs to watch for
- Discharging an infant with high bilirubin levels and failing to provide the proper follow-up treatment
- Failure to recognize signs of kernicterus and treat the condition promptly
- Misinterpretation of test results
Failure to diagnose and treat jaundice promptly as another physician would in a similar circumstance can lead to:
- Brain damage
- Cerebral palsy
- Intellectual disabilities
- Vision and hearing impairments
- Death
Our Philadelphia jaundice attorneys can answer specific questions about the regulations and recovery claims process during a free consultation.
Patient Safety Authority
MCARE also governs the Patient Safety Authority. This independent agency collects and analyzes medical error data, develops prevention strategies, and educates medical providers and the public about patient safety. A jaundice lawyer in Philadelphia can answer questions about the rules of the statutes and handle legal filings and other details to ensure compliance with the legislation.
Meet With a Seasoned Jaundice Attorney in Philadelphia To Learn More
If your baby suffered harm because of preventable errors, it is your right to pursue legal action and ensure accountability for the medical provider’s negligence. The medical malpractice claim process is challenging, and missing a vital step could decrease or eliminate your potential settlement altogether.
Contact a skilled Philadelphia jaundice lawyer for more information and assistance with building your case. Call now to schedule your free consultation.
