While jaundice in newborns is common and often harmless, it can become a life-altering condition quickly. Unfortunately, negligence can turn jaundice into a personal injury case. Untreated jaundice can have serious consequences, including brain damage and developmental delays. Many people are not aware that jaundice can become a serious issue until their child is facing these serious consequences.
A Miami jaundice injury lawyer could help if negligence has occurred in your child’s medical care. The complications of jaundice are not the parent’s fault, but making a case in court can still be complex. This is why it is so important to hire a birth injury attorney to handle these matters.
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes as a result of high levels of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is often indicative of liver or bile duct problems. Newborns, especially premature babies, are most commonly affected by these issues. Jaundice can lead to potential complications, including permanent brain damage, hearing loss, and cerebral palsy. With timely diagnosis and treatment, these outcomes are preventable.
Jaundice can become a personal injury case that requires legal action in some situations. For instance, the hospital may fail to monitor bilirubin levels or delay the accurate diagnosis. A newborn who did not receive adequate treatment, perhaps due to a lack of phototherapy or an exchange transfusion, may be owed compensation for this oversight. In many cases, a simple blood test could have prevented a lifetime of complications.
Determining that a child has a strong personal injury case can be complicated. Signs that negligence may have occurred in the hospital include:
For example, a parent may have noticed that their baby’s eyes were turning yellow. When they asked a nurse about it, they may have been told that the yellowing was normal. Days later, the baby may have been diagnosed with kernicterus due to untreated jaundice. An attorney in Miami could review the situation to determine whether a family has a malpractice claim related to jaundice.
A jaundice injury lawyer in Miami will provide practical and emotional support. Not only will an attorney investigate the timeline of care and decisions made by healthcare providers, but they will also work with medical experts to identify the proper standard of care. Based on violations, the lawyer will calculate damages for medical expenses (including those to be incurred in the future), pain and suffering, long-term care, lost income of parents, and more. Lawyers will also negotiate with insurance companies, pursue litigation, and offer compassionate support during an otherwise stressful time.
An attorney who understands birth injuries will provide guidance based on experience in pediatric malpractice cases. Our local attorneys will also provide insight into Miami hospitals and care providers.
A Miami jaundice injury lawyer can provide guidance on the next steps. The sooner you act, the sooner you can preserve evidence that could strengthen your case. Speak with a lawyer now to continue advocating for your child’s future.
Your child deserves to have representation, no matter the outcome of their case. Contact a professional for a free consultation.
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