Many children are born with some degree of jaundice, a yellowing of the skin that indicates a high amount of bilirubin (pigment found in red blood cells) in the blood. Failure to treat jaundice properly can result in serious health problems such as brain damage. If your child suffered from jaundice at birth and treatment was delayed, you may be able to collect compensation for negligent medical care.
Causes of Jaundice
Infants often become jaundiced after a hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) or hemorrhage (brain bleeding) occurs during the birthing process. Jaundice may also indicate the presence of a serious disease, a viral infection in the mother, and/or an underdeveloped liver. As these causes worsen, an excess of bilirubin floods a child’s system and taxes the liver.
In addition to a yellowing of the skin and eyes, babies with jaundice may exhibit lethargy, uncontrollable crying, fever, and other signs of distress. To help decrease the high bilirubin levels, a doctor may use phototherapy or, in extreme cases, a blood transfusion.
Building a Jaundice Injury Case
If your attorney believes you have the right elements for filing a medical negligence claim, the attorney should move forward with urgency to hold the responsible parties accountable for their mistakes.
To learn more about newborn jaundice and your legal rights, please contact the Goldwater Law Firm, PC today.
