Fulton County Jaundice Lawyer
Jaundice is a common condition present in newborn infants. If properly monitored and treated by the child’s doctor, jaundice typically resolves in a matter of a few weeks. However, complications can sometimes arise with jaundice, and if a physician does not respond with the appropriate measures, the child could be left facing long-term physical damage.
If your child suffered complications from jaundice after birth, it might be wise to speak with a Fulton County jaundice lawyer about pursuing compensatory damages. A client-centered medical malpractice attorney could rely on the experience of an in-house doctor and evaluate your legal options. Pending a valid claim, an attorney could then collect evidence and present findings of malpractice in court or settlement negotiations with state-of-the-art presentation technology.
Causes and Risk Factors for Infant Jaundice
Jaundice can arise from a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, low red blood cell count, and children who have different blood types than their mother. Children who are born early typically have a higher risk of developing jaundice. If a child sustains injuries during the labor and delivery process, such as bleeding or contusions beneath the skull, this could also make an infant susceptible to jaundice. Maternal diabetes and insufficient intake of breast milk are other common factors that can lead to infant jaundice.
What are the Common Signs of Jaundice?
Several common signs can indicate a newborn has jaundice. An infant who exhibits symptoms of excessive fatigue, has trouble nursing, and is not putting on healthy weight may be suffering from jaundice. One of the most apparent signs of jaundice is when an infant’s complexion takes on a yellowish hue. Very light-colored stools and colored urine can also indicate the presence of jaundice. If parents notice their newborn exhibiting these symptoms, they should speak with the child’s doctor right away to determine if jaundice or another condition is the underlying issue.
When Does Medical Negligence Lead to Jaundice Injuries?
While jaundice itself may not constitute medical negligence, a doctor’s failure to respond in time to jaundice or treat it appropriately can be the basis for a valid case. Doctors owe a duty to patients to apply the standard of care accepted within their field. If a doctor fails to use the medical standard of care and a patient is injured as a result, the doctor can be held liable for damages.
In the context of a jaundice birth injury, examples of actions that may constitute medical negligence include failing to recognize risk factors for jaundice complications, failing to monitor an infant’s bilirubin levels properly, failing to promptly treat jaundice, or failing to detect that jaundice is even present.
Consequences of Delayed Treatment
If jaundice is not identified or treated in time, the consequences for the child can be catastrophic. A common injury associated with mismanaged jaundice is called kernicterus. Kernicterus can occur when a child’s bilirubin levels spike to the point that they cause brain damage. The condition is characterized by hearing and vision problems, developmental delays, muscle impairment, poor muscle tone, and muscle spasms, among other symptoms. If parents believe that their child’s jaundice was caused or worsened by a doctor’s improper care, they should reach out to a Fulton County attorney to discuss what recourse may be available to them.
Can Someone Pursue Financial Compensation for Expenses Related to Jaundice?
There are a few different types of damages that a lawyer could help a child recover in a Fulton County jaundice injury lawsuit. These can include economic losses, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic losses refer to real costs such as medical bills, modifications to the family home to accommodate the child’s injury, physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses, and future wage loss. Non-economic damages are costs without an exact dollar value, like mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, pain, and suffering. While harder to quantify, they could still be recoverable through a strong civil suit.
Speak with a Fulton County Jaundice Attorney as Soon as Possible
A Fulton County jaundice lawyer could help you better understand your legal rights and the laws surrounding your potential birth injury claim. If a doctor’s negligence was the cause of your child’s jaundice complications, you might be owed money damages. For more information about starting a medical malpractice claim, connect with an attorney directly who takes calls after hours and who offers a free case review.
