Cerebral Palsy Injuries Caused by Negligent Handling of Neonatal Jaundice in Illinois
The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, but when medical professionals fail to address conditions like neonatal jaundice appropriately, it can lead to devastating consequences. Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that, if left untreated or mismanaged, can escalate into serious complications, including kernicterus—a type of brain damage that may result in cerebral palsy. Families in Illinois affected by negligent handling of neonatal jaundice may have the right to seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
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What Is Neonatal Jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in a newborn’s blood, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes. While mild jaundice is common and often resolves on its own, severe or untreated jaundice can cause bilirubin to accumulate in the baby’s brain, resulting in a condition known as kernicterus. Kernicterus can lead to permanent brain damage and is a leading cause of athetoid cerebral palsy, a form of cerebral palsy affecting muscle tone and movement.
Signs of Neonatal Jaundice
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, starting from the face and spreading downward.
- Poor feeding or lethargy.
- High-pitched crying.
- Arching of the back or neck.
- Seizures in severe cases.
- When medical professionals fail to recognize or treat these signs promptly, the baby’s risk of brain damage increases.
How Does Negligent Handling of Jaundice Cause Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy caused by neonatal jaundice is preventable with proper monitoring and timely intervention. Medical professionals are trained to identify jaundice, monitor bilirubin levels, and administer treatments such as phototherapy or, in severe cases, an exchange transfusion.
Examples of Negligence
- Failure to Diagnose: Missing signs of jaundice during routine newborn examinations.
- Inadequate Monitoring: Failing to measure bilirubin levels in newborns with visible jaundice.
- Delayed Treatment: Not administering phototherapy or other interventions when bilirubin levels become dangerously high.
- Failure to Educate Parents: Not informing parents about the signs of worsening jaundice or the need for follow-up care.
- Improper Discharge: Releasing a newborn too early without adequate screening for jaundice.
- When these lapses occur, they can result in the progression of jaundice to kernicterus, causing permanent brain damage and increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
Illinois Laws on Medical Malpractice for Neonatal Jaundice
In Illinois, medical professionals are held to high standards of care. When a healthcare provider’s negligence in diagnosing or managing neonatal jaundice leads to cerebral palsy or other injuries, they may be held accountable for medical malpractice.
Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Cases in Illinois
In Illinois, the law limits the amount of time families have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Generally, claims must be filed within:
- Two years from when the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered).
- Eight years from the date of the injury.
Because cerebral palsy may not be diagnosed immediately, these deadlines can vary. Consulting a qualified attorney as soon as possible ensures your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Compensation for Families Affected by Medical Negligence
Raising a child with cerebral palsy can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. Illinois law allows families to seek compensation for damages, including:
- Medical Costs: Expenses for surgeries, therapies, medications, and hospital stays.
- Rehabilitation Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
- Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, communication devices, and other specialized equipment.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional toll on the family.
- Lost Wages: Income lost by parents who must leave work to care for their child.
- Future Costs: Long-term care expenses and special education needs.
Compensation provides critical resources for the child’s well-being and development.
How Can a Cerebral Palsy Injury Attorney Can Help
Handling a birth injury case can be complex, especially when you’re focused on caring for your child. A skilled Illinois birth injury attorney can:
- Investigate medical records and pregnancy management practices.
- Consult with medical experts to determine whether the standard of care was breached.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Represent your family in court if necessary.
Contact Cerebral Palsy Injury Lawyers For Help
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to negligent handling of neonatal jaundice, your family deserves answers and support. Contact the Cerebral Palsy Injury Attorneys at (866) 251-0808.
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