A recent birth injury lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court of the District of Puerto Rico against hospital staff at a local hospital in San Juan. A nurse had noted that the baby showed a yellowish appearance. Despite this, no bilirubin tests were administered and the baby was discharged when further care was required.
Several days after the discharge, the child was hospitalized with severe hyperbilirubinemia. This clear case of negligence has also caused brain damage and intestinal infection in the baby. The plaintiffs are filing their medical malpractice lawsuit for $12 million in damages.
What Causes Hyperbilirubinemia?
Hyperbilirubinemia results from an above average level of bilirubin in the blood stream. Bilirubin is a highly neurotoxic substance. Hyperbilirubinemia is not always harmful; however, when it is, it can be devastating. The following conditions could result if bilirubin levels are not controlled in time:
- Jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin, is actually common in newborns. Since that is the case, doctors may ignore signs of deeper problems.
- Seizures
- Kernicterus, which can result in mild to severe brain damage.
- Cerebral palsy, which can also range in severity. However, even mild cases will require regular lifelong medical attention, which can be expensive.
- Hearing loss
Doctors have a few techniques to prevent lasting damage from harming a newborn, such as fiber optic blankets, phototherapy and transfusions that can help if a problem with the bilirubin levels is found early. If the condition is not diagnosed early, then you may have a case for medical malpractice.
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Farrell & Patel – Birth Injury Lawyers
Source: http://www.webmd.com/children/tc/jaundice-in-newborns-hyperbilirubinemia-topic-overview
