The last thing any parent expects is a birth injury, but unfortunately, it does happen. Hyperbilirubinemia, also known as jaundice or kernicterus, is one of the most common birth injuries. It is the result of excessive levels of bilirubin in the blood and if left untreated can lead to serious and permanent disabilities such as hearing loss and cerebral palsy; even death in rare cases.
It is crucial that parents understand the risks associated with hospital birth and the legal options that exist for victims of medical malpractice and negligence. Keep reading to learn more.
Overview of Hyperbilirubinemia
Hyperbilirubinemia is the medical term for too much bilirubin in the blood. High levels of bilirubin can often lead to jaundice, and in some cases, severe brain damage or even death. Hyperbilirubinemia can occur during birth due to a variety of reasons including Rh incompatibilities between mother and baby, prematurity, infection, or other medical issues. It is important to receive accurate diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.
Without the right knowledge and understanding, it may be difficult to determine how to protect your rights after any medical situation that results in lasting harm or death. As such, this blog serves as a valuable resource for those seeking help navigating the challenges associated with birth injuries.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperbilirubinemia
This type of birth injury can be caused by medical negligence resulting in adverse medical effects for newborns. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of hyperbilirubinemia so that victims of medical malpractice can seek legal action against the responsible parties.
Symptoms of this dangerous condition may include yellowing of the skin, called jaundice, or an excess intake or output of fluids from the body. If your baby experienced any related problems during or after birth, it is best to consult a lawyer for legal options available for victims of malpractice.
Causes of Hyperbilirubinemia
While there are many causes of Hyperbilirubinemia, many incidents can be attributed to medical negligence by healthcare providers themselves--failure to accurately diagnose and treat jaundice, failure to monitor bilirubin levels in the baby's blood, risk of increased exposure to toxins during delivery, and many other issues.
Just like with any case involving malpractice or birth injuries due to negligence, victims and those around them need to understand their legal options. It is essential for families affected by Hyperbilirubinemia to not only know the extent of neglect committed in their case but also seek out compensation for damages caused by a healthcare provider’s mistake.
If you believe your child’s hyperbilirubinemia is the result of negligence and medical malpractice, contact Rash Mueller for more information.