Jaundice | Michigan Birth Injury Lawyers

Our Michigan medical malpractice lawyers frequently represent children in cases against negligent doctors, clinics, and hospitals. One type of case is the failure to properly treat and diagnose the condition of jaundice.

Jaundice is a very common condition among newborns and pre-term infants. Jaundice is characterized by a visible yellowing of the skin. Other symptoms include poor feeing and general lethargy. Approximately 60% of newborns experience some form of jaundice. Among pre-term infants, this figure jumps to 80%.

When diagnosed and treated promptly, most forms of jaundice poses virtually no long-term health threat. However, when left untreated, severe jaundice can result in kernicterus, a type of brain damage that often features seizures. Kernicterus can lead to cerebral palsy, as well as hearing, vision, or dental disabilities.

Kernicterus is completely preventable even when the early stages of jaundice are present. In fact, even though most (over 60%) of all babies develop at least a minor form of jaundice, kernicterus usually does not develop unless there has been medical malpractice.

Although kernicterus is completely preventable, the number of infants diagnosed with it has actually increased over the last ten years or so. Some of the reasons for this unfortunate increase include:

• Shorter hospital stays following birth
• Relaxed treatment guidelines for jaundice
• Decreased public concern with jaundice (because it is so common)

Failure to diagnose and treat severe jaundice can lead to kernicterus and a lifetime of increased medical bills, decreased earnings, and all of the other challenges associated with raising a child with a disability. If a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider negligently fails to recognize the medical problems and order the appropriate treatment, they should be held accountable through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Parents can learn more about medical malpractice lawsuits by visiting our firm's medical malpractice section. Another great resource on Michigan medical malpractice cases is our FREE BOOK, "The Ultimate Medical Malpractice Handbook," which will answer many questions you may have on these cases. You should also contact us to discuss your child's case.

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