Michigan Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension Lawyer

If your infant suffered a severe breathing problem during or after childbirth, a Michigan persistent pulmonary hypertension lawyer might be able to help. When the neglect of a care professional is to blame, you have legal options and might be able to recover compensation for your child’s suffering.  A compassionate attorney who has experience handling these cases could answer your questions and work tirelessly to request the compensation you deserve.

What is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn?

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), is the failure of the circulatory system to transition to life outside the womb. Several changes take place within the newborn’s heart and lungs immediately upon birth. If these changes do not take place, it usually leads to PPHN.

PPHN causes low oxygen levels in the blood, due to improper shunting of the blood in the heart. Newborns with this condition will usually display one or more of the following symptoms:

• Asphyxia
• Rapid breathing or respiratory distress
• Low Apgar scores
• Meconium staining
• Blue-colored skin related to poor cardiac function and perfusion
• Low blood pressure
• Symptoms of shock
• Heart murmur

Often, this will arise during post-term deliveries or during full-term, stressful births. Newborns with PPHN will require extra monitoring in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and are often placed on a ventilator, given multiple medications and other therapies, and may even need to undergo surgery. Because of this, determining the cause of persistent pulmonary hypertension with the help of a skilled Michigan lawyer might prove essential.

Establishing Fault

For a claim revolving around a birth injury, it must be established that the care professional named as a defendant breached their duty of care. This is done by first establishing that a duty of care was owed. Simply put, when a doctor or other medical professional accepts a patient, this duty is established. Next, their breach of duty is demonstrated by comparing their actions against those that another reasonable physician in the same or similar circumstances would have done.

Therefore, if the defendant’s actions or inactions are deviant from this standard of care, it could be persuasive grounds for a lawsuit. Once this is established with the help of a well-practiced Michigan attorney, the extent of the damages suffered by a newborn with persistent pulmonary hypertension must be calculated.

Deadline for a Claim

Even when a claim has a strong legal foundation, it is essential that any potential claimant be aware of the statute of limitations in Michigan. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Law § 600.5851, any child injured during labor and delivery, a claim could be filed on their behalf within two years of the incident or by the child’s 10th birthday. This time period is based on whichever of the two is longer.

Turn to a Michigan Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension Attorney for Help

If you have a newborn who is diagnosed with PPHN due to a medical professional’s neglect, turn to a dedicated Michigan persistent pulmonary hypertension lawyer for help. If your child has suffered a condition such as PPHN, you might be worried about their future health, along with the ensuing pile of medical bills needed for their care.

By working with an attorney at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., you could rest assured that a persistent legal professional is taking every step they can to get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation by calling an attorney today.