California Birth Injury Attorney

Bilirubin and Newborns

When a red blood cell breaks down, which is a normal occurrence, a product that remains is bilirubin. When a baby is in the fetus stage, the mother's liver removes the bilirubin for the baby as a regular function. When the baby is born, the newborn's liver should take over this function from the mother and remove the bilirubin from the body. In some newborns the liver is not fully developed and insufficient amounts of bilirubin are removed, resulting in jaundice.

This situation becomes dangerous for the newborn when bilirubin levels run high and severe jaundice occurs. Indication that this may be taking place can be yellow or orange skin, starting at the head and spreading to the toes. Other signs may be if a newborn is hard to wake up or won't wake up at all, is extremely fussy or won't breastfeed or suck from a bottle. When severe jaundice is not noticed or treated quickly and correctly by a pediatrician or other medical personnel, these health care providers may be guilty of medical malpractice. They can be held legally liable for their actions or failure to act. If you feel that this situation may apply to you, it is urgent that you contact a California birth injury lawyer for help.

Medical Malpractice Involving Birth Injuries

The consequences of severe jaundice can be devastating to all concerned. Loss of hearing, problems with eye movement, mental retardation and brain damage can occur. There are many signs that should lead a doctor to test bilirubin levels and this failure to detect and treat can be extremely harmful to both the child and the parents.

At Bostwick & Peterson LLP, our personal injury attorneys have collected well over $500 million on behalf of our clients. We believe in results and the diligence that it takes to achieve them. If your baby is affected with severe jaundice, the road ahead can be expensive in terms of medical treatment and care and the special efforts the parents must put forth. By seeking just compensation, our goal is to see to it that you have the financial protection you need.

If negligence has caused jaundice in your newborn, please contact a California medical malpractice attorney from our firm for proven legal assistance.