KERNICTERUS LAWYERS IN HAWAII

Keeping DOCTORs Accountable Who FAILed TO TREAT INFANT JAUNDICE

Kernicterus, also referred to as hyperbilirubinemia, is a type of brain damage that occurs as a result of severe jaundice. While jaundice is a relatively common condition in newborns and can be easily treated, if it goes unrecognized and untreated it can become quite severe and result in dangerously high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which can lead to brain damage.

As Hawaii birth injury attorneys, we at Davis Levin Livingston have been serving families across Hawaii for over 30 years. We have a considerable amount of experience with cases involving kernicterus and severe jaundice, and we know precisely what types of medical malpractice can lead to this rare form of brain damage. We also know how tremendous the costs can be to manage and treat kernicterus. Our goal is always to hold at-fault parties accountable by pursuing maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.

To find out how our kernicterus lawyers in Hawaii can help with your case, call (808) 740-0633. Davis Levin Livingston offers a free consultation to review your child’s condition and the legal remedies available to you.

Common Symptoms of Kernicterus

A jaundiced infant should be given increased fluids/feedings and may require light therapy. If this is not done and the baby is not properly monitored, jaundice can progress, and kernicterus can result.

Kernicterus can be identified by the following symptoms:

• Poor feeding
• Yellow tint to the skin
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• High-pitched wailing
• Seizures
• Hearing loss
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty with movement

Common Causes of Kernicterus

Common causes of kernicterus include:

• Failure to Monitor Bilirubin Levels: Medical providers must monitor newborns for signs of jaundice and perform bilirubin tests when indicated. Neglecting to assess or respond to elevated bilirubin levels can lead to irreversible damage.
• Delayed or Inadequate Treatment: Treatments such as phototherapy or, in severe cases, exchange transfusions are effective in managing high bilirubin levels. Delays in initiating these interventions can increase the risk of kernicterus.
• Failure to Recognize Risk Factors: Certain infants are more susceptible to severe jaundice, including those born prematurely, with bruising during delivery, or with blood type incompatibility with the mother. Healthcare professionals must identify and address these risk factors early.
• Inadequate Parental Education: Parents need clear guidance on monitoring jaundice symptoms at home and knowing when to seek medical attention. Failure to provide this information may lead to delayed care.
• Neglecting Post-Discharge Follow-Up: Many cases of kernicterus develop after hospital discharge. A lack of follow-up care to monitor the baby’s condition can contribute to preventable injuries.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in Kernicterus Claims?

Damages in kernicterus cases may include:

• Medical Expenses: Treatment for kernicterus often involves ongoing therapies, surgeries, medications, and specialized equipment. Compensation can cover both past and future medical costs.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: Children with kernicterus may require physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve their quality of life.
• Pain and Suffering: Kernicterus can cause severe pain and emotional distress for the child and their family. Damages for pain and suffering acknowledge these non-economic losses.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If kernicterus results in permanent disability, it can limit a child’s ability to work in adulthood. Compensation can account for the loss of future income potential.
• Educational Support: Children affected by kernicterus may need special education services or tutoring. A claim can seek funds to provide access to these resources.
• Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Families may need to adapt their living environment to accommodate mobility challenges or purchase devices like wheelchairs or communication aids.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Kernicterus can diminish a child’s ability to engage in activities they would have otherwise enjoyed. Some claims consider this intangible loss.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by medical professionals, punitive damages could be granted to deter similar behavior.

Contact Our Kernicterus Lawyers in Hawaii Today

Kernicterus may be linked to medical malpractice if a nurse or doctor failed to recognize the signs of jaundice, mistreated jaundice, failed to monitor an infant with jaundice, or delayed treatment for severe jaundice. When this occurs, those parties responsible for the infant’s injuries should be brought to justice. That is what we do at Davis Levin Livingston. Their Hawaii birth injury lawyers expose obstetrical malpractice to help those who have already been injured and to improve conditions for others in the future.

Let us fight for the compensation you need for your child’s care. Call (808) 740-0633 to get started with our Hawaii kernicterus attorneys.