While a baby, depending on its weight, has less than one pint of blood in its body at birth, every ounce is vital to survival. Blood cell count increases fairly rapidly, so minor blood loss at birth can be managed by an observant, responsive healthcare team. However, there are a variety of blood-related problems — not obvious to the naked eye — that can result in significant birth injury when not managed quickly and appropriately.
If your baby has been diagnosed with a birth injury you believe was caused by a doctor’s failure to diagnose a serious blood-related condition before, during or immediately after delivery, you may be entitled to compensation that will cover your medical bills.
Prudent physicians are quick to check and constantly monitor the baby’s bloodstream for several conditions that can cause significant complications.
Low Glucose Levels: If labor is prolonged, or difficult, the level of sugar (glucose) in the baby’s bloodstream can drop dangerously low. If this occurs and is not diagnosed and corrected promptly after birth, the baby can suffer serious brain injury.
Incompatible Blood Groups (Rh or ABO): Excess bilirubin can be created in the infant’s body a day or two after birth when the mother and baby have different blood types. In this situation, the mother’s body might produce antibodies that attack the baby’s red blood cells. Again, incompatible blood types should be obvious to a physician in advance of a problem.
Jaundice: It’s not uncommon for babies to be born with jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This is caused when the baby has a high level of bilirubin, the yellow substance formed when old red blood cells are broken down in the body.
If a doctor fails to diagnosis a condition which leads to severe jaundice, or is negligent in caring for a baby suffering from a blood-related condition, they could be considered liable for injuries sustained by the infant.
The compassionate medical malpractice attorneys at Friedman Schuman have helped many families, like yours, hold the doctors, nurses, and hospital responsible for their negligence. We can fight for you and your baby to recover compensation that will pay for medical bills and any ongoing or long-term care needed for the baby.
