Michigan Kernicterus Attorneys

24/7 Legal Help for Families Reeling from Birth Injury Malpractice

When the joy of having a new baby is overshadowed by the grief of life-changing or even life-threatening injuries to your child, we realize that nothing can make up for the harm that has been done to your family. We also understand the importance of demanding justice on a loved one’s behalf and holding the responsible parties accountable.

If your infant was harmed or killed from kernicterus, then it very likely means that they were harmed by medical malpractice. At Grewal Law PLLC, our Michigan kernicterus lawyers may be able to help you secure the answers and compensation you’re owed.

Is Kernicterus Preventable?

When there’s too much bilirubin in a newborn’s blood, this leads to jaundice, and this occurs in as many as 60% of newborns. This common condition of hyperbilirubinemia turns a baby’s gums, skin, and the whites of their eyes to yellow. This is known to be common, and it is simple to monitor. Without early detection and treatment, however, jaundice can develop into kernicterus within two to five days after birth, causing lasting damage to the central nervous system in the process. So yes, while jaundice is common, kernicterus is rare and highly preventable.

Symptoms of Kernicterus

Warning signs of kernicterus in an infant can include:

• Jaundice
• Irritability
• Struggles with eating
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Seizures

It’s unknown exactly what triggers ordinary jaundice to become kernicterus, as not every baby with jaundice will develop the condition and there are other risk factors involved. However, because of the serious risks to the child’s health and wellbeing, hospitals should monitor babies for symptoms of jaundice at least every 8 to 12 hours in the first 48 hours after delivery—and then again at the 3-5 day mark.

What Makes Kernicterus More Likely to Occur?

Risk factors that make a kernicterus diagnosis more likely:

• Family history of jaundice
• Sepsis
• Differing blood groups between mother and baby
• Excessive bruising during birth process
• Premature or early birth
• Bruising conditions

Contact our Michigan birth injury lawyers today to learn more about your legal options in a free, no-obligation consultation: (888) 211-5798.