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New parents can experience a wide range of emotions during and after their child’s birth. They often feel elated but also commonly experience anxiety surrounding their baby’s well-being, especially when it comes to conditions such as jaundice. Knowing the effects of untreated jaundice in newborns can help you protect your baby’s health.
Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer to Help You Manage Your Case
Since 1966, the Branch Law Firm has operated on the principle that every New Mexico resident deserves dedicated legal assistance after experiencing a painful event. Founding attorney Turner W. Branch has long understood the devastating effects of medical malpractice and never backs down from a difficult fight. We’ve taken on large companies and secured substantial settlements for our clients.
Our team takes injustices personally and works tirelessly to protect the legal rights of our New Mexico neighbors and community. We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that our firm doesn’t accept payment for our services until we secure compensation for your case.
What Is Jaundice and What Causes It?
Jaundice is when a newborn’s skin and the whites of their eyes take on a yellow hue. This happens because a substance called bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood. Bilirubin is made when old red blood cells break down. Newborns make more bilirubin than adults, and their livers aren’t fully developed yet, so it takes longer to remove it from the body.
Jaundice in newborns is more common than one would think. About 60% of babies born on time and 80% of babies born early develop visible jaundice during their first week of life. This typically occurs in the first two weeks of life and is a common cause of hospital readmission after birth.
In most cases, jaundice is normal and goes away on its own as the baby’s liver matures. However, in certain cases of high bilirubin left untreated, the baby’s brain can be affected.
Signs Your Newborn Has Jaundice
Before leaving the hospital, the staff usually checks a baby for signs of jaundice. Your newborn is checked during routine exams, and a blood test is likely to be conducted to measure their bilirubin levels.
The easiest way to tell if your baby has jaundice at home is simply to look at them. Their face may appear yellow. It’s easiest to check your baby’s skin in good lighting, such as natural daylight. Gently press on your newborn’s forehead or nose. When you pull away your finger, and the skin remains yellow, your baby likely has jaundice.
When to Call a Doctor
Call a doctor if your baby becomes yellow in their:
- Stomach area
- Arms
- Legs
- Eyes
You should also call a doctor if your baby:
- Appears very sleepy
- Becomes hard to wake up
- Is feeding poorly
- Isn’t gaining weight
- Is crying with a high-pitched sound
- Is showing any other signs that feel worrying
When Cases of Jaundice May Be Considered Medical Malpractice
In the United States, one in three clinicians has a legal case opened against them at some point in their careers. While jaundice is common in newborns, you may be able to pursue a legal case against your provider in certain situations. These can include:
- The hospital sends you home without checking your newborn’s bilirubin levels.
- Your doctor dismisses your concerns over your baby’s condition, leading to their jaundice worsening and causing permanent damage.
- Your doctor fails to properly monitor your baby after they develop jaundice at home, leading to your newborn’s condition worsening or even resulting in death.
It’s important to hire a medical malpractice lawyer to help you understand your legal options during this time. Depending on the specific details of your situation, you may be able to file a legal claim against the parties responsible for your baby’s pain.
FAQs
How Long Can Jaundice Be Left Untreated?
In most babies, jaundice will go away on its own within one to two weeks as their liver matures and starts removing bilirubin more easily. Be sure to contact a doctor as soon as possible if your baby develops jaundice, as close monitoring is recommended. During this time, doctors watch your baby’s bilirubin levels to ensure they’re at a safe level. If jaundice is left untreated and bilirubin levels become too high, it can lead to serious brain damage.
Which Babies Are More Likely to Get Jaundice?
Babies who are more likely to develop jaundice include premature babies, as their livers are less developed and they may feed less. Babies who had a lot of bruising during birth can have higher bilirubin levels. Breastfed babies who aren’t feeding well may also be at higher risk. If your family history includes blood disorders, Down syndrome, or jaundice, it can increase the chances of your baby developing jaundice.
How Long Do I Have to File My Medical Malpractice Case in New Mexico?
Typically, medical malpractice claims have to be filed within three years of the malpractice incident taking place. However, for cases of newborn babies, they are generally able to file a case up until their ninth birthday. While this timeline may seem long, it’s important to file as soon as possible. Waiting to file only makes your case harder to prove, including gathering and preserving relevant evidence.
What Damages Can I Pursue in My Medical Malpractice Case?
The damages you can pursue in your medical malpractice case depend on the unique factors involved. Economic damages help victims recover compensation for their financial losses. This includes medical bills, lost income due to missing work, and any damage to personal belongings. Non-economic damages help victims recover compensation for their non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering and disfigurement.
Choose a Trusted Personal Injury Law Firm in New Mexico
For over 50 years, the Branch Law Firm has been a pillar in New Mexico’s legal community. Contact our office in Albuquerque to schedule your confidential consultation with our team. When going through difficult times in life, you need a strong support system to help you through. We’re honored to be part of our clients’ support systems, working together to create a brighter future.