Verdicts & Settlements: The Failure to Treat Jaundice
In this section, you’ll read about a past settlement and verdict made by our expert Michigan birth injury lawyers regarding jaundice and kernicterus. Because jaundice worsens into a dangerous condition known as kernicterus when left untreated, a medical professional’s failure to treat jaundice is always considered an act of medical negligence. Any injuries caused by the failure to treat jaundice is considered medical malpractice. To learn more about jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia), kernicterus, and medical malpractice, please reference our “Cerebral Palsy from Jaundice and Kernicterus” page here. We encourage readers to reach out to Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys with any questions or case inquiries—you may reach our birth injury lawyers toll-free at (888) 592-1857 or through our online contact form.
1. Child Wins $5.9 Million
Failure to Diagnose and Treat Jaundice (Hyperbilirubinemia) Leads to Kernicterus with Resultant Cerebral Palsy
In this case, the child was born with jaundice, a common infant medical condition marked by high levels of bilirubin. Medical professionals failed to diagnose and properly treat the baby’s case of jaundice, and the baby ultimately developed kernicterus. Kernicterus is a condition in which the buildup of bilirubin enters a baby’s brain tissue and causes permanent brain damage. Jaundice is a common, easily cured infant health condition, and it is always considered medical malpractice when medical professionals let it escalate to kernicterus.