Kernicterus, a rare but devastating form of brain damage resulting from severe jaundice in newborns, can leave families facing lifelong challenges and overwhelming medical expenses. When untreated jaundice progresses to this serious condition, parents often struggle with questions about how their child’s injury could have been prevented and whether medical negligence played a role in their suffering. This preventable condition occurs when healthcare providers fail to properly monitor and treat elevated bilirubin levels, leading to permanent neurological damage.
At Davis & Davis, our lawyers focus exclusively on medical malpractice cases in Houston and throughout Texas, including those involving kernicterus and preventable birth injuries. With over 70 years of combined experience fighting for families affected by medical negligence, we understand the complex medical and legal aspects of these cases. Our Houston birth injury lawyers are prepared to help you determine if your child’s kernicterus injury resulted from a healthcare provider’s failure to follow the standard of care.
Understanding Kernicterus and Its Causes
Kernicterus develops when severe jaundice is left untreated in newborns, allowing bilirubin to build up to dangerous levels in the bloodstream. When bilirubin levels remain high for too long, this toxic substance can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause permanent brain damage. This preventable condition typically progresses through several stages:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) appears within the first few days after birth
- Bilirubin levels continue rising without proper intervention
- The baby may become lethargic, develop a high-pitched cry, or show poor feeding patterns
- Neurological symptoms worsen, potentially leading to permanent brain damage
Healthcare providers have a duty to monitor newborns for jaundice, measure bilirubin levels when appropriate, and promptly treat elevated levels. Medical negligence that may lead to kernicterus includes:
- Failure to recognize risk factors for severe jaundice
- Delayed testing of bilirubin levels
- Misinterpretation of test results
- Premature discharge from the hospital without proper follow-up instructions
- Failure to start phototherapy or exchange transfusion when indicated
Following proper protocols for jaundice management prevents virtually all cases of kernicterus. When medical professionals deviate from these standards, they may be liable for the resulting injuries.
Long-Term Effects of Kernicterus
Kernicterus can cause severe, lifelong impairments that impact every aspect of a child’s development and quality of life. Unlike many birth injuries that may improve with time and therapy, kernicterus typically results in permanent neurological damage. Children with kernicterus may experience:
Physical Impairments
Children with kernicterus often develop cerebral palsy-like symptoms, including muscle rigidity, involuntary movements, and problems with coordination and balance. These physical challenges may require lifelong assistance with daily activities, specialized equipment, and ongoing physical therapy.
Cognitive and Developmental Issues
The brain damage caused by kernicterus can lead to intellectual disabilities, learning problems, and developmental delays. Children may struggle with speech and language development, requiring extensive speech therapy and special education services throughout their school years.
Hearing and Vision Impairments
One of the most common effects of kernicterus is hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound. Many children with kernicterus develop auditory neuropathy, a condition where the ear detects sound but the brain cannot properly interpret it. Vision problems, including gaze abnormalities and vision loss, are also common.
Many families find themselves unprepared for the emotional and financial challenges of raising a child with these serious disabilities. The lifetime cost of care for a child with kernicterus can easily reach into the millions of dollars, including expenses for medical treatments, therapies, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and specialized education.
How Our Houston Kernicterus Lawyers Can Help
If your child has suffered from kernicterus, our legal team at Davis & Davis is prepared to help you seek the compensation you deserve for the preventable harm caused by medical negligence. We approach each case with a thorough investigation process and a commitment to achieving justice for your family.
Investigating Your Case
Our attorneys work with leading medical experts to determine if your child’s kernicterus was preventable. We review all medical records to identify whether healthcare providers followed the appropriate standard of care for monitoring and treating jaundice. This includes analyzing:
- Prenatal records to identify risk factors
- Labor and delivery records
- Newborn nursery notes
- Laboratory results, especially bilirubin levels
- Discharge instructions and follow-up care recommendations
Based on this comprehensive review, we can determine whether medical negligence contributed to your child’s injury and build a strong case to support your claim.
Contact Our Houston Kernicterus Lawyers Today
If your child developed kernicterus and you suspect it resulted from medical negligence, Davis & Davis is here to stand by your side. Our trial-tested legal team has the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to handle these complex birth injury cases. We understand the devastating impact kernicterus can have on your child and your entire family, and we are committed to helping you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
With our exclusive focus on medical malpractice cases and over 70 years of combined experience, we have the specialized knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of kernicterus litigation. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Call us at (888) 522-9444 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate Houston kernicterus lawyers.
