About 50 percent of babies born in the U.S. develop a condition known as jaundice. If left untreated, jaundice can result in an infant suffering brain damage and even death. Because jaundice is so common and potentially deadly, doctors are trained to closely monitor all babies for the condition in the days and weeks following delivery.
Roughly six years ago, a mother and father welcomed their baby boy into the world. Soon after the child's birth, his parents noted his eyes and skin appeared to be yellowing. When they raised concerns to members of the medical staff about their son's jaundice, however, a nurse insisted the infant was fine and he was not examined by a doctor. Instead, less than 48-hours after entering the world, the little, and rapidly yellowing, baby boy was sent home.
Despite the reassurances from medical personnel that the baby was fine, once home, his condition quickly deteriorated. His parents rushed him to the emergency room after he began vomiting. By that time, however, doctors were unable to reverse or prevent the jaundice from affecting the infant's brain.
As a result of the undiagnosed and untreated jaundice, the boy suffered severe brain damage. Today, the six-year-old cannot speak, walk or sit unassisted. He relies upon is parents and family who attend to his needs round-the-clock.
The boy's parents filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital where the boy was born citing negligence. Jaundice is not only common, but it's also easy to treat using simple light therapy. A jury recently awarded the boy and his parents a $26 million dollar settlement which will be used to help provide for the boy's future care and medical expenses.
Ohio parents and children who have been impacted by a birth injury would be wise to discuss their case with an attorney. In many cases, these types of injuries are preventable and a family may be able to recover damages related to a child's injuries and everyday care and medical needs.
Source: New York Daily News, "Disabled Brooklyn boy awarded $25 million in untreated jaundice case against New York Methodist Hospital," Doyle Murphy, 19 November 2013