Atlanta Kernicterus Attorney

Understanding Kernicterus Birth Injuries

The Tolson Firm, LLC represents families whose children have suffered all types of birth injuries, and we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible result in your medical malpractice claim. We believe that your family should not be forced to pay the price for a doctor’s negligence, especially when it has caused a condition which could require your child to receive ongoing medical care and which may make it impossible to fully enjoy all that life has to offer. Call us or visit our office today for an initial consultation with an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney from our team. You deserve to have someone on your side, fighting for your best interests at this difficult time.

Kernicterus is a rare form of brain injury which results from the newborn’s inability to efficiently process the high levels of bilirubin present after birth. Babies are born with a surplus of red blood cells, and the body accumulates bilirubin in the course of breaking these down. The newborn’s liver is often unable to handle such a heavy load, and over half of babies will develop some form of jaundice as a result. In extreme cases, the bilirubin will not only cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes, it will actually migrate into the brain, where it can cause severe and permanent damage.

Kernicterus Lawyer in Atlanta

Severe jaundice can normally be treated through phototherapy, which involves placing the baby, with eyes covered, under lights which aid in converting the bilirubin into a form which can more easily be excreted. When this is not successful, blood transfusion may be used to directly clear the circulatory system of the toxin. It is vital that the doctor take immediate action to treat the condition, as if it goes untreated, kernicterus can cause symptoms such as:

• Hearing loss or deafness
• Impaired eye movements
• Movement disorders
• Cerebral palsy

If you believe that your baby’s kernicterus ought to have been prevented, do not hesitate to seek our help. We will examine the situation to determine whether you have grounds for legal action.