When people are preparing to have a baby, they often take every measure they can to make sure their baby is as healthy as possible when he or she is born. But no matter what a parent does to keep a baby healthy, tragedy can strike if and when an error is made during or immediately following the delivery. Sadly, many babies are serious affected by birth injuries in New Jersey because of mistakes that were made in the hospital.
Depending on the nature of a birth injury, a baby’s life can be changed forever. In some of the most serious cases, a baby is born healthy but suffers catastrophic injuries that can result in a lifetime of physical or mental disability. One such case was recently presented to a jury in New York. Parents in New Jersey may want to be aware of the story, as it is something that could happen in any hospital and to any family.
A mother gave birth to a baby boy who was born with a mild case of jaundice. The condition can be quite common and is often mild and very treatable. However, in this case, the hospital reportedly failed to employ proper treatment methods and sent the baby and mother home without properly addressing the jaundice.
As a result, the boy’s untreated condition, which is called hyperbilirubinemia, caused serious and permanent brain damage. The boy, who is now 6, cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair. He also requires constant and ongoing care due to his physical and mental limitations.
The mother filed a lawsuit against the hospital, arguing that they sent her home despite her son’s condition. She was told the jaundice would clear up on its own. A jury agreed that the boy’s condition was completely preventable and could have been avoided, had the hospital and the doctor named in the lawsuit taken steps to examine and treat the baby. The boy was awarded $26 million for his injuries.
Of course the money will not undo the catastrophic damage that has been done in this case. But according to the mother, the financial support will make it possible for the boy to continue to receive the care and medical treatment he requires.Â
Source:Â New York Daily News, “Disabled Brooklyn boy awarded $25 million in untreated jaundice case against New York Methodist Hospital,” Doyle Murphy, Nov. 19, 2013
