NEONATAL MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
HIP DYSPLASIA - HYPOGLYCAEMIA
KERNICTERUS - HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA

Dangerous neonatal conditions may arise shortly after a child is born which, if not treated quickly and effectively, can place the child at serious risk of permanent disability or even death. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant and be aware of the warning signs of these problems and failure to act appropriately may mean that they are negligent and liable to pay compensation for any harm suffered by the child as a result of their inaction. The most common and serious neonatal conditions that give rise to claims for compensation for medical negligence include;

Hip Dysplacia

• Hip Dysplasia is dislocation of the leg and the pelvis. Delay in a diagnosis is a frequent cause of litigation against those medical professionals responsible for neonatal health. Hip examination throughout infancy is essential and should be carried out at regular intervals until the child is walking normally. The child may develop the problem at any stage in development and all healthcare professionals involved in neonatal care should take every opportunity to check a child’s hips as delay in diagnosis may have serious long term effects. Hip dysplasia is often not diagnosed due to negligence until the child is walking and treatment at this stage often involves repeated major surgery.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 1800 633634

Neonatal Hypoglycaemia

• Neonatal Hypoglycaemia is caused by lower than usual concentrations of glucose in the blood stream which can cause permanent damage to the brain. Children are at greatest risk during the first few days after birth particularly the children of insulin dependent mothers, infants with growth retardation, pre-term and asphyxiated infants. Doctors often recognise that a child is hypoglycaemic from test results however they often do not realise the extent to which the child is suffering from neonatal hypoglycaemia and as a result do not take appropriate action to prevent brain damage.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 1800 633634

Kernicterus & Hyperbilirubinaemia

• Kernicterus and Hyperbilirubinaemia are rare but very serious neonatal conditions which can lead to athetoid cerebral palsy. Health care professionals should be aware of this condition and the signs and symptoms of an infant suffering from kernicterus and hyperbilirubinaemia and take appropriate action. There are several reasons for an increase in bilirubin concentrations in the newborn infant including genetic factors, the effect of certain medications, infections and Rh factor blood incompatibility between the mother and the infant.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 1800 633634

Specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitors

If you would like free legal advice on neonatal conditions including hip dysplasia, hypoglycaemia or kernicterus just complete the contact form and a solicitor will phone to discuss your compensation claim with no obligation.