What Are Kernicterus Lawsuits?
A kernicterus lawsuit seeks financial compensation for families when this preventable condition leads to harm.
Kernicterus is a neurological condition caused by untreated jaundice, leading to permanent brain damage and conditions like cerebral palsy (CP).
The resulting lifelong care needs can place an unexpected financial burden on families. Filing a medical malpractice claim can help recover these costs while holding negligent medical professionals accountable.
A jury awarded an Arkansas family $46.5 million in a kernicterus lawsuit after their child suffered permanent brain damage due to untreated newborn jaundice.
If medical errors are responsible for your child’s condition, a kernicterus lawyer can help you build a strong case and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
The Birth Injury Justice Center has helped families nationwide recover over $1 billion for birth injuries, including kernicterus.
Get a free case review right now to see if we may be able to help your family.
Kernicterus Lawsuit Compensation
The value of a kernicterus birth injury lawsuit depends on the severity of the baby’s condition and the level of care they received.
Cases of severe harm or clear-cut medical errors can result in kernicterus lawsuit settlements of over $1 million.
- $10 million in California for a baby receiving the wrong discharge instructions
- $5.85 million in Michigan on behalf of a premature baby for mismanaged conditions
- $2 million for untreated jaundice causing hearing loss and developmental delays
- $1.5 million after delayed blood tests and no phototherapy caused kernicterus
- $3 million for a delayed kernicterus diagnosis resulting in severe cerebral palsy
- $8.5 million in New York for untreated jaundice leading to cerebral palsy
You may be entitled to compensation, too, if your child’s condition was caused by medical negligence.
Get a free consultation with an experienced legal professional to find out how much you might receive from a kernicterus lawsuit.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to see if we can connect you with a top birth injury lawyer near you.
Medical Malpractice and Kernicterus Birth Injuries
Medical negligence is a primary factor in many kernicterus cases. Health care providers are trained to identify and treat newborn jaundice early, often through blood tests that measure levels of bilirubin (waste product when red blood cells break down).
When medical professionals fail to act on signs of kernicterus or provide the necessary care, they may be liable for any resulting harm.
- Delaying or failing to administer phototherapy to reduce bilirubin levels
- Discharging newborns without proper jaundice monitoring instructions
- Failing to order a blood test to check bilirubin levels when jaundice is visible
- Ignoring high bilirubin readings or not acting promptly on results
- Misinterpreting or overlooking early symptoms, like high-pitched crying
- Neglecting to monitor jaundice in babies with risk factors, like prematurity
- Skipping follow-up care after an initial diagnosis of jaundice
Kernicterus can cause severe, lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy, hearing loss, vision problems, and irreversible brain damage.
If negligence directly contributed to kernicterus, a medical malpractice lawsuit can help hold the health care professionals responsible for your child’s injuries accountable.
Compensation from a medical malpractice lawsuit can help families cover medical costs and provide the best possible care for their child.
Why File Kernicterus Lawsuits?
Filing kernicterus lawsuits can help families afford their child’s medical care and hold negligent providers accountable.
- Covering costs of ongoing medical treatments and therapies
- Easing the financial and emotional burden on your family
- Holding health care providers accountable for negligence
- Preventing similar cases by promoting better standards of care
If you’re uncertain about what caused kernicterus in your child, reach out to our team at the Birth Injury Justice Center.
We have experienced registered nurses on staff who can help you understand whether medical malpractice may have occurred. If our nurses feel your child’s condition could have been avoided, they can explain your legal options.
There is no cost to speak with us and no obligation to move forward with kernicterus lawsuits. If you suspect you may have a case, connect with a nurse today.
When Should You File a Kernicterus Birth Injury Lawsuit?
Consider filing your kernicterus lawsuit as soon as you suspect your child’s condition could have been prevented.
Acting quickly is necessary because there’s a strict deadline for filing lawsuits, called the statute of limitations. Once the timeframe in your case passes, you won’t be able to take legal action.
Each state has its own statute of limitations for filing birth injury cases, so it’s critical to consult with an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.
An experienced lawyer can explain which deadlines apply and ensure your kernicterus lawsuit is filed on time.
Don’t wait to find out your family’s legal options — call us right now at (800) 914-1562.
Who Can File a Kernicterus Lawsuit?
Families of children who developed kernicterus may qualify to file a lawsuit if medical negligence was a factor. Kernicterus lawsuits seek compensation to cover the costs of treating injuries caused by improper use.
Here’s who may qualify to file a kernicterus lawsuit:
- Parents: Primary caregivers directly affected by their child’s injuries
- Legal guardians: Individuals with legal responsibility for the child
Filing a kernicterus lawsuit can help families secure the financial resources needed for care. If you believe medical negligence caused your child’s injury, a kernicterus lawsuit could be the best path ahead.
Get a free case evaluation right now to find out if you may qualify.
Steps to Filing Kernicterus Lawsuits
Filing a kernicterus lawsuit involves several key steps. Knowing what to expect can give you confidence as you navigate the challenges of your child’s birth injury.
Generally, these are the steps to filing kernicterus lawsuits:
- Free case review: Top lawyers offer free consultations to determine your eligibility to file a kernicterus lawsuit. Get your free case review right now.
- Collect evidence: Your legal team will gather key evidence to build your case. This may include medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- File the lawsuit: Next, your kernicterus lawyer will file your birth injury lawsuit in the correct court, ensuring any legal deadlines are met.
- Negotiate a settlement: Your kernicterus attorney will negotiate with the at-fault parties to reach a birth injury settlement as quickly as possible.
Your kernicterus attorney will continue fighting for your family in court if a settlement isn’t reached.
However, most birth injury lawsuits settle out of court, providing families with quicker access to compensation and justice.
With an experienced birth injury attorney on your side, you can focus on caring for your child while they handle your kernicterus lawsuit.
Kernicterus Lawsuit Timeline
From the initial consultation with a lawyer to reaching a settlement or court verdict, the process may take months to over a year.
If your kernicterus medical malpractice case is resolved through settlement negotiations, it may conclude more quickly, allowing you to access compensation faster.
The timeline can be extended if the case goes to trial, as trials involve additional steps and the potential for appeals. However, most birth injury lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements.
Each case is unique, and an experienced birth injury lawyer can work to speed up the payout timeline for your kernicterus lawsuit.
File Your Kernicterus Lawsuit Today
If your child’s untreated jaundice led to kernicterus, you may be able to take legal action. A kernicterus lawsuit can help secure compensation for medical treatments, long-term care, and other essential support your family needs.
An experienced kernicterus lawyer can help you file your claim on time and ensure everything is handled correctly. Taking action now could improve the outcome of your case.
Our legal partners have secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries, including newborn kernicterus.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to find out if we can help you secure the care and resources your child needs for a brighter future.
Kernicterus Lawsuit FAQs
Can you sue for newborn kernicterus?
Yes, you may be able to file a kernicterus lawsuit if medical negligence caused your child to suffer preventable brain damage due to untreated newborn jaundice.
Examples of medical negligence leading to kernicterus include:
- Delaying or failing to administer phototherapy
- Discharging a newborn without proper jaundice follow-up instructions
- Failing to perform necessary blood tests for bilirubin levels
- Ignoring high bilirubin levels or failing to act on test results
Kernicterus lawsuits can help recover compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and other related costs.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat about your legal options.
How do you get compensation for a kernicterus birth injury?
You can seek compensation for kernicterus by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit if medical mistakes led to the injury. The lawsuit may result in a settlement to help cover treatment costs and ongoing care.
How much can you get from a kernicterus lawsuit?
Settlements for birth injury cases, including untreated jaundice causing kernicterus, often exceed $1 million.
However, the compensation from a kernicterus lawsuit depends on factors like the severity of the injuries, the cost of ongoing medical care, and the long-term impact on your child’s life.
An experienced birth injury lawyer can evaluate your case to determine potential compensation. They will work to recover the maximum amount allowed by law, covering medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and other damages.
Get a free case review to find out how much your kernicterus lawsuit may be worth.
How are kernicterus settlement amounts determined?
Settlement amounts are based on factors like the severity of the child’s brain damage, required ongoing care, and the level of medical negligence involved. A lawyer can help assess potential compensation.
How much does it cost to file a kernicterus injury lawsuit?
Most law firms work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Fees are only charged if your kernicterus lawyer secures compensation for you, making it financially accessible to seek justice.
Can I still win a kernicterus case without a lawyer?
Although possible, filing a lawsuit without a lawyer is challenging due to the complexity of medical malpractice cases. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome.