Neonatology/Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
When a baby is not properly looked after at birth, or in the first few hours of its life, because of the negligence of medical staff, and then suffers health problems as a result, there may be a claim for compensation.
Thousands of babies are born each year in the UK and most can look forward to high standards of medical care from the moment they are born. In some cases, however, because of the lack of care by midwives, nurses, doctors or consultants, certain medical problems develop that could affect that baby's long-term health. It is important, for example, that symptoms of medical conditions that could seriously harm the baby are identified as soon as possible after birth.
An example of a condition that can develop is neonatal hypoglycaemia which indicates abnormally low levels of sugar in the blood. If not identified early enough it can lead to brain damage in the child or even death.
Another condition that must also be carefully treated and quickly is neonatal jaundice. This gives a baby’s skin a yellow appearance which comes from a build up of a chemical called bilirubin. Babies are not easily able to get rid of the bilirubin and it can build up in the blood and other tissues and fluids of the baby's body. This is called hyperbilirubinemia. If not treated early, and appropriately, it can occasionally cause a condition known as kernicterus and lead to brain damage.
Missing early warning symptoms in newborns can therefore have devastating effects.
For many people the joy of having a baby can suddenly turn to heartache when there is the realisation that their baby may have a serious medical condition and, in some cases, may face an uncertain future. To find out that the condition could have been avoided had it not been for the negligence of medical staff, however, simply adds to the distress.
It’s at times like these that parents of babies who have been affected often need the help and support of professionals who can help them in making a claim for compensation. Many will not only face the emotional strain of such a situation but also the financial strain. They may have to give up their job, pay to adapt their home, and change their lifestyle significantly to face the future with a child who has serious health problems.
If you have suffered as a result of a medical accident or because of sub-standard care or management, the law can help you find out what happened and why, and in some cases recover compensation for your suffering. Contact us for further information.
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