Los Angeles Kernicterus Attorney
Kernicterus is a rare but devastating condition that can result from untreated or mismanaged newborn jaundice. While jaundice is common and typically harmless in newborns, failure to diagnose or treat it properly can lead to a dangerous buildup of bilirubin in the brain, causing permanent brain damage. If your child has been diagnosed with kernicterus and you suspect medical negligence played a role, a dedicated Los Angeles kernicterus attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for justice.
If your baby suffered brain damage due to preventable jaundice complications, don’t wait – call The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get answers, accountability, and compensation.
What Is Kernicterus?
Kernicterus is a type of brain damage caused by severe hyperbilirubinemia – a dangerously high level of bilirubin in a newborn’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, a baby’s liver helps eliminate bilirubin, but if it builds up too quickly or isn’t properly managed, it can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage brain tissue.
This type of injury is entirely preventable with timely treatment. Simple interventions like phototherapy (light therapy) or, in severe cases, an exchange transfusion can reduce bilirubin levels and prevent permanent harm.
When Medical Negligence Causes Kernicterus
Kernicterus often occurs because healthcare providers fail to follow well-established protocols for screening, monitoring, and treating newborn jaundice. You may have a valid medical malpractice case if:
- Medical staff failed to recognize visible signs of jaundice
- Your baby’s bilirubin levels were not tested despite risk factors
- Lab results were delayed or misinterpreted
- Treatment was not initiated quickly enough
- Hospital staff failed to educate you about jaundice risks at discharge
When a baby suffers irreversible brain damage due to these kinds of lapses, the consequences are life-altering. Children with kernicterus often face severe developmental delays, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and lifelong care needs.
Why Work With The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates?
When choosing a Los Angeles birth injury attorney for a kernicterus malpractice case, experience matters. Many LA medmal attorneys handle a broad range of personal injury cases – but kernicterus cases are highly complex and demand a deep understanding of both medicine and law.
Dr. Bruce Fagel is not only an accomplished trial attorney – he is also a licensed physician. He has successfully handled more medical malpractice cases than any other attorney in California, with over 40 kernicterus and other brain injury cases resolved in the last two years alone.
We focus solely on medical malpractice, including kernicterus and other birth-related injuries. Our team understands how to investigate neonatal care records, consult with pediatric neurologists, and present a compelling case that clearly links your child’s injuries to medical negligence.
Don’t Wait – Get the Help Your Family Deserves
A kernicterus diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. If your child was injured due to mismanaged jaundice or delayed treatment, financial compensation from a successful malpractice claim can help cover:
- Medical expenses and long-term care
- Special education and therapy
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
Call The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates at (800) 541-9376 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today. Let us help you pursue the justice your child deserves.
