Kernicterus Compensation Claims Solicitors - Kernicterus Negligence Claims - No Win No Fee Lawyers | Fieldfisher
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Kernicterus Claims

If you or your family have been affected by sub-standard medical care causing Kernicterus, our team of expert medical negligence solicitors can help you pursue a claim for compensation.

To speak with one of our Kernicterus experts call 0800 358 3848 or complete our online enquiry form.

A newborn baby sleeps peacefully under a white blanket, wearing a pale yellow onesie. The baby lies on a floral-patterned sheet, with its tiny right hand next to its face. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the baby.

Jaundice occurs when the chemical bilirubin builds up in a baby’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells break down. During pregnancy, the mother’s liver removes bilirubin for the baby. After birth, the baby’s liver must remove the bilirubin.

In some babies, the liver is not sufficiently developed to get rid of bilirubin efficiently. When too much bilirubin builds up in a newborn's body, the skin and whites of the eyes might look yellow.

As new babies have a high red blood cell count which is broken down and replaced, neonatal jaundice is very common. In most cases, this is diagnosed quickly either at hospital before discharge or in the community by the midwives or health visitors. It will either resolve itself or can be easily treated with phototherapy. With quick treatment, jaundice is reversible and causes no harm.

If jaundice is severe and not diagnosed or treated properly, babies are in danger of developing kernicterus. The bilirubin levels build up to very high levels – a condition known as hyperbilirubinaemia. The bilirubin can then cross the blood-brain barrier causing damage.

Kernicterus is a rare form of brain damage that occurs when bilirubin builds up to extremely high levels and enters the brain. It is considered a preventable condition. Babies born prematurely have the highest rates of developing jaundice and Kernicterus. According to www.nhs.uk, it is estimated that 6 out of 10 babies develop jaundice, including 8 out of 10 babies born prematurely before 37 weeks. Other risk factors include blood incompatibilities, maternal infections, and macrosomia. Only around one in 20 babies has a blood bilirubin level high enough to need treatment.

If your child has developed brain damage and hearing loss as a result of Kernicterus, you may be able to make a claim.

Why choose Fieldfisher's medical negligence team?

Settlements

We achieve record damages for people suffering serious injury following medical negligence. Last year, we recovered more than £200m in compensation claims.

Experience

We have more than 30 years' experience pursuing claims for people injured by medical negligence, clinical negligence, medical accidents and medical mistakes.

Recognised

We are ranked top tier in leading legal directories and regularly recognised in industry awards. We are accredited by APIL, panel members of AvMA and members of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel.

A blurred image of a hospital corridor with bright lighting. People are walking in the distance, and a wheelchair is positioned near a counter on the right side. Large windows on the left let in natural light. Tables with information are on the right side of the hallway.

Contact us

For a free, no obligation call with one of our medical negligence experts, please dial 0800 358 3848 or complete our online enquiry form.