Kernicterus is a severe form of brain damage caused by extremely high levels of bilirubin in a newborn’s blood. While newborn jaundice is common and usually harmless, untreated severe jaundice can lead to kernicterus, resulting in permanent neurological disabilities including cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and developmental delays. When medical professionals fail to properly monitor, diagnose, or treat dangerous bilirubin levels, families may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim in New York.
This comprehensive guide explains the medical aspects of kernicterus and jaundice, warning signs parents should know, standard medical care requirements, and legal options available to New York families affected by preventable kernicterus brain damage.
What Is Kernicterus?
Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, accumulates to toxic levels in a newborn’s bloodstream and crosses into brain tissue. The term comes from the German words “kern” (nucleus) and “ikterus” (jaundice), reflecting how bilirubin deposits in the brain’s basal ganglia and brainstem nuclei.
Unlike simple jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes but typically resolves without complications, kernicterus represents acute bilirubin encephalopathy that causes permanent neurological damage. The condition is largely preventable with appropriate medical monitoring and intervention.
Medical Definition: Kernicterus is the chronic and permanent clinical sequelae of bilirubin toxicity. It occurs when unconjugated bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier and damages the basal ganglia, hippocampus, and brainstem nuclei, leading to irreversible neurological impairment.
Understanding Newborn Jaundice and Bilirubin
Approximately 60% of full-term newborns and 80% of premature babies develop some degree of jaundice in the first week of life. Understanding the difference between normal physiologic jaundice and dangerous hyperbilirubinemia is critical for preventing kernicterus.
What Is Bilirubin?
Bilirubin is a yellow-orange compound produced when red blood cells break down naturally. In healthy adults and older children, the liver processes bilirubin and eliminates it through stool. However, newborns have several factors that can lead to elevated bilirubin:
- Higher red blood cell turnover – Newborns have more red blood cells than needed after birth, leading to increased breakdown
- Immature liver function – A newborn’s liver may not yet efficiently process bilirubin
- Intestinal reabsorption – Bilirubin in the intestines can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream rather than eliminated
Types of Newborn Jaundice
Physiologic Jaundice
Timeline: Appears day 2-3, peaks day 3-5, resolves by 2 weeks
Bilirubin levels: Usually below 15 mg/dL
Risk: Low risk, self-resolving
Treatment: Typically none needed, monitoring only
Pathologic Jaundice
Timeline: Appears within 24 hours of birth, or persists beyond 2-3 weeks
Bilirubin levels: Can rapidly exceed 20-25 mg/dL
Risk: High risk for kernicterus if untreated
Treatment: Requires immediate medical intervention
What Bilirubin Level Causes Kernicterus?
The exact bilirubin threshold for kernicterus varies based on individual risk factors, but medical guidelines provide clear intervention points. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kernicterus risk increases significantly at these levels:
| Bilirubin Level | Risk Category | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Below 12 mg/dL | Low risk (physiologic) | Routine monitoring |
| 12-15 mg/dL | Moderate concern | Increased monitoring, consider phototherapy |
| 15-20 mg/dL | High risk | Phototherapy recommended |
| 20-25 mg/dL | Critical risk | Intensive phototherapy, possible exchange transfusion |
| Above 25 mg/dL | Extreme risk | Emergency exchange transfusion required |
However, kernicterus has been reported at levels as low as 20 mg/dL in babies with additional risk factors. Medical professionals must consider total serum bilirubin (TSB) in context with the baby’s age in hours, gestational age, and risk factors.
Critical Timing: Bilirubin levels can rise rapidly in the first 72 hours of life. A level that seems “safe” at 24 hours may become dangerous by 48-72 hours if not properly monitored. This is why routine follow-up after hospital discharge is essential.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Kernicterus
Kernicterus develops in stages, with early recognition providing the best opportunity to prevent permanent brain damage. Parents and medical professionals should watch for these warning signs:
Early Phase (First Days of Life)
- Extreme jaundice (deep yellow or orange coloring of skin and eyes)
- Poor feeding or difficulty sucking
- Extreme sleepiness or lethargy
- Weak or absent reflexes
- Poor muscle tone (baby feels “floppy”)
- High-pitched crying
Intermediate Phase (Mid-First Week)
- High-pitched, inconsolable crying
- Arching of the neck and back (opisthotonus)
- Fever
- Increased muscle tone (stiffness)
- Seizures
- Bulging fontanelle (soft spot)
Late Phase (Chronic Kernicterus – Beyond First Weeks)
If kernicterus is not successfully treated in the acute phase, permanent complications develop:
- Athetoid cerebral palsy – Involuntary writhing movements, particularly affecting arms and hands
- Hearing loss or deafness – Damage to auditory pathways in the brainstem
- Upward gaze palsy – Inability to look upward
- Dental enamel dysplasia – Abnormal tooth enamel development
- Intellectual disabilities – Ranging from mild to severe
- Developmental delays – Motor and cognitive delays
Emergency Warning: If your newborn shows signs of severe jaundice combined with extreme sleepiness, poor feeding, high-pitched crying, or body arching, seek immediate emergency medical care. These symptoms may indicate acute bilirubin encephalopathy requiring urgent treatment to prevent permanent brain damage.
Risk Factors for Kernicterus
While any newborn can develop jaundice, certain factors significantly increase the risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus:
Major Risk Factors
- Prematurity – Babies born before 37 weeks
- Blood type incompatibility – ABO or Rh incompatibility between mother and baby
- G6PD deficiency – Genetic enzyme deficiency causing red blood cell breakdown
- Cephalohematoma or bruising – Birth trauma causing blood breakdown
- East Asian or Mediterranean ancestry – Higher genetic predisposition
- Family history – Sibling with severe jaundice or kernicterus
Additional Risk Factors
- Exclusive breastfeeding – If associated with poor feeding or dehydration
- Male gender – Males have slightly higher risk
- Maternal diabetes – Can affect newborn bilirubin processing
- Delayed cord clamping – Can increase red blood cell mass
- Early discharge – Leaving hospital before 72 hours without follow-up
- Previous child with jaundice – Increases risk in subsequent pregnancies
How Is Kernicterus Diagnosed?
Preventing kernicterus requires systematic screening and monitoring of all newborns. Standard diagnostic approaches include:
Universal Bilirubin Screening
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns be assessed for jaundice risk before hospital discharge. This includes:
- Transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) – Non-invasive skin measurement device
- Total serum bilirubin (TSB) – Blood test for accurate measurement
- Bilirubin nomogram – Plotting bilirubin level against baby’s age in hours to assess risk trajectory
Risk Assessment Tools
Medical professionals should use the Bhutani nomogram or similar tools that account for:
- Baby’s age in hours (not days)
- Gestational age at birth
- Presence of risk factors
- Rate of bilirubin rise
Required Follow-Up
According to medical standards of care, newborns should have:
- Bilirubin assessment within 24 hours of discharge if leaving hospital before 48 hours
- Follow-up visit within 3-5 days for all newborns
- Earlier and more frequent monitoring for high-risk babies
Standard of Care in New York: New York hospitals are required to perform universal bilirubin screening on all newborns and provide discharge instructions that include warning signs of severe jaundice and clear follow-up plans. Failure to follow these protocols may constitute medical negligence.
Treatment Options for Severe Jaundice
When bilirubin levels reach concerning thresholds, prompt treatment can prevent kernicterus. The main treatment modalities include:
Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Phototherapy is the first-line treatment for significant hyperbilirubinemia:
- How it works: Special blue light (wavelength 460-490 nm) converts bilirubin in the skin to a form that can be easily eliminated
- When used: Typically started when bilirubin exceeds 15-18 mg/dL (varies by risk factors)
- Administration: Baby is placed under bili lights, often continuously, with eyes protected
- Effectiveness: Can reduce bilirubin by 1-2 mg/dL per hour
- Duration: Continued until bilirubin falls to safe levels, typically 24-48 hours
Exchange Transfusion
For critically high bilirubin levels or when phototherapy fails, exchange transfusion is performed:
- Procedure: Baby’s blood is gradually removed and replaced with donor blood
- When used: Emergency intervention when bilirubin exceeds 25 mg/dL or shows signs of acute encephalopathy
- Effectiveness: Can reduce bilirubin by 50% in a single procedure
- Risks: Carries risks of infection, electrolyte imbalance, and blood reactions, but necessary when kernicterus is imminent
Supportive Care
- Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake (breast milk or formula)
- Frequent feeding: Every 2-3 hours to promote bilirubin elimination through stool
- Monitoring: Frequent bilirubin measurements to track treatment response
Prevention Success: When properly monitored and treated, severe jaundice rarely progresses to kernicterus. The condition is preventable in nearly all cases with appropriate medical care, which is why failures in screening, diagnosis, or treatment may constitute medical malpractice.
Long-Term Effects and Disabilities from Kernicterus
Children who develop kernicterus face lifelong challenges. The specific disabilities depend on which brain regions sustained damage, but common long-term effects include:
Movement Disorders
- Athetoid (dyskinetic) cerebral palsy – The most common kernicterus-related disability, characterized by slow, writhing involuntary movements
- Dystonia – Sustained muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements
- Spasticity – Increased muscle tone and stiffness
- Coordination problems – Difficulty with fine and gross motor skills
Sensory Impairments
- Sensorineural hearing loss – Ranges from mild to profound deafness due to auditory nerve damage
- Auditory processing disorders – Difficulty understanding speech even with normal hearing thresholds
- Visual impairments – Including upward gaze paralysis
Cognitive and Developmental Impact
- Intellectual disabilities (severity varies widely)
- Speech and language delays
- Learning disabilities
- Attention and behavioral challenges
Other Medical Complications
- Dental enamel defects requiring extensive dental care
- Seizure disorders in some cases
- Sleep disturbances
- Feeding difficulties
The extent of disability varies considerably among kernicterus survivors. Some children have mild motor impairments with normal intelligence, while others require lifelong comprehensive care. Early intervention services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help maximize development and function.
Medical Malpractice in Kernicterus Cases
Kernicterus is considered a “never event” in modern medicine – a preventable adverse outcome that should not occur with appropriate care. When kernicterus does occur, it often involves failures in the standard of care at multiple points:
Common Forms of Medical Negligence
Screening Failures
- Failure to perform universal bilirubin screening before discharge
- Not using transcutaneous or serum bilirubin measurements
- Ignoring visible jaundice without objective assessment
- Failing to plot bilirubin on hour-specific nomogram
Risk Assessment Failures
- Not identifying known risk factors (prematurity, blood incompatibility, G6PD deficiency)
- Inadequate risk stratification before discharge
- Failing to adjust monitoring plans for high-risk infants
- Discharging baby too early without adequate follow-up plan
Monitoring Failures
- Not scheduling appropriate follow-up appointments
- Failing to respond to parents’ concerns about jaundice
- Inadequate instructions to parents about warning signs
- Delayed or absent follow-up bilirubin testing
Treatment Failures
- Delayed initiation of phototherapy despite high levels
- Using inadequate phototherapy equipment or duration
- Failing to escalate to exchange transfusion when indicated
- Not treating underlying causes (infection, hemolysis)
Standard of Care Requirements
New York medical professionals are expected to follow established clinical guidelines, including:
- AAP Guidelines: American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guideline for management of hyperbilirubinemia
- Universal screening: All newborns assessed for jaundice risk before discharge
- Hour-specific management: Treatment decisions based on bilirubin level AND baby’s age in hours
- Risk-based follow-up: Higher-risk infants require earlier and more frequent monitoring
- Parent education: Clear discharge instructions about jaundice warning signs and when to seek care
Documentation Matters: In kernicterus malpractice cases, medical records are crucial. Look for documentation (or lack thereof) showing bilirubin levels, risk assessments, follow-up plans, and parent education. Gaps in documentation may indicate gaps in care.
Legal Rights for Kernicterus Victims in New York
If your child developed kernicterus due to medical negligence in New York, you have legal rights to pursue compensation for the preventable injury. Understanding the legal process is essential:
Elements of a Kernicterus Malpractice Claim
To succeed in a medical malpractice case in New York, you must prove four elements:
- Duty of care: The healthcare provider had a professional obligation to your child
- Breach of duty: The provider failed to meet accepted medical standards (failed to screen, monitor, or treat appropriately)
- Causation: The breach directly caused or contributed to the kernicterus and resulting brain damage
- Damages: Your child suffered actual harm requiring medical care, therapy, and ongoing support
Who May Be Liable?
Potential defendants in a kernicterus case may include:
- Obstetricians and pediatricians – Doctors responsible for prenatal care, delivery, and newborn care
- Nurses and nursing staff – Hospital staff who monitor and care for newborns
- Hospitals and birthing centers – Facilities responsible for implementing screening protocols and ensuring adequate staffing
- Laboratories – Labs that perform bilirubin testing and report results
- Primary care physicians – Doctors providing follow-up care after hospital discharge
Types of Compensation Available
Families may recover various forms of damages in a successful kernicterus claim:
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Past Medical Expenses | Costs already incurred for treatment | Hospital stays, emergency care, diagnostic testing, initial therapies |
| Future Medical Expenses | Anticipated lifetime medical costs | Ongoing therapy (PT, OT, speech), adaptive equipment, medications, surgeries, attendant care |
| Lost Earning Capacity | Child’s reduced ability to work as an adult | Economic impact of disabilities limiting future employment opportunities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional distress | Child’s pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Parental Claims | Parents’ losses and expenses | Lost wages for caregiving, emotional distress, loss of services |
Kernicterus cases often result in substantial settlements or verdicts due to the severity and permanence of the injuries. Life care plans prepared by medical experts project the lifetime costs of care, which can reach millions of dollars for severely affected children.
Statute of Limitations for Kernicterus Claims in New York
New York has specific time limits for filing medical malpractice lawsuits. Understanding these deadlines is critical to protecting your legal rights.
Standard Time Limits
Under New York CPLR §214-a, medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within:
- 2.5 years from the date of the malpractice, OR
- 2.5 years from the end of continuous treatment by the same provider for the same condition
Special Rules for Children (Infancy Toll)
New York provides extended time for claims involving children under age 18:
- For children under 10: The statute of limitations is “tolled” (paused) until the child’s 10th birthday. The claim must be filed by the child’s 10th birthday or within 2.5 years of the malpractice, whichever is longer.
- For children over 10: The standard 2.5-year statute applies from the date of malpractice
Practical Timeline Example
If a baby develops kernicterus in May 2023 due to medical negligence:
- Without the infancy toll, the deadline would be November 2025 (2.5 years later)
- With the infancy toll for a child, the lawsuit could be filed anytime up to the child’s 10th birthday (May 2033)
Don’t Wait: While New York law provides extended time for children’s cases, waiting too long can harm your case. Medical records may be lost or destroyed, witnesses’ memories fade, and healthcare providers may relocate. Additionally, medical malpractice cases require extensive investigation and expert review before filing. Consult an attorney as soon as you suspect negligence.
Certificate of Merit Requirement
New York requires medical malpractice plaintiffs to file a “Certificate of Merit” with the complaint, confirming that a qualified medical expert has reviewed the case and found reasonable grounds for the lawsuit. This requirement makes early consultation with an experienced attorney essential.
Building a Strong Kernicterus Case
Kernicterus cases are medically and legally complex, requiring substantial evidence and expert testimony. Key components of a strong case include:
Medical Records and Evidence
- Prenatal records – Showing risk factors like blood type incompatibility or maternal diabetes
- Labor and delivery records – Documenting birth trauma, complications, or prolonged labor
- Newborn hospital records – Including all bilirubin test results, screening notes, and discharge instructions
- Follow-up visit notes – Records from pediatrician visits after hospital discharge
- Emergency room records – If child was brought in for severe jaundice or symptoms
- Treatment records – Documentation of phototherapy, exchange transfusion, or other interventions
- Neuroimaging studies – MRI showing characteristic kernicterus brain damage patterns
- Hearing tests and developmental assessments – Documenting the extent of injury
Expert Testimony
Medical malpractice cases require testimony from qualified experts who can explain:
- Neonatology experts – Testifying about standard of care for newborn jaundice management
- Pediatric neurologists – Explaining the mechanism and consequences of kernicterus
- Life care planners – Projecting lifetime medical needs and costs
- Economic experts – Calculating lost earning capacity and economic impact
- Vocational experts – Assessing impact on future employment abilities
Proving Causation
Your attorney must demonstrate that:
- The child’s bilirubin reached dangerous levels
- Healthcare providers knew or should have known about the risk
- Proper screening, monitoring, or treatment would have prevented kernicterus
- The delay or failure in care directly caused the brain damage
- The child’s current disabilities are consistent with kernicterus injury
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between jaundice and kernicterus?
Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin in the blood. Most newborn jaundice is mild and harmless, resolving without treatment or complications. Kernicterus is a severe form of brain damage that occurs when bilirubin levels become extremely high and toxic bilirubin crosses into brain tissue, causing permanent neurological injury. Jaundice is the visible symptom; kernicterus is the catastrophic complication of untreated severe jaundice.
Can jaundice cause permanent brain damage?
Yes, when jaundice becomes severe (with bilirubin levels typically exceeding 20-25 mg/dL) and is left untreated, it can cause permanent brain damage called kernicterus. However, most newborn jaundice does not reach dangerous levels and does not cause brain damage. The risk exists primarily when severe jaundice is not properly identified, monitored, or treated through phototherapy or exchange transfusion.
Is kernicterus preventable?
Yes, kernicterus is almost entirely preventable with appropriate medical care. Prevention strategies include universal bilirubin screening of all newborns, risk assessment before hospital discharge, proper follow-up care, timely phototherapy when levels are elevated, and exchange transfusion for critically high levels. When these established medical protocols are followed, kernicterus should not occur. Cases of kernicterus today often reflect failures in the standard of care.
What are the first symptoms parents notice with kernicterus?
Early warning signs that parents may notice include severe yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking the baby for feeding, poor feeding or weak sucking, a high-pitched or unusual cry, and decreased muscle tone (baby feels limp or “floppy”). As kernicterus progresses, symptoms worsen to include inconsolable crying, arching of the back and neck, fever, and seizures. Any of these symptoms in a jaundiced newborn requires immediate medical evaluation.
How long does it take for kernicterus to develop?
Kernicterus typically develops in the first week of life, most commonly between days 3-7 when bilirubin levels peak. However, the timeline varies based on individual factors. Bilirubin can rise rapidly in the first 48-72 hours, particularly in premature babies or those with risk factors like blood type incompatibility. In some cases, bilirubin levels that appear safe at hospital discharge (day 1-2) can climb to dangerous levels by days 3-5 if not properly monitored, which is why follow-up care is critical.
What disabilities does kernicterus cause?
Kernicterus causes permanent neurological disabilities that vary in severity but commonly include athetoid cerebral palsy (involuntary writhing movements), hearing loss or deafness, difficulty looking upward (upward gaze palsy), dental enamel problems, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays in speech and motor skills. The specific disabilities depend on which areas of the brain were damaged. Some children have primarily motor impairments with normal intelligence, while others have severe cognitive and physical disabilities requiring lifelong care.
Can you sue for kernicterus in New York?
Yes, if your child developed kernicterus due to medical negligence—such as failure to properly screen, monitor, or treat dangerous bilirubin levels—you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit in New York. Kernicterus is considered a preventable “never event,” and cases often involve clear failures to follow established standards of care. Successful claims can result in substantial compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and lifetime care needs.
How long do I have to file a kernicterus lawsuit in New York?
In New York, medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within 2.5 years from the date of malpractice. However, for children, the statute of limitations is “tolled” (paused) until the child’s 10th birthday. This means you must file by the child’s 10th birthday or within 2.5 years of the malpractice, whichever period is longer. Despite this extended time, it’s advisable to consult an attorney promptly, as building a strong case requires extensive investigation and expert review.
What is the standard of care for preventing kernicterus?
The medical standard of care for preventing kernicterus includes: (1) universal bilirubin screening of all newborns before hospital discharge using transcutaneous or blood testing, (2) assessment of risk factors including prematurity, blood type incompatibility, and feeding issues, (3) plotting bilirubin levels on hour-specific nomograms to assess risk trajectory, (4) providing clear discharge instructions with warning signs and follow-up plans, (5) ensuring appropriate follow-up within 24-72 hours for at-risk infants, (6) prompt initiation of phototherapy when bilirubin exceeds treatment thresholds, and (7) emergency exchange transfusion for critically elevated levels. Failure to follow these protocols may constitute negligence.
What is a life care plan in a kernicterus case?
A life care plan is a comprehensive document prepared by medical experts that projects all future medical needs and associated costs for a child with kernicterus over their lifetime. It includes ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, speech), medical equipment (wheelchairs, adaptive devices), medications, surgeries, home modifications, attendant care, educational support, and other necessary services. Life care plans are critical in kernicterus cases because they demonstrate the full economic impact of the injury, often totaling millions of dollars, and help ensure adequate compensation to meet the child’s lifetime needs.
Moving Forward After a Kernicterus Diagnosis
Learning that your child has kernicterus is devastating. While the condition cannot be reversed, understanding your legal rights and securing appropriate resources can make a significant difference in your child’s quality of life and your family’s ability to provide necessary care.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Obtain complete medical records – Request copies of all prenatal, labor, delivery, newborn, and follow-up medical records
- Document your child’s condition – Keep detailed records of diagnoses, therapies, medical appointments, and developmental milestones
- Preserve evidence – Save discharge instructions, appointment cards, and any communications with healthcare providers
- Consult specialists – Ensure your child is evaluated by pediatric neurologists, audiologists, and developmental specialists
- Start early intervention – Enroll in available early intervention programs, which can significantly improve outcomes
- Seek legal consultation – Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney who handles birth injury cases
Resources for Families
- Early Intervention Program (EIP) – New York State provides free or low-cost developmental services for children under age 3
- Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) – Services for children ages 3-5
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP) – Special education services in public schools
- Support groups – Connecting with other families affected by kernicterus can provide emotional support and practical advice
You’re Not Alone: Thousands of families in New York and across the country are raising children with kernicterus and other birth injuries. Support networks, advocacy organizations, and experienced legal professionals can help you navigate the medical, educational, and legal systems to secure the best possible future for your child.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Kernicterus medical malpractice cases are among the most complex in personal injury law. They require:
- Medical expertise – Understanding neonatology, bilirubin metabolism, brain development, and treatment protocols
- Legal knowledge – Navigating New York medical malpractice laws, statutes of limitations, and procedural requirements
- Expert networks – Access to qualified medical experts willing to testify about standards of care
- Financial resources – Ability to advance substantial costs for expert fees, medical records, life care plans, and trial preparation
- Trial experience – Skills to effectively present complex medical evidence to judges and juries
An experienced birth injury attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, consult with medical experts, calculate the full extent of your damages, negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys, and if necessary, take your case to trial to secure fair compensation.
Connect with a Qualified New York Attorney
If your child developed kernicterus due to possible medical negligence in New York, time is critical. An experienced birth injury attorney can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Conclusion
Kernicterus is a devastating and largely preventable form of brain damage caused by severe newborn jaundice. With proper medical screening, monitoring, and treatment, bilirubin levels can be controlled before they reach dangerous thresholds that cause permanent neurological injury.
When healthcare providers fail to follow established standards of care—whether through inadequate screening, delayed treatment, or failure to recognize warning signs—the consequences for affected children and their families are profound and lifelong. Children with kernicterus face challenges including cerebral palsy, hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, and the need for extensive ongoing medical care and support.
If your child developed kernicterus, understanding both the medical and legal aspects of this condition is essential. The law provides pathways to hold negligent providers accountable and secure compensation that can fund necessary therapies, equipment, care, and support throughout your child’s life.
While no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused by kernicterus, a successful legal claim can ensure your child has access to the best available medical care, therapies, and resources to reach their full potential. It can also promote accountability in the medical system and potentially prevent similar injuries to other families.
New York families affected by kernicterus deserve answers, support, and justice. Consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney is an important step toward understanding your rights and securing your child’s future.
