Medical Malpractice Cases of Neonatal Hypoglycemia

What is Neonatal Hypoglycemia?

It is the medical term for a newborn suffering low blood sugar – can cause serious complications with brain and heart function. Medical staff have a responsibility to monitor a newborn for signs of this and other conditions. A failure to do so may result in delayed treatment, preventable injury and even death.

You may have grounds for a birth injury claim in Florida relating to medical malpractice if you can prove a doctor’s negligence contributed to your child’s injury. This includes cases where a missed diagnosis, delayed treatment and/or incorrect treatment led to sustained injury. An injury claim or lawsuit can pursue compensation to address your baby’s medical care and therapeutic needs.

The attorneys at Chalik & Chalik pursue fair compensation for families affected by medical negligence. We understand that parents of injured newborns want nothing more than to focus on providing the best possible care for their child. We can handle the legal aspects of your case while you tend to your family’s needs. Call today for a free consultation at (855) 529-0269. You also may contact us using our case evaluation form.

Potential Complications of Neonatal Hypoglycemia

About two out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States will suffer neonatal hypoglycemia, according to the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health at Stanford University School of Medicine. These babies may be at risk of experiencing:

• seizures;
• brain injury;
• heart failure; and
• impaired mental functioning.

At Chalik & Chalik, we work with medical experts to research and investigate your child’s case to determine the full extent of his or her injuries. In this way, we can better construct a claim that addresses the full range of your child’s healthcare needs. For instance, will your child require cognitive therapy to address a brain injury? Will he or she need surgery or extensive hospital care? We will consider all of these questions in the course of building your case.

How does Neonatal Hypoglycemia happen?

Neonatal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar/glucose, occurs within the first few days after delivery. Glucose is an essential energy source and is necessary for proper brain functioning. Some of the potential causes include:

• genetic disorders;
• serious newborn infection;
• premature birth;
• maternal gestational diabetes;
• low birth weight or size;
• delayed intrauterine growth; and
• newborn suffering low thyroid output.

Adequate pre- and post-natal care can identify and address many of these factors. A failure to do so may constitute negligence. There are many signs of the condition, including:

• low body temperature;
• poor muscle control;
• pale skin;
• bluish tint to the skin;
• restlessness;
• apnea or other signs of difficulty breathing;
• shaking;
• sweating; and
• vomiting and trouble eating.

Medical negligence may have occurred if a medical team failed to take note of such symptoms and react with the appropriate treatment. Of course, some infants exhibit no signs of hypoglycemia, so it’s important to discuss and assess the care provided by hospital staff with medical experts.

Help for Your Family after a Serious Birth Injury or Trauma

The Florida birth injury attorneys at Chalik & Chalik can talk to you about your options for pursuing fair compensation to address your child’s needs. Call us at (855) 529-0269 or complete our online evaluation form to schedule a free consultation and discuss options for a claim relating to neonatal hypoglycemia.