Potential Dangers of Low Birth Weight
Low birth weights in newborns can be caused by a number of factors, including substance abuse (most commonly, alcohol or cigarettes), improper prenatal care, STDs, or malnutrition. When a mother gives birth to a baby with this condition, the child may need to be placed in the neonatal intensive care unit for up to four months in order to grow strong and healthy before being exposed to the outside world. During this time, the baby is closely monitored by physicians and nurses who specialize in neonatal care.
Physicians, nurses, and other medical practitioners have a professional responsibility to provide a reasonable standard of care to all patients. This includes babies who are born with a low birth weight. If the hospital does not monitor your baby in a responsible fashion or fails to react to emergency medical situations that your baby may face, medical malpractice may have occurred. To learn if you have grounds for legal action, you should contact a legal professional to discuss the facts of your case. Contact the experienced Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today by calling 215-238-1130.
Low Birth Weight Complications
The following complications may result from a low birth weight:
- Respiratory infections
- Blindness
- Learning disabilities
- Cerebral Palsy
- Heart infections
If these complications occur, medical professionals must respond with appropriate and timely treatment. If they fail to do so, you may be able to bring your claim to court to gain financial compensation. This compensation can help pay for any damages that resulted from the malpractice, including medical bills, costs associated with recovery, and pain and suffering.
Contact Us
To learn more about birth complications and your legal rights, contact the experienced Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.