Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is a leading cause of death for babies between the ages of one month to one year old. According to recent studies, 2,500 babies die from SIDS each year. The most alarming part of this condition is that it usually occurs without warning or sudden symptoms. Despite years and years of research, very few explanations have been uncovered for the cause of this devastating syndrome.
There are certain steps a parent, doctor, and nurse can take in order to help prevent SIDS from occurring. When these steps are not taken properly in the nursery or if a doctor gives a mother inaccurate advice (or no advice at all) regarding these recommendations, medical malpractice may have occurred. To discuss your individual case with an experienced attorney, contact an experienced Philadelphia birth injury lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.
Potential Causes of SIDS
The following items may contribute to SIDS in infants:
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs while pregnant
- Poor prenatal care by health care practitioners
- Premature or low birth weight (sometimes caused by other complications)
- Tobacco exposure before or during birth
- Overheating from excessive bedding or pajamas
- Placing the infant on his or her stomach to sleep
- Failure to notice complications or abnormalities during routine check-ups
Doctors who give their patients incorrect advice, or no advice at all, regarding the above guidelines should be held accountable if SIDS results from their negligent behavior. In addition, nurses who take care of newborns should also know of the above tips to make sure they take optimal care of your child. If these precautions are not taken, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the law.
Contact Us
If you lost a child to SIDS and you believe that the negligence of a medical professional may have been a factor, contact a Philadelphia birth injury attorney from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.