While many cases of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) result in relatively minor side effects, this condition can cause life-altering consequences. No child should have to deal with deformities, disabilities, or blindness, especially when their condition occurred because of medical negligence. If your child has received an ROP diagnosis because of a doctor’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.
Our attorneys will not stand by as innocent families suffer at the hands of negligent medical professionals. If you retain a retinopathy of prematurity lawyer at our firm, we can be there to help you seek justice. Our attorneys will handle your legal proceedings while you focus on what truly matters during a time like this: your family and your healing process.
To get started with your free consultation, contact a representative at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529.
Understanding Retinopathy of Prematurity
Here at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we know that ROP is a relatively rare medical condition, so the odds of it naturally occurring in your child are slim. In fact, research from the National Eye Institute (NEI) shows just how uncommon this condition is:
- Out of the 3.9 million infants that are born every year in America, only around 15,000 suffer some form of ROP.
- While 90% of ROP cases are mild, between 1,100 and 1,500 infants will experience severe ROP.
- Severe ROP causes roughly 400 to 600 infants to become legally blind every year.
Common Causes of Retinopathy of Prematurity
ROP is a condition that affects the blood vessels in a baby’s eyes. When blood vessels expand and spread into the retina, the surrounding tissue may become scarred or detached. The medical community is still uncertain about the exact cause of ROP.
Overall, the condition is most common among premature babies. The more premature the child is, the more at risk they are for ROP. Other potential risk factors for ROP include the following:
- Stunted development in the womb and low birth weight
- Infections potentially from injuries during birth
- Lack of vital nutrients
- Anemia
- Respiratory distress
- Blood transfusions
In some cases, medical professionals may be responsible for the development of ROP, either through their actions or inaction. Infants are vulnerable during pregnancy and throughout the birthing process. As such, medical professionals need to closely monitor both mother and child so they can identify and treat any health concerns before they lead to irreversible damage.
Retinopathy of Prematurity Can Cause Serious Complications
When left untreated, ROP can lead to severe vision problems, nerve damage, and disfigurements. The following are potential complications of ROP:
- Retinal detachment
- Blindness
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
- “Lazy eyes” (amblyopia)
- Glaucoma, which may cause severe discoloration, chronic pain, and vision loss
Retinopathy of Prematurity Treatments
According to studies from Stanford Children’s Health, most minor ROP cases will go away on their own as long as the child receives regular medical checkups. However, serious cases of ROP may require cryotherapy or injections.
If the condition progresses and the retina becomes detached, surgery may be necessary. There are two main types of surgery doctors use to treat ROP:
- Vitrectomy: This involves removing fluids from the eyeball, giving easier access to the back of the eye. The surgeon then injects a substance to hold the retina in place.
- Scleral buckling: The surgeon secures the eye with a band, which gradually pushes the retina back in place.
Seeking Damages for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Your family may be eligible for a variety of damages based on your child’s diagnosis. In most birth injury cases, you can seek compensation for physical, mental, and financial suffering. Examples of recoverable damages include the following:
- The cost of medical treatment, including past treatments, ongoing care, and future needs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Accommodations for permanent disabilities, which may include medical devices, physical therapy, specialized transportation services, and more
- Mental anguish, which encompasses the psychological effects of bullying, lowered self-esteem, damaged relationships with family members, and more
- Loss of income and diminished earning capacity
If you feel uncertain or overwhelmed about seeking damages, a retinopathy of prematurity lawyer at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you calculate your economic and non-economic damages. If you choose our firm, we will determine an appropriate level of financial compensation to seek based on the given evidence. You do not have to go through this alone.
To learn more about recoverable damages, contact a representative at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529 to receive your free consultation.
Birth Injury Lawyers Fighting for Retinopathy of Prematurity Victims
Here at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we know you may feel apprehensive about taking legal action in these uncertain times. Above all else, we want to give you a newfound sense of hope. Our attorneys will carefully review your case so we can help you better understand the road ahead and build a case that supports your right to damages.
With a retinopathy of prematurity lawyer in your corner, you can rest assured that we are fighting for your rights every step of the way. As you consider your legal options, you should keep in mind that every state has a different statute of limitations on filing medical malpractice claims. To remain eligible for damages, you must file your claim within a specific amount of time.
For more information about our legal services at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, contact our team today at (800) 222-9529. When you call, we can get started with your free case review and consultation.