Retinopathy of prematurity is a disease that affects premature babies. The condition results from abnormal blood vessels that grow in a child’s retina. These blood vessels cause trouble in a newborn infant’s vision. In some cases, retinopathy of prematurity can lead to a permanent loss of vision.
There are many stages of the condition that doctors and medical professionals will consider when diagnosing a newborn baby. As the National Eye Institute (NEI) points out, the majority of infants who suffer from retinopathy of prematurity have mild cases. These cases often do not require treatment. However, between 400 and 600 infants become legally blind due to retinopathy of prematurity every year in the United States.
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Detecting Retinopathy of Prematurity
Premature babies at risk for retinopathy of prematurity benefit from timely screenings. Your general doctor may notice signs of the condition early on, but in some cases, they may fail to take prompt action. Having your child screened by an ophthalmologist can drastically reduce the chances of retinopathy of prematurity causing permanent vision loss.
When a medical professional fails to accurately detect and diagnose the condition, the situation can quickly take a turn for the worst. If a medical professional failed to address your infant’s retinopathy of prematurity, you may have a legal case on your hands.
A lawyer who focuses on these kinds of cases will help you determine who should be held responsible for your medical bills, treatment programs, and other forms of recoverable damages owed to you.
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Retinopathy of Prematurity Risk Factors
As the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) points out, there are many potential risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity. Research suggests that birth weight and gestational age are the leading risk factors for the condition. Other potential risk factors include the health of the child’s mother, the child’s nutrition, genetic considerations, demographics, and the presence of medical interventions.
If a doctor or nurse performs an intervention during birth that causes the onset or worsening of retinopathy of prematurity, they should be liable for their careless behavior. Some medical professionals may mishandle a newborn baby, which can result in negative outcomes, especially with premature infants.
These kinds of lapses in judgment and care may provide grounds for a medical malpractice case. A lawyer can help you determine your position and defend your rights.
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How a Lawyer Can Defend You
Bringing forth a medical malpractice case can be challenging for many reasons. Healthcare organizations typically have complex insurance policies in place that make it difficult to defend your position alone. When you have a lawyer working with you, they will lend their support in a few key ways.
First, your lawyer will collect detailed pieces of evidence. Evidence is necessary to establish a liable party and hold them accountable for their actions. On top of their investigation, a lawyer will also communicate with any parties involved in your case on your behalf.
Then, your lawyer will examine the extent of your losses and damages. Were your finances negatively impacted by a case of retinopathy of prematurity because of a birth injury or delayed diagnosis? Did your family experience emotional trauma? A lawyer will consider these issues and others as they seek to recover any forms of financial compensation that you may be able to receive.
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Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
Conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity can leave you and your family with some new and unexpected problems. The hardships of a condition that affects your premature baby may leave you feeling helpless. With a lawyer working on your behalf, you can focus on caring for your child and moving on with your life.
A lawyer who takes on birth injury and medical malpractice cases can stand up to defend your legal rights after such an incident. The team at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may lend their assistance in processing the details of your claim.
If we take your case, we will keep you updated as your claim moves forward and communicate with any parties related to your case on your behalf. We will also fight to recover any forms of monetary compensation that may be available for your losses.
For a free case review, call our office today at (800) 222-9529.
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