Georgia families trust Tyrone Law when childbirth does not go as planned. We are Georgia’s only law firm exclusively dedicated to birth injury cases, and we have secured more than $91 million for Georgia families. When a child suffers harm from medical negligence, families face not only overwhelming emotional stress but also significant medical and financial challenges.
One of the most common and preventable dangers during and after childbirth involves bilirubin and the failure of medical professionals to properly monitor and treat high bilirubin levels. If untreated, this condition can cause permanent and devastating injuries. Our attorneys at Tyrone Law are committed to helping parents understand their rights and pursue justice when medical negligence leads to lifelong consequences.
What Is Bilirubin?
Parents often ask, “What is bilirubin?” Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced during the natural breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it from the body through stool. However, newborns often have immature livers that cannot break down bilirubin quickly enough. This can lead to jaundice, a condition where a baby’s skin and eyes appear yellow.
While mild jaundice is common and usually resolves with minimal treatment, dangerously high bilirubin levels—a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia—can cause severe complications if doctors fail to recognize and manage it.
Risks of High Bilirubin in Newborns
Every hospital and pediatric practice in Georgia should be well-equipped to identify and treat jaundice. Standard medical guidelines require doctors and nurses to monitor newborns for signs of rising bilirubin and intervene early. Unfortunately, when these protocols are ignored, the results can be devastating.
Complications of high bilirubin levels include:
- Kernicterus: A rare but serious brain injury caused by untreated jaundice.
- Hearing loss: Elevated bilirubin can damage auditory nerves.
- Cerebral palsy: Permanent neurological damage can occur.
- Developmental delays: Injuries to the brain from bilirubin toxicity may impair learning, speech, and motor skills.
In many cases, these injuries are preventable if doctors and nurses follow proper medical standards. Failing to test, diagnose, and treat high bilirubin in Georgia hospitals may constitute medical malpractice.
How Should Doctors Handle Bilirubin Levels?
Hospitals and pediatricians in Georgia are expected to follow strict guidelines regarding bilirubin. Medical professionals should:
- Test bilirubin levels regularly in newborns, especially those showing signs of jaundice.
- Interpret results accurately and take action if bilirubin levels rise to dangerous levels.
- Administer timely treatments, such as phototherapy (light therapy), which helps break down bilirubin.
- Provide follow-up care to ensure bilirubin does not rebound after treatment.
- Educate parents about what bilirubin is and what warning signs to look for at home.
When these steps are skipped or delayed, children may suffer permanent and preventable harm.
Medical Negligence and High Bilirubin in Georgia
At Tyrone Law, we represent families whose children have been harmed because medical professionals failed to take bilirubin seriously. Negligence may include:
- Failure to order bilirubin tests when jaundice is visible
- Misinterpreting bilirubin levels on a lab report
- Delaying phototherapy or other necessary treatment
- Releasing a baby from the hospital too soon without monitoring
- Ignoring parents’ concerns about yellowing skin, feeding difficulties, or lethargy
If your child suffered harm due to high bilirubin in Georgia, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and pain and suffering.
Why Choose Tyrone Law?
Tyrone Law is Georgia’s most successful childbirth injury law firm. Unlike firms that handle many different practice areas, we focus solely on birth injury law. This dedication allows us to bring unmatched experience, insight, and resources to every case.
- Exclusive focus: We handle only childbirth injury cases.
- Proven results: Over $91 million recovered for Georgia families.
- Compassionate advocacy: We understand the emotional toll and stand beside you every step of the way.
- No cost unless we win: Families never pay unless we recover money on their behalf.
- Our promise is simple: If your child’s injury was preventable, we will fight for your family.
What Compensation Covers
Raising a child with brain damage or disabilities caused by high bilirubin is costly. A lawsuit against the responsible healthcare providers can secure funds to cover:
- Lifetime medical care and rehabilitation
- Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
- Educational support and special programs
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
The goal of pursuing compensation is not only financial security but also accountability for the medical errors that harmed your child.
Our Process: From Consultation to Resolution
At Tyrone Law, we take pride in making the legal process as clear and stress-free as possible for families.
- Free case review: We listen to your story and review medical records at no cost.
- Expert analysis: We work with medical experts to determine if negligence occurred.
- Legal action: If warranted, we file a claim and fight aggressively for your child.
- Resolution: Whether through settlement or trial, our priority is obtaining resources to secure your child’s future.
Families can trust that we will handle their case with the care and attention it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bilirubin
What is bilirubin, and why is it dangerous?
Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. At high levels, it can cross into the brain and cause permanent injury.
Is jaundice always a sign of high bilirubin levels?
Not always. Many newborns develop mild jaundice that resolves naturally. The danger arises when bilirubin rises unchecked and doctors fail to intervene.
How do I know if my child’s high bilirubin in Georgia was due to negligence?
The best way is to consult with an experienced birth injury lawyer who can review medical records and determine whether proper protocols were followed.
Taking Action for Your Child
If your child was harmed by untreated high bilirubin in Georgia, you deserve answers. Hospitals and doctors must be held accountable when preventable errors change the course of a child’s life. Tyrone Law stands ready to fight for you.
Contact Tyrone Law Today
At Tyrone Law, our mission is to help families secure justice and resources after a devastating birth injury. If your child has been diagnosed with injuries linked to high bilirubin levels, contact us immediately.
- We review every case for free.
- We only take your case if we believe it was preventable.
- We fight to secure the money your child will need for a lifetime of care.
Call Tyrone Law today to schedule a free consultation. We are Georgia’s leading childbirth injury law firm, and we are here to fight for your family’s future.
Hayley serves as a Labor and Delivery Nurse Consultant for the Tyrone Law Firm. She attended and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations. After graduation she moved to the gulf coast where she pursued a career in real estate and development.
