Jaundice & Kernicterus Attorney in Pierce County
Legal Help for Families Facing Jaundice or Kernicterus in Pierce County, WA
If your baby developed jaundice that progressed to kernicterus, you may be trying to understand what went wrong and how to protect your child’s future. As a jaundice and kernicterus attorney in Pierce County, Schroeter Goldmark & Bender helps families navigate this frightening time.
We know you may feel shocked, guilty, or even blamed for not recognizing the danger of jaundice sooner. In reality, it is the job of medical professionals to monitor newborns and respond when bilirubin levels reach dangerous ranges. Our team has represented families in birth injury cases for more than 50 years, and we can help you understand whether preventable mistakes contributed to your child’s injury.
Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on caring for your baby. We review medical records, explain your options in clear language, and work to pursue compensation that reflects your child’s lifelong needs.
Reach out to us at (206) 208-0318 to schedule a free consultation. Let our compassionate jaundice and kernicterus lawyer in Pierce County, WA, support you and your family.
Kernicterus & Jaundice Birth Injuries
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes that happens when the baby’s body has a buildup of bilirubin. In many cases, jaundice is mild and resolves with simple monitoring and, when needed, treatment. Kernicterus occurs when extremely high bilirubin levels damage a baby’s brain.
Hospitals and pediatric providers are expected to follow established procedures for screening and tracking jaundice. These usually include visual checks, bilirubin testing before discharge, educating parents on warning signs, and arranging timely follow up visits. When bilirubin levels are high or rising, providers may order phototherapy, additional tests, or in severe situations, exchange transfusions.
When these steps are not taken or are delayed, a baby can be left with a preventable brain injury. Our kernicterus lawyer in Pierce County understands the confusion and sometimes anger that can occur in these situations. Let us support you so you can focus on your loved ones.
Signs of Jaundice & Kernicterus
Jaundice and kernicterus are serious medical conditions that can affect newborns, and early recognition is critical.
Jaundice symptoms include:
- Yellow skin
- Yellow whites of the eyes
Kernicterus symptoms include:
- Lack of energy
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Involuntary muscle movements
Kernicterus often progresses in stages. In the early stage, a baby may have difficulty feeding, appear unusually sleepy, or lack a normal startle reflex. The middle stage can involve irritability, a high-pitched cry, and muscle stiffness. In the most advanced stage, symptoms may include no feeding, stiff muscles, and seizures.
If you notice any symptoms that concern you or seem out of the ordinary, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt evaluation and treatment can be critical to protecting your child’s health and preventing long-term complications.
Why Pierce County Families Choose Our Firm
For more than five decades, our team at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender have advocated for families when medical care falls short. Parents across this region, including those whose babies received care in hospitals and clinics that serve Pierce County, can turn to us because we combine long experience with a commitment to compassionate service.
We understand the Washington legal landscape, including how cases typically proceed in courts that handle medical negligence matters for this area. This familiarity helps us navigate procedural steps efficiently and anticipate the arguments medical providers and their insurers may raise.
Every kernicterus and severe jaundice case is different. We take time to understand your child’s medical picture and your family’s priorities, then we shape our legal strategy around those realities. Our jaundice attorney in Pierce County does not apply a one size fits all approach. We work to build a plan that reflects your child’s projected needs for care, support, and quality of life.
Families also choose us because of how we treat them. Facing a birth injury can feel isolating. We strive to provide steady communication, honest guidance, and a support system during a difficult journey. Our work in these cases is driven by a belief in accountability and by a desire to ease the financial burden that can come with a lifelong condition caused by preventable medical errors.
To learn more about how our Pierce County jaundice and kernicterus attorney can support you and your loved ones, schedule a free consultation with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby’s kernicterus was preventable?
You usually need a careful review of medical records to answer this. Our kernicterus attorney in Pierce County can examine your child's medical history. We then compare this to accepted standards of newborn jaundice care and explain our findings in clear, practical terms.
What information should I gather before I call your firm?
Helpful items include discharge papers from the birth hospital, lab results showing bilirubin levels, pediatric visit notes, and any neurology or therapy reports. If you do not have everything, do not worry. We can talk through what you have and suggest reasonable next steps.
How will your attorneys work with my child’s doctors and care team?
We respect your child’s ongoing treatment and relationships with medical providers. Our jaundice lawyer in Pierce County focus on obtaining necessary records and information, and when appropriate, communicating through proper legal and professional channels. Our aim is to understand the medical picture while allowing your child’s care to continue smoothly.
