New Jersey Newborn Respiratory Distress Syndrome Attorneys
Advocating for Medical Malpractice Victims and their Families
In newborns, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs when there is not sufficient production of surfactant in structurally immature lungs. RDS in newborns is most closely associated with cases involving premature birth. However, there is also information to indicate an increased risk in pregnancies where the expectant mother has diabetes, there is a family history of respiratory distress syndrome, or a cesarean section is performed without labor. It is the responsibility of the doctors and staff to be aware of any medical history or special circumstances that increase the likelihood of newborn respiratory distress syndrome and to take appropriate action when they arise. In the case of a diabetic mother, for example, glucocorticoid treatment can greatly reduce the chances of newborn respiratory distress syndrome. Overall, any failure in the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of newborn respiratory distress syndrome may provide grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Fronzuto Law Group is a team of highly experienced New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys who regularly advocate on behalf of children, mothers, and families who have suffered harm as a result of medical negligence. With a firm dedicated to medical malpractice, we have the knowledge and resources to take on the most complex cases of neonatal and pediatric malpractice, as well as birth injuries and obstetrician negligence. Our profound commitment to providing compassion and support to our clients is coupled with a zealous pursuit of maximum compensation on their behalf. When we take your case, we work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances and construct a compelling, evidence-based strategy in order to obtain comprehensive damages. If you believe you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim, contact our North Jersey offices today at 973-435-4551 (toll free at 888-409-0816). You may also contact our law firm online. We always provide initial consultations free of charge.
Failure to Diagnose or Treat Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome in New Jersey
What is Newborn RDS?
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is a serious condition that most often occurs in premature babies, particularly those born before reaching 37 to 39 weeks of gestation. In fact, the more premature the infant is, the higher the risk that he or she will suffer from infant RDS. Generally, newborn RDS occurs because an infant’s lungs have not fully developed. In order for the lungs to inflate completely, the air sacs in the lungs must not deflate. When the lungs are underdeveloped, they are lacking an essential substance called surfactant, which prevents the air sacs from deflating. In addition to being premature, other risk factors for newborn respiratory distress syndrome include: gestational diabetes in the mother, a family history of RDS, inducing labor before the fetus is full-term, premature Cesarean delivery, lack of oxygen during labor, multiple pregnancy (i.e. twins, triplets, etc.), and a delivery that occurs very quickly.
Symptoms of Infant RDS
If a child is suffering from infant respiratory distress syndrome, he or she may demonstrate one or more of the following symptoms:
- Rapid breathing
- Shallow breathing
- Labored breathing or shortness of breath
- Blue-tinted skin (cyanosis)
- Momentary pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Decreased urine output
- Flaring of the nostrils
Complications of Newborn RDS
Misdiagnosed or untreated infant RDS can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Bleeding in lungs
- Brain hemorrhage
- Blood clots
- Developmental deficiencies
- Vision problems or blindness
Lack of oxygen to the brain from newborn respiratory distress syndrome can result in severe brain injury and permanent brain damage.
Contact Our New Jersey Infant Respiratory Distress Lawyers for Answers
At Fronzuto Law Group, our attorneys represent infant RDS victims who suffer long-term injuries and complications due to medical negligence. We have extensive experience in these matters, and you can rely on us to do everything in our power to see that the medical professionals and the facilities that employ them are held fully accountable for the harm they have caused. For additional information, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation about your potential newborn respiratory distress syndrome claim: 973-435-455.
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