CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE LAWYER

Neonatal Hypoglycaemia

For most adults a low blood sugar level is unusual, as the human body is normally able to maintain glucose levels however there are some conditions which can cause a problem keeping glucose levels constant. This condition in a newborn is known as neonatal hypoglycaemia and is a relatively uncommon condition that a doctor or indeed a clinical negligence lawyer will encounter rarely.

Newborn Baby

The newborn baby has a sensitive body that has not yet learned to properly adapt to an ever changing inflow of glucose. While within the womb, a baby has a near constant level of glucose thanks to the mother and her body working to sustain the child. Once born, the child must fend for itself indirectly via breast feeding. In this way, the supply of glucose is suddenly irregular for the first time and this can cause difficulties.

Low Blood Sugar

In most cases, a baby can adapt to this irregularity fairly quickly and there are no persistent problems involved. Some infants unfortunately do have problems and are at risk of developing a low level of blood sugar that can be dangerous if not properly dealt with. This level must be monitored with great care for a while after birth in order to avoid this kind of problem developing. If this potential risk is undetected and the baby does suffer from neonatal hypoglycaemia then the health worker responsible has failed in their duty of care to that baby and to the parents and any ensuing injury can result in a clinical negligence lawyer taking successful legal action for damages.

Risk Factors

There are several key factors that can contribute to the risk of this condition developing in a newborn baby. Things to watch out for, even as a lay-person, are a premature birth, some type of illness, a low birth weight, hypothermia, a diabetic mother or even asphyxia at birth. These contributing factors, especially if more than one is experienced, can be a warning sign that blood sugar levels should be especially well monitored in the days after birth. Although medicine is an exact science, there is still much disagreement over exactly what blood sugar level in a newborn baby should be considered normal or ‘expected’. It is however normal for the levels to change often in the newborn.

Legal Aid

Neonatal hypoglycaemia can have very serious consequences and a claim for damages by a clinical negligence lawyer can be substantial. Almost all children will be eligible for legal aid as it is the child’s and not the parent’s income and assets that are taken into account when assessing any parental contribution by the Legal Services Commission. Almost all children will receive ‘free’ legal aid with no parental contribution. All of our solicitors are members of the Law Society panel of clinical negligence experts and are franchised to make an immediate application for legal aid.

Free Legal Advice

If you feel you or your child have been the victim of this type of negligence or misconduct then it is vital that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our specialists have dedicated their working lives to this field of law and you can find no better support for your situation. We can tell you whether or not you have a valid claim for negligence and how much we feel your case might be worth and can advise you on what your options are for going forward. There is never any obligation to use our service so why not take advantage of some expert advice today?