Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are specialized areas in hospitals designed to care for premature and severely ill newborns. Unfortunately, despite the advanced care provided in this area, there are still risks and potential causes of injuries.
Uncovering injury sources
Below are common causes of injuries in NICUs:
- Failure to treat infections: Newborns have immature immune systems, so they are at a higher risk for infections. This error can result from not recognizing the signs promptly, delayed administration of appropriate antibiotics.
- Ventilation errors: Premature infants often require assistance with breathing since their lungs are not fully developed yet. Incorrect settings on ventilator machines, improper intubation or prolonged use of ventilation can lead to injuries.
- Medication errors: This can be due to incorrect dosage, wrong medication or staff administering medication at incorrect times.
- Feeding tube errors: These can include incorrect placement of the tube, leading to feeding into the lungs instead of the stomach or infections related to poor tube maintenance.
- Failure to treat seizures: Seizures in newborns can be due to various causes including lack of oxygen, blood sugar imbalances and infections. When NICU staff fails to address them promptly, it can lead to further complications.
Preventing NICU injuries relies heavily on stringent protocols, well-trained staff and continuous monitoring of the infants and the equipment used in their care. Otherwise, the hospital and medical staff may be liable for medical malpractice.
A remedy for victims and their families
If your child has suffered injuries in the NICU, it is important to take measured and informed steps. Consulting with a legal representative who specializes in medical malpractice and birth injuries can guide you on how to proceed while ensuring your child’s rights and well-being are protected.