Situations Leading to the Need for a G-Tube
Neurological Disorders or Brain Injury
- What It Is: Birth injuries that affect the brain, such as cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation or trauma, can lead to difficulties with sucking, swallowing, and feeding.
- Impact: Babies with impaired ability to coordinate swallowing may be at risk of aspiration (food entering the lungs), requiring a G-tube for safe feeding.
Complications during delivery can have long-term effects on a newborn's ability to breathe and eat independently. However, with timely interventions like ventilators and G-tubes, medical teams can help babies overcome these early challenges and support their growth and development. Parents whose babies have been admitted to the NICU or require the use of a ventilator or G-tube may want to contact a lawyer to explore potential legal issues related to their baby’s care, delivery, or underlying conditions.
Here are some reasons why consulting with an lawyer might be beneficial:
- Medical Malpractice Concerns
- Reason for Contacting a Lawyer: If there were complications during labor and delivery or issues with the baby's medical care that led to NICU admission or the need for life-saving interventions, it could be due to negligence by healthcare professionals. Examples include failure to monitor fetal distress, delayed delivery, mismanagement of labor, improper use of medical devices, or failure to diagnose infection.
- Legal Assistance Provided: A lawyer specializing in medical malpractice can help investigate the circumstances surrounding your baby’s birth and care. They may review medical records, consult with medical experts, and assess whether your baby's injuries or condition were preventable and caused by medical negligence.
- Birth Injury Cases
- Reason for Contacting a Lawyer: In cases where a baby suffers a birth injury due to errors during delivery, such as oxygen deprivation, physical trauma, or improper use of delivery instruments, parents may have grounds to pursue a claim for compensation.
- Legal Assistance Provided: An attorney can work to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation to cover the baby's medical expenses, long-term care, therapies, and other costs. This can be critical if your child requires ongoing medical care or special services.
- Insurance and Medical Costs Disputes
- Reason for Contacting a Lawyer: NICU stays, surgeries, and specialized care for ventilators or G-tubes can result in enormous medical bills. Insurance companies may deny coverage for certain treatments or provide inadequate reimbursement, creating financial strain for families.
- Legal Assistance Provided: An attorney can advocate on your behalf with insurance companies, contesting denied claims or fighting for proper reimbursement to ensure you’re not burdened with overwhelming costs.
- Accessing Resources and Services
- Reason for Contacting a Lawyer: Parents of medically fragile children may need access to specific support services, government programs, and educational accommodations. Navigating these systems can be complex.
- Legal Assistance Provided: An lawyer familiar with healthcare law and children’s rights can guide you through applications, appeals, and ensuring that your baby receives the care and support they need.
- Planning for Long-Term Care and Needs
- Reason for Contacting a Lawyer: If your baby's condition may lead to lifelong challenges or disabilities, you may need legal assistance to plan for their future care, education, and support
- Legal Assistance Provided: A lawyer can help you establish trusts, navigate special education rights, and secure disability benefits to provide a stable and supportive future for your child
Consulting a lawyers about these issues can provide peace of mind and hold responsible parties accountable. Talk with our team today to discuss your options.
