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New York Periventricular Leukomalacia Lawyer

Periventricular leukomalacia is a birth injury characterized by damage to the white matter in the top section of the brain dying around the lateral ventricles, leaving behind fluid filled cysts. Brain damage that causes periventricular leukomalacia is usually caused by lack of oxygen or insufficient blood flow. Primarily affecting preterm babies, in many cases periventricular leukomalacia is preventable in that it is caused by negligence on the part of a medical professional. For example, if a doctor fails to properly monitor the baby and does not properly respond to fetal distress, the baby could suffer a serious brain injury and periventricular leukomalacia. If your baby is diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia, and you believe that it was caused by medical negligence, the New York periventricular leukomalacia attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates are here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys will review your case and determine if negligence was involved. We will ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Risk factors for periventricular leukomalacia

There are several risk factors for periventricular leukomalacia. Should any of these risk factors be represent, it is up to the doctor to close monitor the baby and take steps to prevent brain damage. These risk factors include:

  • Oxygen deprivation
  • Brain bleeds
  • Infections in the mother such as Group B streptococcal and chorioamnionitis
  • Respiratory distress
  • Pneumonia
  • Low blood pressure
Symptoms of periventricular leukomalacia

Because it takes a while for babies to show signs of periventricular leukomalacia, it can be hard to diagnose. In addition, the symptoms are similar to other conditions. Nonetheless, signs of Periventricular leukomalacia include:

  • Impaired vision
  • Impaired hearing
  • Cognitive dysfunction
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Poor coordination

In order to confirm a diagnosis of periventricular leukomalacia, a cranial ultrasound may be necessary. Treatment typically involves speech therapy, physical therapy, and massage therapy. In some cases multiple surgeries will be necessary.

Pursuing compensation

Parents who learn that their child has periventricular leukomalacia have many questions. They wonder how it happened and if it could have been prevented. They are also concerned about treatment and associated costs. The treatment for periventricular leukomalacia depends on the severity of the condition. Children with severe cases have significant disabilities and will need lifelong treatment. In addition, if your child’s condition is severe, it may be necessary for you to leave your job and stay home to care for your child. In the alternative, you may have to hire full-time in-home care. In other words, the costs associated with care for a child with periventricular leukomalacia can be significant.

As a New York periventricular leukomalacia attorney will explain, if your child’s condition was caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent medical professional. Such compensation would pay for your child’s initial treatment such as surgeries and medication, as well as long-term expenses such as therapy. If you have to stop working in order to care for your child, you can demand compensation for your lost wages. If you hire in-home help to care for your child, you can demand payment for the fees associated with in-home care.

As an experienced periventricular leukomalacia attorney in New York, we understand how difficult it is to come to terms with your child’s injuries. While you may want to put off thinking about filing a claim, keep in mind that under the law you only have a limited amount of time to file a medical malpractice claim. If you fail to file your claim on time, you will lose our right to pursue your claim and collect compensation.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

The periventricular leukomalacia attorney serving New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have years of experience successfully representing clients who have suffered serious injuries at the hands of negligent doctors and other negligent healthcare professionals. If you believe that your child’s vision impairment was caused because of medical negligence, we are here to help. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.

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