Kernicterus Lawyer Services

Kernicterus is a rare but serious condition that affects newborn babies. It can cause lifelong brain damage but, in many cases, can be prevented with appropriate medical treatment. If your child has developed kernicterus due to negligent care, you may be able to bring a kernicterus compensation claim. Our expert kernicterus solicitors are here to support you.

JMW is recognised for handling kernicterus claims involving medical negligence. We have one of the most highly-rated clinical negligence departments in England and Wales, and an outstanding track record of success in kernicterus brain injury claims. We have successfully won many multi-million-pound kernicterus settlements on behalf of the families we work with. We understand how overwhelming this experience can be and will work with you to uncover what happened, why it happened, and what can be done to help secure your child’s financial future.

Our team of kernicterus lawyers provides clear, compassionate legal advice and will explore all options for funding your claim, including legal aid and no win, no fee agreements. Where appropriate, we also pursue interim payments to help meet urgent care needs.

How JMW Can Help

At JMW, we have extensive experience handling kernicterus compensation claims for families whose children have developed kernicterus due to negligent medical treatment. Our kernicterus solicitors have secured numerous seven- and eight-figure settlements in cases involving newborn jaundice brain damage caused by clinical negligence.

Kernicterus claims are complex and often strongly disputed. They require a kernicterus lawyer with specialist knowledge of how newborn jaundice progresses, how it links to medical negligence, and what expert evidence is needed to prove the claim. JMW is widely recognised as having one of the best clinical negligence departments in England and Wales, with several of our solicitors being members of the Law Society’s specialist panel of clinical negligence solicitors and the Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) solicitors panel.

Our department is led by Eddie Jones, one of the UK’s most experienced kernicterus brain injury solicitors. We also work closely with the Child Brain Injury Trust, having supported the charity since 2012 and acted as its legal support service provider in the North West since 2015.

If your baby has suffered kernicterus due to newborn jaundice negligent care, our team will:

• Examine medical records to establish the facts of the case
• Work with independent medical experts in neonatology, paediatrics and neurology
• Build the strongest possible case showing how negligent treatment led to your child’s kernicterus newborn jaundice brain damage
• Seek interim payments wherever possible to help cover urgent care and specialist equipment needs

Making a successful kernicterus claim can provide vital financial support to help meet the lifelong needs of your child.. Compensation can cover aspects such as round-the-clock care, adaptations to your home, therapy, transport and more.

JMW provides kernicterus lawyer services on a no win, no fee basis. In some cases, legal aid may also be available, and we will apply for this on your behalf.

We understand how difficult it can be to go through a process as traumatic and complex as this and are dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need at every stage of your claim.

Idris' Story

Watch Idris' story below to learn more about the difference early legal advice can make, or read the full story here.

Q

How should kernicterus be prevented?

A

Kernicterus is largely preventable when medical professionals monitor and manage newborn jaundice appropriately. This includes recognising the early signs of jaundice, checking the baby's bilirubin levels regularly - especially in premature babies or those with known risk factors - and providing urgent treatment where needed. Effective treatment might involve phototherapy or, in more severe cases, an exchange transfusion. When healthcare professionals fail to take these steps, babies are put at risk of developing kernicterus brain damage.

Q

Is there a time limit for bringing a claim?

A

In most cases, you have until your child’s 21st birthday to start a kernicterus claim. If the child lacks mental capacity due to the severity of the brain injury, this time limit does not apply.

Q

Can I bring a claim on behalf of a child or a family member?

A

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child who has suffered kernicterus brain damage, you can bring a kernicterus claim on their behalf at any time before they turn 21. If your child or family member is unable to make legal decisions themselves due to the effects of the injury, you can act as their ‘litigation friend’ and bring the claim for them, even after they turn 21. Our kernicterus solicitors can explain how this process works, and what steps are involved.

Q

What will compensation cover?

A

Compensation is designed to meet the lifelong needs of a child or adult who has suffered brain damage due to newborn jaundice resulting in kernicterus. This may include the cost of round-the-clock care, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, adapted housing, specialist equipment, accessible transport, educational support, and loss of future earnings. A kernicterus compensation claim can also provide the financial security needed to support the person’s long-term wellbeing and quality of life.

Q

How long will it take for the case to be resolved?

A

Kernicterus compensation claims are complex and may take several years to resolve, especially if the full extent of the injury is not yet known. However, our kernicterus lawyers will always aim to resolve your claim as quickly as possible. We will work to secure interim payments where appropriate to help cover immediate needs while the claim is ongoing. The length of the process depends on several factors, including how strongly the claim is defended, whether liability is admitted early, and the availability of medical evidence. If you are looking to claim compensation, it is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible, in order to prevent any unnecessary delays.