When your newborn requires care in the NICU, it is a time of vulnerability and hope. Families trust medical professionals to provide the highest standard of care, but when preventable infections like neonatal sepsis occur, that trust is shattered. These infections can cause life-altering consequences for your child, leaving parents searching for answers and justice. At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we believe no family should endure additional heartbreak after their baby has already faced so much.
With decades of experience handling birth injury and medical malpractice cases, SBWD is a trusted ally for families navigating these crises. Combining legal experience with compassionate care, we work tirelessly to hold medical professionals accountable for negligent care in the NICU. Our team is dedicated to uncovering the truth and securing the support your family needs to heal and move forward. At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., our Baltimore birth injury attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of families that have suffered due to medical malpractice. Contact SBWD today for the compassionate representation that you deserve.
What is Neonatal Sepsis?
Neonatal sepsis is a severe infection that occurs in newborns and is one of the most common infections seen in the NICU. This condition arises when harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens enter a newborn’s bloodstream, causing a systemic response that can rapidly affect vital organs. Neonatal sepsis is typically categorized as early-onset (occurring within the first 72 hours of birth) or late-onset (developing after the first few days of life). Timely recognition and treatment are critical to preventing long-term complications.
Early Signs & Symptoms of Neonatal Sepsis
When NICU infections like neonatal sepsis are not promptly identified and treated, they can lead to irreversible harm, such as organ damage or developmental disabilities. Tragically, many of these infections are preventable with proper monitoring, sanitization, and medical intervention. Failing to adhere to established standards of care in the NICU can constitute medical malpractice, leaving families to endure hardships that could have been avoided.
Early signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis include:
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Poor feeding or difficulty tolerating feedings
- Breathing irregularities (rapid or labored breathing, apnea)
- Unstable body temperature (fever or hypothermia)
- Irritability or excessive crying
- Pale or mottled skin
- Abnormal heart rate (too fast or too slow)
- Low blood sugar levels
How & Why NICU Infections Happen
NICU infections occur when the vulnerable immune systems of newborns are exposed to harmful pathogens. These infections can result from several factors, including improper hygiene practices by medical staff, inadequate monitoring of medical equipment, or delays in diagnosing and treating early signs of infection. Infants in the NICU are especially susceptible due to their fragile health, and a single mistake can result in life-altering consequences. When preventable infections happen because medical professionals fail to provide the accepted standard of care, it may constitute medical malpractice. Families have the right to demand accountability and ensure those responsible are held liable for their negligence.
Common Sources of Hospital-Acquired Infections in the NICU include:
- Contaminated medical equipment or devices
- Poor hand hygiene among medical staff
- Improper sterilization of feeding tubes or catheters
- Unsanitary conditions in the NICU environment
- Cross-contamination from infected patients or staff
Negligence and Improper Protocols in NICU Settings
Negligence in NICU settings often stems from inadequate adherence to hygiene practices, improper training of medical staff, or a failure to implement established safety protocols. Newborns in the NICU depend on precise and flawless care due to their delicate health, yet lapses such as poor sterilization of medical equipment, inconsistent handwashing, or improper handling of feeding tubes and catheters can expose them to harmful pathogens. These preventable mistakes can lead to hospital-acquired infections, placing vulnerable infants at significant risk of severe complications or long-term health challenges. When medical teams fail to maintain the standards required to safeguard newborns, these actions may be regarded as medical malpractice, warranting investigation and accountability to prevent further harm.
Failure to Diagnose or Treat Infections Quickly
Timely diagnosis and treatment of infections in newborns are crucial in preventing serious health consequences, yet delays in identifying warning signs or administering appropriate care remain a persistent issue in some NICUs. Medical staff’s inability to act swiftly on symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or feeding problems can enable infections to spread, leading to organ damage, developmental disabilities, or worse. This negligence is especially devastating given the rapid progression of infections like neonatal sepsis in fragile infants. When these delays occur because of inattentiveness or failure to follow medical protocols, they may constitute malpractice. Families affected by such negligence deserve justice and the assurance that thorough measures are taken to prevent similar failures for others.
What You Need to Prove in a Medical Malpractice Case
To prove a medical malpractice case, it must be demonstrated that medical staff breached the standard of care, causing harm to your child. This involves showing that the hospital or care providers failed to act competently, directly resulting in the infection and its consequences.
Seeking justice with the assistance of experienced medical malpractice attorneys is critical, as these cases involve complex medical details and legal procedures. Skilled attorneys can help families establish the negligence that occurred, secure compensation for medical expenses, and advocate for changes in hospital procedures to prevent future tragedies.
Why Choose SBWD Law to Handle Your Case?
SBWD brings over 40 years of experience handling birth injury and medical malpractice cases, making our office a trusted choice for families in Maryland. Our team understands the complexities of medical errors and how these can profoundly impact newborns and families. When you work with SBWD Law, you're not just hiring attorneys; you're partnering with a team dedicated to standing by your side, uncovering negligence, and holding responsible parties accountable. Our proven track record and compassionate approach ensure that your family’s story is heard and justice is pursued.
How a Birth Injury or Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
A skilled birth injury or medical malpractice attorney can make a critical difference in your case by offering support through every stage of the legal process. Here’s how we can help your family:
- Investigate the circumstances of the birth injury or infection to identify negligence.
- Work with medical experts to establish that the accepted standard of care was violated.
- Gather and present evidence to support your claim.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and medical providers to secure fair compensation.
- Advocate for your child’s future needs, ensuring access to medical care, therapy, and other long-term support.
Seeking justice is about more than compensation; it’s about creating accountability and promoting change in medical practices. Families affected by NICU infections or birth injuries deserve answers and reassurance that the same mistakes won’t harm others. By taking legal action, you can help protect other vulnerable newborns and bring about safer standards in neonatal care.
Meet Attorney Sarah L. Smith
Attorney Sarah L. Smith is a leader in medical malpractice and birth injury litigation, known for her historic work as part of the trial team in the landmark Byrom v. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center case. This monumental victory resulted in a $229,640,000 verdict, the largest medical malpractice award in U.S. history, which provided justice to a mother who suffered catastrophic injuries during labor and delivery. Sarah combines her sharp legal acumen with an unwavering commitment to accountability, making her a fearless advocate for the injured.
Sarah L. Smith's Success and Accolades
- Key member of the trial team in the historic Byrom v. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center case.
- Graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law.
- Recipient of the 2020 President's Award from the Maryland Association for Justice.
- Co-chair of the Maryland Association for Justice Trial Reporter Magazine.
- Named to the 2023 Daily Record Power List for Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice.
- Incoming member of the Board of Governors for the Maryland Association for Justice in June 2025.
When you entrust your case to Sarah L. Smith, you can expect compassionate and experienced representation at every step. Sarah is deeply committed to ensuring that victims of negligence have a voice, and with her by your side, you can confidently pursue accountability and the compensation needed to rebuild your life.
Talk to an Attorney at SBWD Law Today
Families affected by medical malpractice, especially those involving NICU infections, face unimaginable heartache. These infections, often preventable, can leave lasting physical and emotional scars on newborns and their families. At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we understand that such tragedies are more than medical mistakes—they are lives forever changed. Our attorneys are here to stand by your side, offering the legal expertise and compassionate care needed to help you find answers, seek justice, and secure the support your family deserves.
We believe every family deserves justice, and we are committed to helping you achieve it. Reach out to Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. today for a confidential and compassionate consultation. Together, we can work toward healing and securing a safer future for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child's NICU infection was due to medical negligence?
Signs of negligence may include unexplained delays in diagnosis or treatment, failure to follow standard protocols, or a healthcare provider's unwillingness to explain what happened. Consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help determine if negligence occurred.
What are common causes of NICU infections that could indicate malpractice?
Possible causes include improper sterilization of medical equipment, failure to monitor for infection signs, unsanitary conditions in the NICU, or administering contaminated medications or fluids.
Why are NICU infections so dangerous?
Newborns in the NICU often have underdeveloped immune systems, making them particularly vulnerable. If left untreated or improperly managed, infections can lead to severe complications or permanent harm.
What compensation can families receive in a NICU malpractice case?
Compensation may cover medical expenses, long-term care needs, emotional suffering, lost wages, and other damages related to the injury. A legal professional can help determine what your family might be entitled to receive.
What should I do if I suspect malpractice caused my child’s NICU infection?
Your first step should be to consult a medical malpractice attorney. They can assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you begin building a claim for accountability and justice.
Why is it important to take legal action in cases of NICU infections caused by malpractice?
Pursuing a claim not only helps your family find justice and financial relief, but it can also push for systemic changes, ensuring higher standards of care and preventing similar tragedies from occurring to others.
If you have questions about medical malpractice related to NICU infections or need legal support, don't hesitate to contact Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. for a compassionate and experienced consultation.
