Maine Kernicterus Lawyers
If a preventable condition like kernicterus has injured your child and devastated your family, rely on Berman & Simmons to fight for justice and accountability. Our firm has been a trusted name in Maine for over a century, relentlessly advocating for families impacted by kernicterus, birth injuries, medical negligence, and more. Our successes include winning the state's first birth injury lawsuit and recovering numerous landmark multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Altogether, we have secured over $1.5 billion for deserving Mainers.
Contact us today to learn more about our firm and how we can advocate for you in the aftermath of a kernicterus diagnosis. We offer free initial consultations, which can be conducted virtually or in person at any of our four locations in Portland, Lewiston, Biddeford, and Bangor.
Call (207) 417-4199 or reach out to Berman & Simmons online to request your consultation with our Maine kernicterus lawyers.
What Is Kernicterus?
Kernicterus is a rare but serious condition usually caused by untreated severe jaundice in newborns. Jaundice occurs when there are high levels of bilirubin in a baby’s bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow waste product created from the breakdown of red blood cells. If left untreated, excess bilirubin can build up in the brain, leading to irreversible damage and even death. Kernicterus can also occur with a lower bilirubin level if a baby’s albumin is critically low. Albumin is what typically binds to bilirubin to keep it from entering the brain.
Potential Complications
The consequences of kernicterus are usually severe and lifelong. Common complications include:
- Cerebral palsy - Kernicterus often results in motor impairments, including spasticity and difficulty with movement and coordination. Brain injury from kernicterus is visible on MRI and usually occurs in a characteristic pattern.
- Hearing loss - Many children with kernicterus experience partial or complete hearing loss and can require cochlear implants.
- Vision issues - Kernicterus may cause abnormalities in eye movement.
- Seizures - Some children will experience seizures from kernicterus.
- Cognitive and learning difficulties - While most individuals with kernicterus are thought to have normal intelligence, some experience mild intellectual impairment due to learning barriers caused by their other impairments.
- Death - If left untreated or treated too late, kernicterus can be fatal.
Beyond the above, most children with kernicterus also have abnormalities in the enamel of their baby teeth.
How Does Kernicterus Happen?
Kernicterus is almost always preventable with proper medical care. Some medical experts call it a “never event,” meaning it should never occur if a baby is treated effectively. However, negligence or failure to act can allow bilirubin levels to rise dangerously high or albumin levels to fall dangerously low.
When the Stakes are High, We Deliver Results
Our client reviews showcase the skills, advocacy, compassion, and work ethic we bring to every case to achieve the best results.
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“Tim took the time to answer my questions and he spoke plain English so I could really understand what was happening with my case at all times.”- Pat M.
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“I would highly recommend Abaigeal as she is a thoughtful and knowledgeable attorney. I trust her completely.”- A. D.
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“I had a very positive experience working with Miriam. She was attentive, sympathetic, and kept me informed throughout the process.”- Candice H.
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“Tim was gracious, knowledgeable in negotiations, and kept in touch with me throughout the one-year period of a personal injury claim”- Dolores C.
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“Chuck is hands down the best attorney. He was so kind and thoughtful throughout the whole process. The communication was amazing, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guy to be in our corner.”- Cassie G.
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“Travis did a fantastic job outlining the process that we’d be going through and managing my expectations in terms of process and timeline.”- Taber N.
Meet Our Attorneys
As powerful advocates for civil justice, we fight tirelessly for our clients, winning high-stakes, complex cases, where our team’s expertise and unmatched skills make all the difference.
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Susan A. Faunce Managing Director, Shareholder -
Travis M. Brennan Attorney, Shareholder
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Timothy M. Kenlan Attorney, Shareholder
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Elizabeth A. Kayatta Attorney, Shareholder
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Charles P. Hehmeyer Attorney, Shareholder
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Christopher C. Boots Attorney, Shareholder
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Miriam A. Johnson Attorney
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Joseph G. Gousse Attorney
