Maine Congenital Syphilis & Neurosyphilis Lawyers

Fighting for Families Affected by Congenital Syphilis & Neurosyphilis

A syphilis epidemic in Maine and across the United States. There was a 2,140% increase in primary and secondary syphilis between 2000 and 2020. Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), is passed from a birthing parent to their baby during pregnancy. Without timely testing, diagnosis, and treatment, the bacteria can cross the placenta, infecting the developing fetus. When syphilis passes to a baby during pregnancy or at birth, it can enter the central nervous system, commonly referred to as neurosyphilis (NS). 

Even though testing pregnant patients for syphilis is the standard, hospitals, medical practices, and medical providers, unfortunately, fail to do so. This preventable error is resulting in devastating and permanent injuries for mothers and their babies.   

For families facing the fallout of this preventable harm, Berman & Simmons stands as a steadfast ally. Since 1914, we’ve helped Maine families seek justice when medical negligence uproots the lives they’ve worked so hard to build. With compassion, extensive experience, and relentless determination, we hold healthcare providers accountable and fight for the compensation that victims of negligence deserve. 

Our legal team has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in all kinds of medical malpractice cases. Find out how we can help you in a free consultation. We can conduct these meetings in person or virtually, making it convenient to start with us, regardless of where you are across Maine's 16 counties. 

To speak with our Maine congenital syphilis and neurosyphilis attorneys about your case, call (207) 417-4199 or contact Berman & Simmons online.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Congenital Syphilis & Neurosyphilis in Babies?

The effects of CS and NS can range from mild to severe, with symptoms that may present immediately after birth or later in life. 

Common signs include:

• Fetal death
• Preterm birth
• Stillbirth
• Failure to thrive, including low birth weight and stunted growth
• Rashes and small sores on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• Bone abnormalities that can lead to physical deformities
• Not able to move a painful arm or leg
• Jaundice and enlarged organs such as the liver and spleen
• Hearing and vision loss, which may worsen as the child develops
• Neurological issues such as seizures, developmental delays, or intellectual disabilities

How Is the Diagnosis of Syphilis Confirmed?

Testing for syphilis is a critical step to identify and treat syphilis. Testing involves a simple blood test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current recommendations for initial testing for syphilis in pregnant patients include the following. 

At the first prenatal visit:

• Everyone should be screened, regardless of risk level
• If prenatal care starts late, test as soon as pregnancy is confirmed

At 28 weeks (third trimester), repeat the screening for those at higher risk, such as:

• Living in areas with high syphilis rates
• History of another STI during pregnancy
• Multiple or new sex partners
• Drug use, incarceration, or unstable housing

At delivery:

• Repeat testing if at higher risk
• No mother or baby should leave the hospital without at least one documented syphilis test

After a stillbirth (20+ weeks):

• Test for syphilis in all cases

Other major medical societies like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend universal screening of all pregnant patients for syphilis at the first prenatal visit, followed by universal rescreening during the third trimester and at birth. 

In addition to recommendations by the CDC and other leading medical organizations, many states have statutes that require testing pregnant patients for syphilis. 

How Is Syphilis Treated? 

Once diagnosed, syphilis is most commonly treated with penicillin. Fortunately, this approach is effective for treating pregnant patients, preventing transmission to the fetus, and addressing syphilis.