Rubella is considered to be eliminated from the United States due to regular vaccination, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Rubella is a viral infection “characterized by fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, aching joints, and a distinctive red rash” that is not usually life-threatening, but can have dangerous side effects for unborn children. Rubella can completely change the course of parenthood for expecting mothers and fathers.
If you or a loved one had a child with birth defects caused by rubella, the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you file a medical malpractice claim for your current and future medical expenses related to rubella. To learn more about what our Los Angeles rubella misdiagnosis lawyers can potentially do for you, call (800) 970-4884 today.
Rubella Vaccinations
A diagnosis of rubella might come as a shock to anyone born during or after 1969, when the rubella vaccination was first included in the introductory vaccines for babies and children born in the United States. While cases of rubella are now lower than ever, rubella epidemics were common before the vaccine, according to NORD.
In some developing countries with sparse access to the rubella virus vaccine, congenital rubella syndrome is considered a serious threat to unborn children, and vaccinations are critical for pregnant women. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that rubella can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects in a developing baby if the mother is infected while she is pregnant.
Subtle but Serious Symptoms of Rubella
The symptoms of rubella are not unique to the virus alone. In some cases, carriers of rubella may be asymptomatic, making misdiagnosis a simple but serious mistake. Up to 50 percent of rubella infections are misdiagnosed as measles or scarlet fever. Common symptoms of rubella include:
- Tender or swollen glands in the back of the head, neck, and ears
- Face and/or neck rash that spreads to the trunk and extremities of the body
- Slight fever
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Joint pain
Again, the high number of people who have no symptoms at all makes it possible to carry the rubella virus without ever knowing it. Rubella can be mistakenly diagnosed for other common viruses that present themselves with similar symptoms, or even allergic reactions. According to NORD, the only way to confirm a case of rubella is through a blood test.
Effects of Rubella on Unborn Babies
When a pregnant woman has rubella, she may never exhibit any symptoms at all. However, the risk of her unborn child contracting congenital rubella syndrome is there if she gets the virus during pregnancy.
Congenital rubella syndrome can be damaging to a developing fetus, causing birth defects that may lead to additional problems for the child and family. The virus spreads to the fetus through the placenta, where the chorionic tissues are the most affected. Chorionic tissues are essential for the growth and development of the fetus, so an undetected transmission of rubella can damage everything from genetics to blood vessels to organ functions.
Research studies on congenital rubella syndrome in unborn children have confirmed a wide range of potential effects, including hearing impairments, congenital heart disease, low birth weight, delayed neonatal growth, anemia, hepatitis, microcephaly, and many others. A 2019 study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health links congenital rubella syndrome to autism as well.
All of these health conditions could greatly impact the quality of life of the unborn child. Thankfully, there are legal options for people affected by the misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of rubella.
Legal Options for Rubella Misdiagnosis
A lawyer who is knowledgeable about medical malpractice laws in California can help you build a legal claim for your unique case. When you work with a Los Angeles rubella misdiagnosis lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our goal is to protect your rights and get you a well-deserved settlement.
In a medical malpractice case, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you must abide by the statute of limitations for this type of case. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure §340.5, the statute of limitations for a medical malpractice case varies between one to three years, depending on whether the injury is known or discovered after the incident. A Los Angeles rubella misdiagnosis lawyer can help you understand your best options so you can act quickly.
In addition, California Code of Civil Procedure § 364 requires that you must give your health provider at least 90 days of notice for filing a medical malpractice case. There is no particular form of notice required, but it should substantiate your claim to help prove that the medical professional caused needless suffering for you and your loved ones.
Economic Damages
If an unborn child suffers from a severe case of congenital rubella syndrome, the cost of treating the condition and maintaining a good quality of life could be extensive. Economic damages in a rubella misdiagnosis case typically include any expenses for treating injuries and health conditions related to rubella.
Non-Economic Damages
In some cases, non-economic damages may also be part of your medical malpractice claim. These can include things like emotional pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, and more. In California, the limit for non-economic damages related to a medical malpractice case is $250,000.
For a free legal consultation with a Rubella Misdiagnosis Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 970-4884
Hold Liable Medical Professionals Accountable
The Los Angeles rubella misdiagnosis lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm are here to help and will try to make the litigation process as little of a burden to you as possible. If we cannot settle your case outside of court, we can represent you in the courtroom. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for you. We do not get paid until you get the settlement you deserve.
When you work with a Los Angeles rubella misdiagnosis lawyer to defend your rights for good healthcare, you help set the bar high for medical malpractice incidents in the future. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 970-4884 for a free consultation with a member of our team.
Call or text (800) 970-4884 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
