Need help!

My 5 1/2 month old suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on Sept. 2, 2007. He was extremely premature and spent his short life in the NICU but that is not the cause of death. It may have contributed but not the cause. An autopsy was performed and it says that the terminal events suggest infection with coagulopathy. The doctor that read the report to us said that they cannot find the source of infection and that my baby's death had to do with something in his brain. My baby was doing well and then all of a sudden had a 107.9 temperature and in a matter of seconds dropped down to 93. The veins around his neck and lower part of his face became very visible and his face was purple and yellow. I watched my baby deteriorate right before my eyes and he passed away in me and my husbands arms. The doctors gave my baby methadone right before all of this happened. They wanted to wean him off of morphine. He was on morphine for pain as most preemies are. I am NOT a drug addict, in case you're wondering. Anyways, I feel that the doctors could have caused his death by giving him methadone. My baby was on other medications too. I did some research on methadone and that is one dangerous drug. Why would they give a preemie whose organ aren't functioning properly this dangerous drug? During the meeting with the doctor, I asked her questions about methadone and she didn't know much about it which really bothered me. Can you please let me know what you think about this? I need answers for my peace of mind.

Thanks!
Mom to a beautiful angel!

[judg4]

It is certainly possible you have a case based on what you say here; you should take a brief description of these events as well as your medical records to a malpractice attorney and see if the attorney thinks you have a claim; often you need to contact several attorneys to find one to take the case; the review of your case and records is often free and then they will normally take the case on a contingency fee basis if they think you can win; you would pay only if they collect for you.