Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy

Not all symptoms doctors encounter are the result of “normal” medical conditions. There are some psychological disorders that can also result, directly or indirectly, in physical symptoms. One direct cause of very real symptoms is Munchhausen syndrome by proxy, in which a caretaker deliberately injures another person (usually a child) to gain attention from others.

No case of child abuse should go unnoticed. Report any suspected cases to the authorities immediately. To learn more about taking legal action against a negligent caretaker, call the compassionate Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at 312-466-8200 today.

Signs of Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy

The “symptoms” caused by this condition are the result of child abuse at the hands of a mentally-ill caretaker, almost always a parent, who has a psychological need to gain attention—typically for their ability to take care of a sick child. These can be the result of medical neglect, poisoning or other physical harm, or can be completely made up. Parents with this condition will often order tests or transfers to new hospitals despite repeatedly receiving negative test results, or will deliberately harm their kids.

Some of the indicators that a parent might have this disorder include a parent who is highly attentive and unwilling to leave the child's side, one who demands attention or adulation for their caretaking, and one who is very knowledgeable about medicine or enjoys the hospital environment. The child's symptoms often do not occur when the parent is not present, but demonstrating this requires extensive monitoring.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been affected by a case of Munchhausen syndrome by proxy, the compassionate and experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. are here to help you. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact 312-466-8200 today.