“Equal justice under law is not merely a caption on the facade of the Supreme Court building, it is perhaps the most inspiring ideal of our society.”
– Lewis Powell Jr., U.S. Supreme Court Justice

I Strive To Pursue Justice For Individuals Facing Trans Injuries

Most individuals who undergo sex reassignment surgery are firm in their decision. As they should be — any adult can do what they want with their body. However, it’s a different matter entirely when it comes to young children.

A minor cannot fully comprehend the permanent, life-altering consequences of these procedures. Many young people undergo hormonal treatments and surgical interventions without understanding their irreversible nature. This lack of understanding has unfortunately led to personal injuries for many transgender youth.

I’m attorney Patrycja R. Karlin. At The Karlin Law Firm, LLC, I aim to seek justice for these individuals who are experiencing a personal injury from decisions they didn’t fully comprehend at the time. If your child underwent transition treatments and has suffered as a result, contact my personal injury firm for a confidential consultation.

These young people deserve an advocate who understands the personal injury and other laws involved in these sensitive cases. I can help them file personal injury lawsuits against hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.

Understanding The Scale Of Youth Gender Transition In America

Between 2019 and 2021, nearly 6,000 minors underwent gender transition procedures, including the use of puberty blockers and top/bottom surgeries, generating approximately $120 million for the medical industry.

Many of these young individuals made the decision to transition while under significant pressure and before reaching legal adulthood. These procedures often result in permanent changes that cannot be reversed.

The Consequences Of Gender Transition Procedures In Minors

When minors undergo gender transition procedures, they may experience a range of serious health complications that can affect them for life. Parents often discover these issues only after treatments have already caused personal injury to their child. Physicians sometimes fail to disclose all potential long-term risks.

Common medical complications I see in these cases include:

Permanent fertility loss: Many young people aren’t informed that hormone treatments and surgical procedures can permanently end their ability to have biological children.
Bone density reduction: Studies have shown that puberty blockers can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
Cardiovascular issues: Cross-sex hormones can increase the risk of serious heart problems like blood clots and stroke, especially when started too young. These serious personal injuries often mean more treatments to manage the effects.
Psychological distress: Young people can experience psychological personal injuries, such as depression, anxiety and regret, after transitioning.
Surgical complications: Procedures like mastectomies and genital surgeries carry risks of infection, nerve damage and chronic pain, all of which qualify as personal injuries under the law.
Developmental disruption: Interfering with natural puberty can impact brain development and emotional growth.

When these medical consequences happen, they can form the basis for legal action under personal injury laws.

FAQs: Addressing Concerns About Youth Gender Transition Cases

When health care providers do not fully explain risks or rush patients into transition treatments without proper psychological evaluation, a strong legal claim is possible. Below are answers to common questions about gender transitions and other concerns.

What are the long-term effects of gender transition surgery?

Some patients experience personal injury to their bodies, including scarring, nerve damage, loss of sexual function and chronic pain. Psychologically, there are still individuals who suffer gender dysphoria even after surgery.

While many adults report satisfaction with their results, minors may not fully comprehend these lifelong consequences when consenting to treatment.

What is the regret rate for transition?

Research on transition regret rates remains limited and contested. While some studies suggest regret rates below 1% for adults, studies are showing that rates are potentially higher among those who transition as minors.

What age can you legally transition?

In Illinois, children of any age can get medical interventions, such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and even surgeries, as long as parents give their consent.

Puberty blockers are often given around age 11-12 and hormones around age 16. This allows significant medical decisions before a child fully knows what they’re signing up for.

Some states have set age limits to avoid potential personal injury to minors. However, Illinois allows these decisions to be made between families and doctors rather than setting legal age limits.

File A Personal Injury Claim With An Experienced Attorney Today

As some trans children reach adulthood, they seek to detransition and hold hospitals and medical professionals accountable for the harm caused. If your child is facing this situation, please contact my personal injury firm, The Karlin Law Firm, LLC. You and I can start discussions about a medical malpractice case.

You are not alone in this challenging and painful journey. I have over a decade of experience to advocate for your child and fight for the justice they deserve.

Call me at 773-993-1266 or email my Chicago office to schedule your initial consultation today. Your case matters to me, and I will work to pursue the ideal outcome for you.