Queens Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Attorney

Get Legal Support for Your HIE Claim

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) occurs when your child does not receive enough oxygen during labor and delivery. If it is not diagnosed quickly enough, your family could suffer unthinkable consequences. HIE and other types of birth asphyxia are responsible for 23% of neonatal deaths worldwide.

Even if your child survives, they could face a lifetime of sensory, cognitive, and behavioral difficulties. This is why you need to discuss your situation with an attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of David A. Kates, an experienced attorney can answer your questions and help you explore your legal options.

Call Attorney Kates at (718) 866-3664to get started.

Understanding Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain disorder that happens when the brain is cut off from the rest of the body. The UCSF Children's Hospital explains it best:

“HIE is a type of brain dysfunction that occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen or blood flow for a period of time. Hypoxic means not enough oxygen; ischemic means not enough blood flow; and encephalopathy means brain disorder.”

When the brain is “starved” of oxygen, children can suffer severe brain damage, and some of their other organs may be damaged as well. The severity of your child’s injury will depend on how long their brain was deprived of oxygen.

Infants with HIE may face a crucial window for treatment called therapeutic hypothermia or brain cooling, which involves lowering the baby’s body temperature to minimize brain injury. Immediate action can make a significant difference in the long-term development of children affected by HIE, highlighting the importance of swift medical response and knowledgeable legal guidance for affected families.

Symptoms of HIE in Infants

If HIE is detected right away, doctors may be able to use a technique called “brain cooling” to mitigate the damage. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms.

In babies, the symptoms of HIE include:

• Being floppy and unreactive to sights or sounds
• Being tense and having intense reactions to stimulation
• Abnormal movements or seizures
• Being unable to feed because of weak muscles in their mouth and throat
• Having a weak cry
• Showing symptoms of organ dysfunction

If your baby demonstrates any of these symptoms during or immediately after birth, they should be transported to a Level 3 or 4 neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU).

Doctors who fail to take this crucial step can be held liable for medical malpractice. Additionally, if your child has suffered from HIE, you may want to explore potential birth injuries claims. Recognizing these symptoms early can be challenging, especially for first-time parents. 

It's crucial to trust your instincts and consult medical professionals if you feel something is amiss. Healthcare providers should be responsive to parental concerns and undertake prompt evaluations to diagnose and address HIE effectively. The emotional and physical toll on families can be overwhelming, necessitating timely medical and legal interventions to support affected families comprehensively.

For more information on related topics, you can visit our pages on Cerebral Palsy and Kernicterus.

Importance of Early Detection and Intervention

The role of early detection and intervention in cases of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) cannot be overstated. When HIE is identified promptly, medical teams can initiate treatments like therapeutic hypothermia within the narrow window of opportunity that exists shortly after birth. This approach has been observed to substantially lower the risk of long-term neurological damage, offering an improved prognosis for affected infants.

In addition to medical interventions, heightened awareness among parents and caregivers can play a pivotal role. Educating families about the signs and triggers of HIE enables them to act swiftly, seeking the appropriate medical evaluation when necessary. Early detection not only facilitates immediate care but also positions the family to gather crucial health records and timelines that can inform future legal actions if medical malpractice is suspected. In New York, where swift action is necessary, understanding these processes can empower families to make informed decisions quickly.