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.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) 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.
What Are the Symptoms of HIE?
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.
A number of situations can cause HIE before, during, and after pregnancy. Many of these risks can be addressed before an emergency in the delivery room.
Causes and risk factors associated with HIE include:
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Low maternal blood pressure
Maternal diabetes
Problems with the placenta
Congenital infections
Cardiac disease
Alcohol and/or drug abuse
Fetal anemia
Placental abruption
Fetal distress
Incorrect birthing position
Prolonged labor
Uterine rupture
Umbilical cord injuries
Brain and lung defects
Respiratory diseases
Premature birth
Head trauma
Infections
Like other birth injuries, HIE is more prevalent during long and difficult labors. It can also be attributed to head trauma when doctors use assistive devices, like forceps or vacuums, to deliver the child.
If your child has suffered HIE-related brain damage, Attorney David A. Katescan help you uncover what went wrong.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Although nothing can change what happened in the delivery room, filing a lawsuit with the Law Offices of David A. Kates can help you secure your family’s future. If your child faces difficulties due to HIE, a settlement or verdict can give you the resources you need to take care of them.
For over 20 years, Mr. Kates has been helping families just like yours overcome the consequences of negligent mistakes in the delivery room. He can help you, too.
What are the potential long-term impacts of HIE on a child?
The long-term impacts of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) on a child can vary but may include sensory, cognitive, and behavioral difficulties. The severity of these challenges depends on the duration of oxygen deprivation to the brain. Children with HIE may require lifelong medical care, special education services, and other support to manage their condition. It's essential for families to understand these potential impacts to plan for their child's future needs.
What legal options are available for families affected by HIE in Queens?
Families in Queens affected by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) have the right to explore legal avenues to seek compensation for medical malpractice. An attorney with experience in HIE claims can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit to potentially secure resources necessary for your child's care and your family's future. It's crucial to consult with a legal professional promptly to understand your options and take appropriate action.
What steps should I take if I suspect my child's HIE was caused by medical negligence?
If you suspect your child's hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was caused by medical negligence, it's important to take immediate action. First, seek a second medical opinion to assess your child's condition. Then, contact an attorney with experience in birth injury claims to discuss your case. The attorney can help you understand your rights, gather necessary medical records, and advise you on the best course of action to seek justice and compensation.
How can an attorney help if my child has been diagnosed with HIE?
If your child has been diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), an attorney can assist by investigating the circumstances surrounding the birth, determining if medical negligence occurred, and working to hold the responsible parties accountable. Your attorney can help gather evidence, consult medical experts, and navigate the legal system to fight for the compensation your family deserves to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, and other damages.
Why choose the Law Offices of David A. Kates for my HIE lawsuit in Queens?
Choosing the Law Offices of David A. Kates for your HIE lawsuit in Queens means you'll be working with a legal team that has over two decades of experience helping families navigate the complexities of birth injury claims. With a focus on personalized attention and a commitment to securing the best possible outcome for your family, our firm is dedicated to providing the support and advocacy needed to address the consequences of negligent medical care during childbirth.
