Welcoming a new life into the world is a moment of joy and celebration. For many families, the birth of a child is one of life’s most cherished experiences. Unfortunately, complications during labor and delivery can turn this momentous occasion into a devastating event. One of the most serious birth injuries a child can experience is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). If your child has been diagnosed with HIE, you may be grappling with overwhelming emotions, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future.
At Hampton & King, we understand the pain and challenges families face when dealing with birth injuries like HIE. Our experienced Albuquerque birth injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, pursue justice, and secure the compensation your family deserves. Contact us at (713) 658-0231 to schedule your free consultation today.
Understanding Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a type of brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and reduced blood flow (ischemia) to a baby’s brain during labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. This condition can lead to severe neurological impairments, developmental delays, and, in some cases, lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy.
Causes of HIE
HIE can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Umbilical cord complications: Prolapse, compression, or knots in the umbilical cord can restrict oxygen flow to the baby.
- Placental issues: Placental abruption, insufficiency, or previa can interfere with oxygen delivery.
- Prolonged labor: A lengthy or obstructed labor can lead to fetal distress and oxygen deprivation.
- Failure to monitor: Inadequate monitoring of fetal heart rate can prevent timely interventions.
- Maternal health conditions: Preeclampsia, infections, or uterine rupture can increase the risk of HIE.
Symptoms of HIE
The severity of HIE varies depending on the extent of oxygen deprivation. Some common symptoms include:
- Low Apgar scores
- Seizures or abnormal movements
- Difficulty breathing or needing resuscitation
- Poor muscle tone and reflexes
- Feeding difficulties
- Organ dysfunction
Long-Term Effects of HIE
Children with HIE may face significant challenges as they grow. These can include:
- Cognitive impairments
- Motor skill delays
- Speech and language difficulties
- Epilepsy
- Behavioral and emotional issues
The impact of HIE often extends beyond the child, affecting the entire family emotionally, physically, and financially.
Identifying Medical Negligence
In many cases, HIE is preventable when medical professionals adhere to the proper standard of care. Negligence may include:
- Failure to Recognize Risks: Ignoring high-risk factors during pregnancy, such as maternal health conditions or abnormal fetal growth.
- Delayed Responses: Slow reaction times to emergencies like fetal distress or placental abruption.
- Inadequate Staffing or Training: Mistakes may occur when hospitals are understaffed or staff members are not properly trained.
An experienced attorney can help you determine whether medical negligence contributed to your child’s injury. Our Santa Fe HIE birth injury lawyers serve families throughout New Mexico, including areas around and outside of Albuquerque, ensuring that victims have access to the legal support they need to seek justice and compensation.
Your Legal Rights as a Parent
As a parent, you have the right to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions. A successful birth injury lawsuit can:
- Provide compensation for your child’s medical and developmental needs.
- Hold medical professionals accountable for substandard care.
- Ensure hospitals implement better practices to prevent future injuries.
Legal action can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
A birth injury lawsuit can provide financial relief for the challenges your family faces. Potential compensation includes:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, current, and future medical costs, including surgeries, medications, and therapies.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Funding for physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- Special Equipment: Compensation for mobility aids, communication devices, or home modifications.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the emotional and physical toll of the injury.
- Loss of Future Earnings: If the child’s ability to earn a living is impacted, compensation may cover this loss.
Our Albuquerque cerebral palsy lawyers are experienced in handling birth injury claims and can help you pursue the full compensation needed to provide for your child’s long-term care and well-being.
Secure Your Free Consultation Today
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a life-altering diagnosis that can have profound effects on your child and family. If you believe medical negligence played a role in your child’s HIE, you don’t have to face this battle alone. The compassionate and skilled attorneys at Hampton & King are here to help.
We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation your family needs to move forward. Call Hampton & King today at (713) 658-0231 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation with a qualified Houston medical malpractice attorney. Let us fight for justice while you focus on your family’s future.