When an infant is born, it is supposed to be a joyous occasion. Unfortunately, there are some situations in which the baby suffers from a lack of oxygen and blood. This combines to cause a type of brain damage known has Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). This is a dangerous medical condition that affects roughly 20 out of every 1,000 births that go full term. In premature babies, the rates jump to about 60%.
A Hampton & King Houston medical malpractice lawyer can help families of HIE victims by investigating whether medical negligence during the birth process contributed to the lack of oxygen and blood, and by pursuing compensation for medical costs, long-term care, and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Causes of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes HIE is a serious medical condition that occurs when a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen and blood flow for an extended period. This can happen before, during, or shortly after birth. The severity of HIE can vary, but even mild cases can have significant long-term impacts on a child’s health and development.
Several factors can contribute to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, including:
- Placental Abruption: When the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely, it can disrupt the baby’s oxygen supply.
- Umbilical Cord Complications: Prolapsed or compressed umbilical cords can restrict oxygen flow to the baby.
- Maternal Infections: Infections such as chorioamnionitis can increase the risk of oxygen deprivation during birth.
- Fetal Distress: Signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rates, may indicate a lack of oxygen.
- Delayed C-Section: Failure to perform a timely cesarean section in the presence of complications can lead to HIE.
- Medical Negligence: Errors in monitoring, diagnosing, or responding to labor and delivery complications can directly contribute to HIE.
Common HEI Symptoms & Diagnosis
HIE is typically diagnosed shortly after birth. Early identification is crucial for initiating timely interventions and managing potential complications. Signs of HIE may include:
- Low Apgar Scores: Apgar scores assess a newborn’s health immediately after birth. Low scores may indicate breathing issues or poor circulation.
- Poor Muscle Tone: Babies with HIE may appear floppy or have weak muscle strength.
- Difficulty Breathing: Respiratory distress, including irregular or shallow breathing, can be a warning sign.
- Seizures: Seizures in a newborn often indicate abnormal brain activity caused by oxygen deprivation.
- Feeding Difficulties: Babies with HIE may struggle to latch, suck, or swallow effectively.
- Abnormal Reflexes: Lack of normal reflexes, such as the Moro reflex (startle response), may suggest neurological issues.
- Skin Color Changes: Pale or bluish skin may indicate poor oxygenation.
Diagnostic tools are essential for confirming the extent of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation and guiding treatment. These tools include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRIs provide detailed images of the brain, helping identify areas affected by oxygen deprivation.
- Ultrasound: Cranial ultrasounds can detect swelling or bleeding in the brain.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): EEGs monitor brain activity and can help detect seizures or other abnormalities.
- Blood Tests: Abnormal levels of oxygen and acid in the blood may point to HIE.
Timely diagnosis allows medical teams to implement treatments like therapeutic hypothermia, which can help reduce brain damage and improve outcomes for affected babies.
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Can Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy be treated?
When it comes to treating HIE, there are a number of methods a doctor may consider. It is important to act quickly and determine which option is best based on the cause of the condition. Another determining factor when deciding treatment options is the damage that has been done to the baby’s brain. Because of the number of factors involved, the main focus is to treat the organs affected by the condition.
Doctors may consider a ventilation machine if the baby is having trouble breathing on his or her own. Oxygen treatment or general medications may also be used depending on what symptoms are being caused. If the HIE causes high temperatures, an option may be to cool the body and brain of the baby. These treatment options must be administered in a timely manner.
How Does HIE Impact Victims And Families?
The effects of HIE can range from mild to severe, depending on the duration and severity of oxygen deprivation. Common outcomes include:
- Cognitive Delays: Children with HIE may experience learning disabilities and developmental delays.
- Physical Disabilities: Conditions such as cerebral palsy can affect mobility and coordination.
- Emotional and Financial Strain: Families often face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges, including the cost of ongoing medical care, therapy, and adaptive equipment.
Understanding the full scope of HIE’s impact is essential for pursuing appropriate compensation. An experienced attorney can help document these effects and advocate for your family’s needs.
Our Houston Cerebral Palsy attorneys also provide dedicated support to victims and their families as they navigate the challenges of a birth injury diagnosis. We understand the profound impact cerebral palsy can have on a child’s mobility, development, and overall quality of life. Our legal team works to investigate potential medical negligence, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation needed to cover medical treatments, therapy, assistive devices, and long-term care.
How a Houston HIE Birth Injury Attorney Can Help
If you notice that your baby is experiencing low heart rate, pale skin color, trouble breathing, poor muscle tone, excessive acid in the blood, or meconium-stained amniotic fluid, HIE may be the cause. The doctor should administer tests such as CT or MRI scans, echocardiography, or ultrasound. The severity of the symptoms will often determine if additional tests are needed.
If your child’s HIE diagnosis resulted from medical negligence, you may have grounds for a birth injury claim. At Hampton & King, our Houston birth injury lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure your family receives the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can help:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Our first step is to thoroughly review your case. We’ll examine medical records, consult with medical professionals, and identify any lapses in the standard of care that may have led to your child’s injury.
Building a Strong Case
Proving medical negligence in an HIE case requires a detailed understanding of obstetrics, neonatology, and legal standards. Our team collaborates with leading medical experts to build a compelling case that demonstrates how errors in care contributed to your child’s condition.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation
Families affected by HIE often face significant financial burdens. We’ll fight for compensation to cover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Specialized education
- Adaptive equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning potential
Providing Compassionate Support
At Hampton & King, our Houston Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy lawyers are determined to help families after severe birth injuries. We are aware of the various causes of HIE and we work hard to help families secure compensation for damages related to the injury. Trust that when you come to our firm, we utilize our more than 70 years of experience on your behalf. We have helped countless families in the past and we are committed to making sure you have the tough advocacy you need on your side.
At Hampton & King, our Houston Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS) attorneys also provide dedicated support to victims of ODS and their families. We understand the devastating impact this condition can have when caused by medical negligence, such as rapid sodium correction. Our team works tirelessly to investigate potential malpractice, gather expert testimony, and fight for the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care. With over 70 years of experience, we are committed to providing compassionate and relentless advocacy to help families secure justice and the resources they need.
Natural Complications vs. Medical Negligence in HEI Lawsuits
It’s important to recognize that not all cases of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy result from medical negligence. Natural complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can sometimes lead to HIE despite the best efforts of medical professionals. For instance, unexpected placental issues or sudden umbilical cord accidents can occur without any warning signs.
However, if there is evidence that healthcare providers failed to meet the standard of care – such as by missing signs of fetal distress, delaying critical interventions like a cesarean section, or improperly managing labor complications – then the situation may warrant further investigation. In these cases, a birth injury attorney can examine the circumstances to determine whether medical errors contributed to your child’s condition.
Even in situations involving natural complications, healthcare providers have a duty to act promptly and appropriately to minimize risks. If this duty was breached, it could constitute negligence. By reviewing medical records, consulting with experts, and analyzing the events leading up to your child’s injury, an attorney can help you identify whether your case involves negligence or unavoidable circumstances.
If your child’s HIE was caused by natural complications and you’re unsure about the role of medical care, it’s always best to seek a professional legal review. An experienced attorney can clarify your options and guide you toward the best course of action for your family.
Contact Hampton & King today at (713) 658-0231.
Contact Hampton & King Today
If your child has been diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and you believe medical negligence may be to blame, don’t wait to take action. The experienced birth injury attorneys at Hampton & King are here to help you navigate this challenging time and secure the compensation your family deserves.
Call us today at (713) 658-0231 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you find the necessary answers and justice to move forward.