If your child has been diagnosed with Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), you may have many questions about what went wrong and whether it could have been prevented. At Hampton & King, we understand the challenges families face when dealing with HIE and other birth injuries. Our Pearland HIE birth injury attorneys are here to help you seek justice, answers, and the compensation your family needs to move forward.
Contact us today at (713) 658-0231 to schedule your free consultation with skilled Pearland birth injury legal help.
What Is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)?
HIE is a serious birth injury caused by a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) or blood flow (ischemia) to a baby’s brain during labor, delivery, or immediately after birth according to the Epilepsy Foundation. This condition can result in brain damage, leading to long-term developmental delays, physical disabilities, or even death.
HIE may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, with the severity often determining the extent of the child’s long-term outcomes. Common symptoms of HIE include:
- Low Apgar scores
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal muscle tone (too floppy or stiff)
- Seizures
- Feeding difficulties
The effects of HIE can vary widely. While some children recover fully with minimal intervention, others may face lifelong challenges such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or learning disabilities.
How Does HIE Happen?
HIE can result from a variety of factors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. In some cases, it is a tragic but unavoidable outcome. However, in many instances, HIE is preventable and occurs due to medical negligence or errors. Common causes of HIE include:
- Prolonged labor: A prolonged or difficult labor can cause stress on the baby, leading to oxygen deprivation.
- Umbilical cord complications: Issues such as umbilical cord prolapse, compression, or a true knot can restrict oxygen flow.
- Placental problems: Placental abruption or insufficient placental function can reduce oxygen supply to the baby.
- Failure to monitor: Inadequate fetal monitoring may result in missed signs of distress, delaying necessary interventions.
- Delayed C-section: A delayed decision to perform a cesarean section in the presence of fetal distress can lead to oxygen deprivation.
When doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care expected in these situations, the results can be catastrophic.
Pursuing Justice for Your Child
If your child’s HIE diagnosis was caused by medical negligence, as defined by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), you have the right to pursue a claim for compensation. Filing a birth injury lawsuit not only provides financial relief but also holds negligent medical providers accountable and may prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.
A successful HIE claim can help cover:
- Medical expenses, including specialized care and therapies
- Costs for assistive devices and adaptive equipment
- Home modifications to accommodate physical disabilities
- Lost wages for parents who need to take time off work or provide long-term care
- Pain and suffering
At Hampton & King, we approach every case with compassion and dedication. Our Pearland HIE attorneys work closely with medical experts to investigate the circumstances of your child’s birth. By analyzing medical records, labor and delivery timelines, and expert opinions, we build strong cases to advocate for our clients.
Why Choose Hampton & King?
When it comes to birth injury cases, experience matters. Hampton & King has a proven track record of helping families affected by medical negligence. Our team understands the complexities of HIE cases and knows how to navigate the legal and medical challenges involved.
If your child has suffered from Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in Houston, TX, our experienced Houston HIE birth injury lawyers can help—not only in Houston but also throughout Harris County and surrounding Texas counties. Whether your case involves a hospital in Pasadena, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, or other nearby areas, we are prepared to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
We’re not just attorneys – we’re advocates for your family’s future. Our team will:
- Listen to your story: We take the time to understand your unique situation and the challenges you’re facing.
- Conduct a thorough investigation: We work with leading medical experts to identify the cause of your child’s HIE and determine whether negligence was involved.
- Fight for fair compensation: We strive to secure the financial resources your family needs for medical care, therapies, and other expenses.
Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind so you can focus on your child’s care and well-being.
Contact Hampton & King Today
If your child has been diagnosed with HIE, you don’t have to face this journey alone. The Pearland HIE birth injury attorneys at Hampton & King are here to guide you every step of the way. From investigating the cause of your child’s condition to advocating for justice and compensation, we’re committed to fighting for your family’s rights.
Call Hampton & King today at (713) 658-0231 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you get the answers and support you deserve.