According to the Birth Injury Help Center, HIE is a serious condition with life-altering symptoms and complications that can even result in death. Babies who suffer from HIE show a wide variety of symptoms, which may include the following:
- Acidosis (the buildup of acid in the body)
- Low Apgar scores (newborn health scores) for five minutes or more
- Depressed or absent reflexes
- Yellowed skin and nails (due to stained meconium)
- Irregular breathing that may be depressed, slow, or absent
- Irregular, “floppy” muscle tone
- Low heart rate or no detectable heart rate
- Pale or bluish skin tone
- Seizures
Long-Term Consequences of HIE
Oxygen or blood loss to the brain is traumatic, even if it lasts only a few seconds. In a newborn child, the consequences can be especially severe compared to those in an adult.
The long-term consequences of HIE include but are not limited to:
- Developmental problems
- Lack of motor skills
- Epilepsy
When we seek compensation on behalf of you and your child, we consider how HIE will affect your lives now and far into the future. Depending on the extent of your child’s dysfunction and other factors, we may seek a settlement or a jury verdict. We’ll do whatever it takes to bring you justice.
How do Doctors Cause HIE?
Most cases of HIE are completely preventable with proper medical care and attention. It is up to a medical provider to carefully assess a baby’s health and that of the pregnant mother before, during, and after birth to reduce the chances of a brain injury like HIE. A medical provider must also act with the utmost care during the delivery process to avoid depriving the child’s brain of oxygen.
HIE can be caused by:
- Delayed or prolonged labor
- A needlessly delayed C-section
- Umbilical cord strangulation
- A baby’s unusual positioning in the birthing canal
Determining Liability
Many cases of HIE in children are entirely preventable. However, it can be difficult to prove a case was preventable and only happened due to a doctor’s negligence.
An HIE lawyer from our firm can review medical records and interview experts to determine whether your child’s case of HIE was preventable. If your lawyer discovers your child’s case was preventable and caused by a doctor’s negligence, the doctor may be found liable for your child’s damages.
What Damages Could I Collect for My Child?
Since birth, your child may be experiencing serious symptoms and complications, such as seizures or epilepsy. Your child deserves recompense for their injury and suffering, and you deserve compensation for your financial damages, so you should consider filing a legal claim for all of these damages and others.
If you decide to pursue legal action, you may be able to claim and collect the following damages:
- Medical bills, including bills you’ll have to pay in the future
- Bills for any assistive equipment your child may need
- Bills for any therapies your child may require, like physical therapy or occupational therapy in the future
- Lost wages due to having to look after your child
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
Contact Brown & Barron online today to schedule a free case review with a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyer serving Baltimore.
