Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Attorney

Understanding Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Maryland and Nationwide

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Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most catastrophic types of birth injuries, requiring extensive medical care well beyond birth. If your child’s HIE was caused by medical negligence, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial and emotional weight of the diagnosis alone. Let an experienced HIE lawyer at Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston fight for the justice your child and your family deserve.

Schedule a free consultation with our firm by calling (410) 220-6581. We are based in Annapolis, MD but represent clients across the country on a pro hac vice basis.

What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy occurs when a newborn's brain doesn't receive enough oxygen and blood, leading to potential brain damage. This lack of oxygen can result in a range of developmental issues, both cognitive and physical. Children with HIE may face challenges like delayed milestones, learning disabilities, or motor impairments. Early intervention and therapy can play a crucial role in helping affected children reach their full potential. Understanding the symptoms and obtaining a timely diagnosis is essential for improving outcomes.

• Hypoxic - Inadequate oxygen levels in the tissues and cells of the body.
• Ischemic - Deficient supply of blood such as to the heart or brain.
• Encephalopathy - Relating to diseases or conditions of the brain.

If you believe that your child's HIE was a result of medical negligence or malpractice, you may have grounds for a legal claim. A proper investigation of your medical records can help establish if any lapses in care contributed to the development of HIE.

What Causes Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Several factors can contribute to the development of HIE during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. It is crucial for healthcare providers to properly monitor and address any potential issues that might compromise a baby's oxygen supply. Factors such as the health of the placenta, the mother's overall health during pregnancy, and any complications during delivery need careful assessment. Understanding these variables can be the key to preventing HIE.

• Maternal Health Issues: Certain maternal health conditions can increase the risk of HIE. These may include placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, maternal infections, anemia, and cardiovascular problems. During prenatal care, your healthcare provider will monitor you for conditions that may affect the flow of oxygen from you, through the placenta, to your baby. Detailed tracking of the mother's health can provide early warnings of potential HIE risk factors.
• Oxygen Supply: During Labor and Delivery, you and your baby will be monitored for any signs that the oxygen supply to the baby may be compromised. Fetal monitoring allows healthcare providers to monitor the health of the baby during the added stress of contractions and delivery. Healthcare providers are trained to interpret the fetal monitor tracings which, if interpreted correctly, can provide information to allow for timely interventions to prevent an extended period of oxygen deprivation to the baby. Proactive measures during this critical time can significantly reduce the risk of HIE.
• Premature Birth: Premature babies are more susceptible to HIE due to their underdeveloped organs. The brain specifically is more vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and ischemic injury. Specialized neonatal care and surveillance are necessary to prevent complications.

It's important to note that HIE is a complex condition and multiple factors can contribute to its development. In many cases, it is a combination of various factors rather than a single cause. Collaboration between obstetric and neonatal teams is essential to address these complexities effectively.

When is HIE the Result of Medical Error?

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy can be caused by the negligence or error of a healthcare provider. Some examples of HIE negligence include:

• Your doctor did not properly address labor complications that caused the baby to suffer low blood flow or oxygen deprivation. Prompt clinical responses are crucial to mitigate risks associated with labor complications.
• Your doctor failed to notice or address fetal distress before brain damage occurred. Early detection and intervention are pivotal in managing fetal distress signals.
• Your doctor did not provide proper prenatal care, causing the birth mother to suffer an infection or other condition that may lead to HIE.
• Your doctor did not take proper precautions when handling a high-risk pregnancy, such as premature birth. Special attention to high-risk pregnancies can prevent actionable complications.
• Your doctor or nurse administered too much Pitocin or another type of labor-inducing drug, causing severe contractions that deprived the baby of oxygen/blood. The balance and timing of medications are critical to avoiding such scenarios.

If you suspect that the attending doctor, nurse, or another medical professional at your birth made an error that caused your baby to suffer HIE, contact The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc. as soon as possible. Our experienced HIE lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients in Maryland, DC, and nationwide.

Connect with an experienced HIE lawyer near you in Maryland as soon as possible. Dial (410) 220-6581 or submit an online form. We serve clients throughout the U.S.