Baltimore HIE Lawyer
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a very serious type of birth injury that is a result of the infant’s brain not receiving enough oxygen and blood during the birthing process. HIE can occur shortly after the birth, or even before, but these cases are much more rare. Regardless of when the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain occurs, it is usually a direct result of a negligent doctor or other medical provider. Our Baltimore HIE lawyer knows infants should not suffer as a result of medical malpractice and is dedicated to helping families hold the appropriate party accountable.
Common Symptoms of HIE
HIE is a severe condition that can cause catastrophic injury, or even wrongful death. It is important parents know how to spot the signs of HIE so their child can receive the appropriate treatment right away. The most common symptoms of HIE are as follows:
- Low Apgar scores for at least five minutes
- Acidosis, which is a buildup of acid in the body
- Absent or depressed reflexes
- Amniotic fluid that shows a greenish discoloration
- Slow, depressed, or absent breathing
- Muscle tone that is irregular or “floppy”
- Low heart rate, or no detectable heart rate
- Bluish or pale skin tone
- Seizures
HIE has Long-Term Consequences
When the brain does not receive enough blood or oxygen, it is very traumatic, even if it lasts for only a few seconds. In a newborn, the long-term consequences can be even more severe than if it happened to an adult. HIE can cause developmental problems in a newborn that prevents them from progressing and developing as quickly as a child that was not born with HIE. A child may also not have the motor skills they would have otherwise, and they may spend the rest of their life battling epilepsy.
If you need to file a claim for compensation after your child suffers from HIE, it is important to understand how the condition may affect your child in the future. You need to include the losses you and your child have currently incurred, as well as those you will sustain in the future, within your claim to ensure you receive the full settlement you deserve. Our Baltimore HIE lawyer will do whatever it takes to help you get the justice you deserve.
Negligent Doctors Often Cause HIE
One of the most traumatic aspects of HIE is that it is usually entirely preventable. Doctors and medical professionals are responsible for carefully assessing the health of the baby and the pregnant mother before, during, and after the birthing process to reduce the chances of birth injuries, including HIE. Some of the most common acts of negligence that cause HIE include:
- Prolonged or delayed labor
- A C-section that was unnecessarily delayed
- Unusual positioning in birth canal
- Umbilical cord strangulation
A Baltimore HIE lawyer will review the facts of your case to determine the cause of HIE, and who to hold liable for paying the damages you are entitled to.
Call Our HIE Lawyer in Baltimore Today
At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our Baltimore HIE lawyer knows how to protect your rights and hold healthcare professionals for any harm they cause. Call us today at 410.567.0800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
