Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Birth Injury Lawyer in Baltimore, MD

Birth injuries can be devastating for both the child and their family. One particularly serious birth injury is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), which occurs when there is a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the newborn baby’s brain during or shortly after birth. If you or your child has been affected by HIE in Baltimore, MD, consult with a birth injury lawyer with experience in HIE cases right away. At Peter Angelos Law, we can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Call us at 410-705-2405 to speak with an experienced HIE birth injury lawyer today.

Defining Birth Injury

A birth injury refers to harm or damage occurring to a newborn baby during the birthing process, ranging from mild to severe with potentially lasting effects on the child’s overall health. These injuries encompass various types, including fractures, nerve damage, and brain injuries. 

One specific and critical birth injury that demands immediate attention is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE results from a disruption in the newborn baby’s oxygen supply or blood flow to the infant’s brain. Causes of this oxygen deprivation can be multifactorial, including complications during labor, maternal health issues, and, in certain instances, medical negligence during childbirth.

Impact and Resources for Birth Injuries

Birth injuries, notably HIE, can have substantial and lasting effects on a child’s life, affecting both their development and quality of life. The severity and areas affected determine the range of effects, from physical disabilities like cerebral palsy or paralysis to cognitive impairments and learning disabilities. The emotional and financial toll on families can be significant, stemming from the costs of medical treatments and ongoing care.

Fortunately, resources exist to aid families dealing with birth injuries. Early intervention programs, specialized therapies, and support groups offer crucial assistance for children’s development and guidance for parents. Understanding the causes, effects, and legal implications of birth injuries is essential to seek the right support and resources for the child’s well-being. This comprehensive understanding ensures that affected families can navigate the complexities and seek appropriate help for their child’s future.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Birth Injuries

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) birth injuries can have devastating, long term consequences for the child’s development and quality of life. When a newborn baby experiences HIE, there is a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain, which can result in brain damage. This brain injury can lead to a variety of neurological disorders that can significantly impact the child’s future.

Common HIE Injuries 

Some of the most common health consequences associated with HIE is:

  • Cerebral Palsy: This disorder affects muscle control and movement, making it difficult for children to perform everyday tasks. Simple actions like walking, talking, and even eating can become challenging for children with cerebral palsy. They may require assistive devices such as wheelchairs or walkers to help them move around.
  • Developmental Delays: These delays can affect various aspects of a child’s development, including cognitive, motor, and speech skills. Children may take longer to reach developmental milestones such as sitting up, crawling, or speaking their first words. Early intervention therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, are crucial in helping children with HIE overcome these delays.
  • Intellectual Disabilities: The brain damage caused by HIE can affect a child’s ability to learn, understand, and process information. This can make it challenging for them to keep up with their peers academically. Specialized educational programs and individualized support are often necessary to help children with intellectual disabilities reach their full potential.
  • Seizures: Brain damage disrupts the normal electrical activity in the brain, leading to abnormal bursts of electrical energy that result in seizures. Seizures can vary in severity and frequency, and they may require medication or other interventions to manage.
  • Affected Families: The emotional toll of caring for a child with complex medical needs can be overwhelming. Parents may experience feelings of grief, guilt, and anxiety as they navigate the challenges of raising a child with HIE.
  • Financial Impact: Ongoing medical care and therapy sessions are often necessary to support the child’s development and well-being. Additionally, assistive devices such as wheelchairs, communication devices, and specialized equipment can be costly. Home modifications may be required to make the living environment safe and accessible for the child.

Seeking legal representation can help alleviate some of these financial concerns. If your child has suffered a birth injury due to HIE, you may be able to recover compensation. A skilled birth injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the financial resources you need to provide the best possible care for your child. This compensation can cover medical expenses, therapy costs, assistive devices, home modifications, and other related expenses.

It is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who focuses on birth injury cases to understand your rights and options. They can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and advocate for your family’s best interests. With their help, you can focus on providing the love and support your child needs while ensuring they have access to the necessary resources for their development and well-being.

What Causes Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy? 

While the birth and delivery process itself is arduous, if all goes as it should, the infant should not be without oxygen. However, there are a few complications that can cause this condition to occur. They include:

  • Infection during delivery
  • Improper monitoring of the maternal or fetal heartbeat
  • Prolonged labor
  • Delayed delivery
  • Placental abruptions
  • Rupture of the uterus or umbilical cord
  • Excessive or improper medications
  • Failure to prevent premature delivery
  • Preeclampsia or stroke in the mother

Most of these causes are preventable with modern medicine meaning that medical providers often have the capability to prevent hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy simply by adhering to the standard of care practiced by a competent physician. If failure to adhere to the standard of care causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, it is crucial to contact hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy attorneys. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of HIE

Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of HIE can be critical in obtaining a timely diagnosis and implementing appropriate medical interventions. After only a few seconds, hypoxia and ischemia can cause injury to the brain (encephalopathy), causing the child’s brain to shut down. Within a few minutes, cells in the brain can begin to die. This medical condition can manifest in many different ways. Some common effects of this condition include:

  • Seizures
  • Breathing problems
  • Developmental delays
  • Underdeveloped reflexes
  • Altered consciousness

Unfortunately, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is one of the leading causes of birth-injury-related death in the United States. 

How HIE is Diagnosed

Diagnosing HIE involves a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. A medical provider may perform brain imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, to assess any brain abnormalities or damage. Electroencephalogram (EEG) tests can also be conducted to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain and detect any signs of seizures or neurological abnormalities.

A skilled birth injury lawyer at Peter Angelos Law can work with medical experts to review and interpret these diagnostic tests, ensuring that all necessary evidence is gathered to support your legal claim.

Treatment and Management of HIE

The treatment and management of HIE usually involves a multidisciplinary approach. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may include therapeutic hypothermia, which involves cooling the newborn baby’s body temperature to reduce brain swelling and prevent further damage. Other interventions may include medications to control seizures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to address developmental delays and improve overall functioning.

The Long-Term Outcomes of HIE

The long-term outcomes of HIE can vary depending on the severity of the brain damage and the effectiveness of the medical interventions provided. Some children with HIE may have mild to moderate disabilities and lead relatively independent lives with appropriate support. However, others may experience significant cognitive and physical limitations, requiring lifelong assistance, specialized care, and an ongoing financial burden.

Understanding the potential long-term outcomes of HIE is essential for determining the compensation you may be able to recover. Our skilled birth injury lawyers can assess the current and future needs of your child, including medical expenses, therapy costs, educational accommodations, and any necessary home modifications, to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation.

Medical Malpractice and Its Connection to HIE

Medical malpractice refers to the failure of a healthcare provider to offer a reasonable standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. When medical negligence leads to HIE, it may be possible to recover compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Proving medical malpractice involves demonstrating that the healthcare provider breached their duty of care, and that breach directly caused the child’s birth injury.

Working with an experienced birth injury lawyer who understands the complexities of medical malpractice claims is crucial in building a strong case. With help from a Baltimore attorney at Peter Angelos Law, we can review medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Do I Need Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorneys for Birth Injury? 

Dealing with the emotional and financial aftermath of an HIE birth injury can be overwhelming. Navigating the complex legal system while caring for your child’s medical needs may seem impossible. However, seeking legal representation from a knowledgeable birth injury lawyer in Baltimore, MD, can provide you with the support and guidance necessary to protect your rights and secure the compensation your family deserves.

A birth injury lawyer will handle all aspects of your legal case, including investigating the circumstances surrounding the birth injury, obtaining relevant medical records, consulting with expert witnesses, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing you in court. At Peter Angelos Law, we will tirelessly advocate for you and your child, ensuring that justice is served and that you receive the resources needed to provide the highest quality of care.

Remember, time is of the essence when pursuing a birth injury claim. Statutes of limitations in Maryland Law restrict the timeframe within which you can file a legal claim, so it is crucial to consult with a birth injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and give your case the best chance of success.

Let Our Birth Injury Attorney Answer Your HIE Legal Questions 

If you or your child has been affected by Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE),  seek legal representation from a birth injury lawyer in Baltimore, MD. With help from Peter Angelos Law, we can guide you through the legal process, ensure that your rights are protected, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the right legal support, you can provide your child with the care and resources they need to thrive despite the challenges of HIE.

Contact our law firm at 410-705-2405 to schedule a free consultation.