Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Birth Injury Lawyer
When oxygen is denied to the fetus’ brain through some type of obstruction or medical issue during childbirth, the medical term is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This is also called asphyxia, but regardless of what it is called, it can be detrimental to the fetus. Brain injury or death can occur, a devastating occurrence at the last stage of pregnancy. In some cases, the complications that create HIE and a brain injury are not properly treated by the delivery medical team and can be a form of negligence.
There are many issues that can arise during delivery that can cut-off the supply of oxygen to the fetus’ brain and cause HIE. OB/GYNs and OB nurses are aware of these complications and use fetal monitoring and other detection techniques to mitigate these critical medical concerns. If the fetus’ heartbeat slows, it can be a sign of oxygen deprivation to the brain. A quick response to discover the cause and provide relief can prevent brain damage and death. Delaying treatment, even a few minutes, can be the difference between a healthy child and an infant born with serious health problems.
Prevention of Brain Injuries from HIE
Not all childbirth complications can be prevented or treated. Just because HIE occurs or birth injuries result, does not mean the medical team did not do everything in their abilities to prevent harm. However, there are times when medical professionals make mistakes or do not heed the warning signs and a fetus is injured due to HIE. This can cause brain damage such as cerebral palsy or many other neurological disorders that can follow them the rest of their lives if the child survives.
If your newborn suffered HIE during delivery and an injury or death occurred, you deserve to know whether it could have been prevented with medical intervention. Contact our legal team at Moriarty Injury Lawyer to discuss your case. You and your family may be eligible to pursue compensation through a birth injury medical malpractice lawsuit.