Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a severe birth injury caused by oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow to a newborn’s brain. It is a medical emergency that can result in lifelong disabilities or even death if not promptly treated. Parents facing an HIE diagnosis often struggle with uncertainty, emotional distress, and the financial burden of long-term medical care. If medical negligence played a role in your child’s condition, you may have legal options to seek compensation.
If your child has been diagnosed with HIE and you suspect medical malpractice, call Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates at (770) 865-8654 or complete our online form to discuss your case in a free consultation.
What Causes Neonatal HIE?
HIE can occur before, during, or shortly after birth due to a variety of complications that interfere with oxygen supply. Common causes include:
- Prolonged or Difficult Labor: A prolonged second stage of labor or failure to perform a timely cesarean section (C-section) can lead to oxygen deprivation.
- Placental Abruption: The placenta detaching from the uterine wall too early can reduce oxygen delivery to the baby.
- Umbilical Cord Issues: A prolapsed, compressed, or knotted umbilical cord can restrict oxygen flow.
- Maternal Health Conditions: Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, or hypertension can increase the risk of HIE.
- Delayed Resuscitation: If a newborn is not promptly revived after birth, brain damage can occur due to prolonged oxygen deprivation.
Medical professionals have a duty to monitor fetal distress, intervene when necessary, and take appropriate actions to prevent brain injuries. If a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff member fails in their duty, the child’s family may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of HIE
The severity of HIE is categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. The symptoms and long-term effects depend on the extent of brain damage.
Mild HIE
- Irritability or excessive crying
- Trouble feeding
- Slight muscle stiffness or weakness
Moderate HIE
- Seizures
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Difficulty breathing without assistance
Severe HIE
- Coma or unresponsiveness
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Multiple organ dysfunction
Long-term complications can include:
- Cerebral Palsy: A common motor disorder caused by brain damage at birth.
- Seizure Disorders: Many children with HIE develop epilepsy.
- Cognitive and Developmental Delays: Learning disabilities, speech delays, and behavioral challenges are common.
- Sensory Impairments: Vision and hearing loss can occur due to neurological damage.
Legal Options for Families Affected by HIE
When HIE results from medical negligence, families have the right to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Proving negligence requires demonstrating that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
- This failure caused or contributed to the child’s injury.
- The injury resulted in damages, such as medical expenses, therapy costs, and pain and suffering.
Georgia law allows families to seek compensation for medical bills, future care needs, lost wages of parents who must become full-time caregivers, and non-economic damages like emotional distress. However, Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, making it essential to take action as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Birth Injury Attorney
If your child has been diagnosed with Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone. At Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates, we are committed to helping families obtain justice and financial relief when medical negligence has caused preventable birth injuries.
Call us now at (770) 865-8654 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today.