Our infant brain ischemia lawyer serving North Carolina can review your case to determine whether negligence played a role in your baby’s brain ischemia. This is a serious condition that can occur when a newborn experiences a lack of oxygen during birth. When medical errors contribute to oxygen deprivation, families may have legal options to seek compensation.
With over $750 million recovered for clients, Birth Injury Lawyers Group has helped many families obtain financial support for medical treatments, therapies, and lifelong care. Our North Carolina Birth Injury Lawyer may help parents seek compensation for medical bills, assistive devices, and long-term care.
Key Aspects of Infant Brain Ischemia
This condition can cause damage to brain cells, leading to birth injuries such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, or developmental delays. The extent of brain damage often depends on how long the oxygen deprivation lasted and what medical treatments were provided.
Common Causes of Infant Brain Ischemia
Several factors can contribute to infant brain ischemia. Some occur before birth, while others develop during labor or delivery. Common causes include:
- Umbilical cord complications: Issues such as umbilical cord compression, umbilical cord prolapse, or a nuchal cord (when the cord wraps around the baby’s neck) can reduce oxygen supply.
- Placental abruption: If the placenta detaches from the uterus too soon, it can limit oxygen flow to the baby.
- Fetal distress: Changes in heart rate or oxygen levels may indicate that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen.
- Birth trauma: A difficult birthing process can place stress on the baby, increasing the risk of brain ischemia.
- Maternal health conditions: High blood pressure, infections, or diabetes may affect blood flow to the baby before or during birth.
Signs and Symptoms
Infants who experience brain ischemia may show symptoms soon after birth. Some signs include:
- Difficulty breathing: Shallow breathing or the need for a breathing tube may indicate oxygen deprivation.
- Seizures: Some infants develop neonatal seizures due to oxygen loss.
- Difficulty feeding: Trouble sucking or swallowing may be linked to brain injury.
Some symptoms appear immediately, while others, such as developmental delays, may become noticeable as the child grows. Early medical intervention can help reduce the risk of long-term damage. An infant brain ischemia lawyer can review the case and answer your legal questions.
Potential Outcomes
The effects of infant brain ischemia depend on how long the oxygen deprivation lasted and the severity of the injury. Some infants recover with medical treatments and therapies, while others may experience lifelong challenges, such as:
- Motor difficulties: Infant brain ischemia can cause brain damage. Some children have trouble with movement, muscle control, or coordination.
- Cognitive impairments: Learning disabilities, memory issues, or speech delays may occur.
- Cerebral palsy: This condition affects movement and posture and can range from mild to severe.
- Developmental delays: Some children may take longer to reach milestones such as crawling, walking, or speaking.
Early medical care, physical therapy, and ongoing support can help children affected by infant brain ischemia. If the injury resulted from a medical error, an infant brain ischemia lawyer serving North Carolina can help families seek compensation for medical bills, therapies, and long-term care.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Treatment Options for Affected Infants
When a baby shows signs of oxygen deprivation, immediate medical care is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent brain damage. Treatment options may include:
- Therapeutic hypothermia: This treatment lowers the infant’s body temperature to slow brain cell damage and improve survival rates.
- Mechanical ventilation: If a newborn struggles to breathe, a breathing tube may be used to maintain oxygen flow.
- Supplemental oxygen: In cases where oxygen levels are low, additional oxygen may help improve blood circulation.
- Medications: Certain drugs can help manage seizures, regulate blood pressure, and reduce inflammation in the brain.
- Physical and occupational therapy: Infants who experience developmental delays or motor difficulties may benefit from early intervention therapies.
Some children may require lifelong care due to the effects of brain ischemia. Families often work with healthcare providers to create individualized brain ischemia treatment plans that address cognitive impairments, movement difficulties, and speech delays.
North Carolina Infant Brain Ischemia Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Legal Considerations for Affected Families
Families whose children have suffered birth injuries due to medical errors may consider legal action to hold responsible parties accountable. The legal process often involves:
- Reviewing medical records: Attorneys and medical professionals assess whether a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- Identifying a responsible party: If medical malpractice contributed to the injury, a hospital, doctor, or healthcare provider may be held accountable.
- Filing a birth injury claim: Parents may pursue a birth injury lawsuit to seek damages for their child’s injuries.
There are deadlines for filing birth injury lawsuits in North Carolina, so it may be helpful to consult a legal team early in the process. Legal professionals can review potential claims, explain options, and guide families through the birth injury lawsuit process.
Compensation for Medical Care and Long-Term Needs
Children with brain damage may require lifelong care, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and assistive devices. Birth injury settlements can help cover these costs, as well as medical bills, developmental therapies, and future care.
Legal action may also include claims for punitive damages if medical malpractice caused severe brain injuries. A birth injury attorney can discuss the types of compensation available and whether filing a birth injury lawsuit is appropriate.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
A North Carolina Infant Brain Ischemia Lawyer Can Answer Your Questions
Families affected by infant brain ischemia often face emotional and financial challenges. If a birth injury resulted from a medical error, parents may have legal options to seek financial compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and other related costs.
An infant brain ischemia lawyer serving North Carolina can review the details of the case, explain legal rights, and discuss possible next steps. Attorneys from Birth Injury Lawyers Group offer a free, no–obligation case review. A legal consultation can help families explore the next steps toward justice and financial recovery.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."