Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a potentially life-changing birth injury in which the flow of oxygen and blood to your infant’s brain is severely reduced or cut off completely. This may cause learning disabilities, epilepsy, vision problems, hearing problems, or even death.
You may want to hire a Illinois hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer to advocate for your financial recovery if you believe medical malpractice contributed to your infant’s HIE. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for a free case review. You can reach us at (800) 222-9529. Someone is available to take your call all day, every day.
Because HIE Is Often Preventable, You May Have a Case for Medical Malpractice
During childbirth, your care providers are responsible for monitoring your child’s breathing and heartbeat, among other things. If there is any sign of trouble, it is their job to do something about it (e.g., perform an emergency Cesarean section) as quickly as possible to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury.
If your care provider suspects that an injury or complication has already occurred, they still have a responsibility to take action. For example, cooling your infant’s brain could reduce the damage done by HIE and prevent further harm.
In all too many cases, birth injuries are the result of a care provider not acting quickly enough or ignoring warning signs. In cases like this, you are entitled to take legal action against the liable party or parties.
While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the damage done by medical malpractice, you may feel better knowing that you have held the responsible party to account. You can also collect monetary compensation that will help you pay for the medical care your child needs.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
You Could Qualify for Two Types of Compensation
Naturally, your primary concern is your child’s health. Once you have done what you can for them medically, you can start to think about the future. For example, you may need to consider how you will pay for your child’s medications or education if the HIE caused neurological damage. You may also wonder whether you or your partner could afford to give up your career to take care of your child.
Economic Damages
Monetary concerns like these would fall into the category of economic damages. You may be able to sue for damages like:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of treatment and related travel expenses (if your child’s provider was far enough away to qualify)
- Education costs, including the entrance fees for special schools or the cost of hiring someone to help your child in the classroom
- Loss of wages, if you and/or your partner temporarily took extra time off from work specifically to care for your child
- Loss of earning capacity, if you and/or your partner have permanently reduced working hours specifically to care for your child
Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages do not account for the physical and emotional toll that the injury has had on your family. These are categorized as non-economic damages, and you can seek compensation for things like:
- Mental distress, if your child has suffered emotionally because of the consequences of HIE
- Physical distress, if your child’s injury has caused any form of physical impairment or condition (e.g., cerebral palsy)
- Disability, including both physical and intellectual difficulties caused by the HIE
You can either start your list of damages on your own or hire a lawyer right away to help you. Either way, your lawyer is likely to review and amend your list of damages to ensure that it represents the most complete and accurate picture of your situation.
Cicero Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group Wants to Help
At the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, our mission is to make sure that every parent whose child suffered a preventable birth injury has access to legal representation. To learn more, call us at (800) 222-9529. We serve Cicero, Illinois, and communities around the country.
What can a Cicero hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer do for you? Among other things, your attorney will:
- Work closely with you: If you ever have a question or want help making a legal decision, your lawyer will be there for you.
- Stay in touch: In addition to handling all communication with the liable party, a lawyer can keep you updated about the status of your case.
- Investigate the malpractice: By launching an independent investigation of your claim, your lawyer may be able to uncover supporting evidence.
- Quantify damages: Calculating the exact amount of damages you want to recover is an important task that your lawyer can help you with.
- Negotiate a settlement: Your attorney will meet with the liable party’s representatives with the goal of getting them to agree to settle out of court.
- Draw up and submit paperwork: Lawsuits often include a lot of paperwork. Your lawyer can handle it all and, in the case of a settlement agreement, make sure you understand it before you sign.
It is usually faster and easier to get your money via a settlement than through a court case. Your lawyer will do everything possible to ensure you get a fair settlement. However, if negotiations prove ineffective or if the insurance company refuses to negotiate at all, your attorney can schedule a trial and continue the fight for your financial recovery.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for Help Today
Your right to compensation is, unfortunately, not indefinite. 735 ILCS 5/13-212 limits how long you have to begin a lawsuit against a hospital or a medical professional. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group as soon as possible to find out if a Cicero hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer can help you. Our phone number is (800) 222-9529, and we are available to answer your call day or night.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."