If your child suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or birth asphyxia because of a medical professional’s negligent actions, you may have a valid birth injury claim or lawsuit. You may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for your infant’s injury or death and recover financial compensation for your damages.
A Columbia hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you determine if your infant’s birth injury may have been preventable. If your child’s injury or death was caused by medical malpractice, we can help you file a claim or lawsuit to hold the liable party accountable. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at (800) 222-9529 for a free case review.
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Let a Lawyer Help You with Your Case
The types of damages you may be entitled to collect will depend on your situation. Damages that are often recoverable through a birth injury claim include:
- Medical expenses, including neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care and ongoing medical treatment
- Rehabilitative care
- In-home care
- Special education programs
- Lost wages due to missed work
- The parent’s emotional anguish
A lawyer can help you determine which damages you can pursue and how much they are worth. They can also help you with your case by:
- Consulting medical experts
- Gathering evidence
- Speaking to all involved parties
- Identifying who is liable
- Negotiating a settlement
- Defending and representing you throughout the entire legal process
In many cases, swift action on the part of medical professionals can prevent an infant from developing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Columbia Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer Near Me 1-800-222-9529
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Caused by Medical Negligence
Sometimes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy results because a medical professional failed to provide competent medical care during pregnancy, labor, and/or delivery. When the negligent actions of a health care provider cause an infants’ injury or death, a birth injury medical malpractice claim may hold the negligent provider answerable.
A medical malpractice claim or lawsuit can also enable the child’s parents to recover financial compensation for their damages. Children who suffered asphyxia at birth often require expensive medical care and assistance. A medical malpractice settlement could allow parents to recover the medical costs and non-financial losses stemming from negligent medical care.
Medical malpractice occurs when:
- A health care provider fails to meet the accepted medical standard of care when treating a patient.
- The patient suffers injury or death because of inadequate medical care.
- The patient or the patient’s family suffer damages because of the injury or death.
A Columbia hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can investigate the circumstances of your child’s injury or death and determine if you may have a medical malpractice case.
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The Consequences of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Can Be Life-Altering
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy can cause a range of medical issues that vary in severity. The longer a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen, the worse the consequences of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy will be.
An infant suffering from mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may exhibit symptoms that include:
- Excessive crying
- Insufficient feeding
- Lethargy
- Slow reflexes
- Low muscle tone
- Seizures
Infants suffering from severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may have irregular heart rate, irregular breathing, seizures, no reaction to stimuli, and could fall into a coma.
Sadly, many infants who suffer hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy at birth do not survive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), birth asphyxia causes 23 percent of neonatal deaths worldwide. Many infants who survive hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy suffer from disabilities for the rest of their lives.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one potential consequence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during birth. Children with cerebral palsy suffer from impaired movement and reduced muscle tone, ranging in severity. Cerebral palsy may cause:
- Abnormal reflexes
- Muscle floppiness or rigidity
- Abnormal posture
- Involuntary movements and exaggerated reflexes
- Difficulties walking
- Problems with swallowing and eating
- Muscle imbalance
- Difficulties speaking
- Seizures
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive impairment
Some cerebral palsy sufferers suffer only mild symptoms and can lead a typical life. Others experience significantly reduced functioning and severe developmental delays. Some sufferers require medical and nursing care for the rest of their lives.
Hearing and Vision Impairments
Cortical Visual Impairment or cortical blindness, tunnel vision, strabismus or misaligned eyes, and other vision issues may result from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Children who suffered from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy at birth may also have trouble hearing. Hearing aids and cochlear implants may be used to restore hearing in some sufferers.
Intellectual Disabilities
Children who experienced hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy at birth may be significantly limited in intellectual and behavioral functioning. They may struggle with reading, social skills, practical skills, and problem-solving. Support services and individualized educational plans are often used to help a child suffering from intellectual disabilities.
The Statute of Limitations
A Columbia hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you investigate the cause of your child’s hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and bring a case for damages.
Per Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-109, the statute of limitations for birth injury lawsuits is five years after the injury occurred or three years after the injury was discovered. If your lawsuit is not filed within the appropriate period, you may not be able to bring a lawsuit at all.
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You also may be entitled to financial compensation for your child’s past, present, and future medical care, your lost income, and more. For a free case review, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at (800) 222-9529 today.
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