If your baby was affected by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and your healthcare provider caused the situation or did not diagnose and treat it quickly enough, you may be entitled to compensation.
An Ann Arbor hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to assist you in asserting your legal rights. For a free consultation, call our office now at (800) 222-9529.
A Lawyer Can Help You Strengthen Your Case
Many parents find themselves considering filing a lawsuit after their baby has been diagnosed with HIE. This is often the first time they have ever considered taking legal action, which can be intimidating and overwhelming.
There are many considerations to take into account before you pursue your claim, and it is important to make sure that you file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations, or state deadline.
Per MCL §600.5805, the statute of limitations for a medical malpractice case is typically two years from the time you discovered the damage the medical professional caused. Given enough notice, your lawyer may be able to help you submit your lawsuit on time.
There are a few other ways that your lawyers will assist you with your case by:
- Investigating your case to determine whether medical negligence happened
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Working with insurance companies and protecting your rights
- Answering phone calls and requests for information from the other side
- Contacting and retaining experts to work on your case
- Preparing you for depositions and court appearances
- Answering your questions and making sure you understand the legal process
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Seeking Damages After a Birth Injury
Many parents who are confronted with a birth injury that results from medical malpractice are eager to know what kinds of compensation they can hope to receive if they pursue a settlement or a lawsuit. There are many types of damages that you may be able to claim, such as:
- Medical costs associated with HIE
- Compensation for second opinions and consults
- Medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- In-home care assistance
- Medical equipment and devices
- Lost wages due to taking care of your child
- Pain and suffering
Perhaps the most important category of damages in this type of case is coverage for future estimated medical care costs. If your baby’s HIE results in permanent disabilities, they may require a lifetime of medical care and treatment, which can be incredibly expensive. It can also be disruptive for the parents if they are required to change their occupations in order to take care of their child full-time.
There may be other damages that you can claim in your lawsuit. It is critical to make sure you include everything in your case because you will not be able to go back and seek more damages once it is finalized. Working with a birth injury lawyer can help you ensure that you cover all of your financial bases.
Ann Arbor Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
HIE Can Have Long-Term Consequences
If your baby’s brain does not receive oxygen during the delivery process, it can destroy their fragile brain tissue. According to Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews: NAINR, up to 60 percent of infants do not survive this brain injury past the age of two years old.
Should they survive, they may suffer severe consequences that are often permanent. Some of the outcomes of HIE include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Neurodevelopmental delay
- Motor impairment
- Cognitive impairment
- Epilepsy
- Developmental delay
Contact the Birth Injury Law Group now to learn more about whether an Ann Arbor hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer from our firm may be able to assist you. Just give us a call at (800) 222-9529.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Medical Negligence and HIE
Medical negligence is similar to a regular personal injury case in some ways, but there are key differences when it comes to what the plaintiff must prove. There are some medical situations where the patient would experience a negative outcome even if their healthcare providers are acting with the highest level of care and attention.
Instead, medical negligence occurs when a doctor fails to treat their patient with the same level of care and attention that another doctor with similar training and experience would when treating a patient with a similar issue or condition. This standard takes into consideration the pre-existing history of the patient.
A birth injury is a type of medical malpractice claim. It largely includes situations where an infant was harmed during the birthing process.
Mistakes that Can Lead to HIE
Sometimes, a doctor’s lack of attention, failure to intervene, or improper interventions are the cause of the birth injury. A doctor can also cause your baby to suffer HIE by doing something that compromises the flow of oxygenated blood from the mother to the baby.
A few examples of medical mistakes that can cause HIE include:
- Placental abruption
- Umbilical cord issues like prolapse or knot
- Uterine rupture
- Placenta previa
- Failure to manage a high-risk pregnancy
- Improper fetal monitoring
- Medication errors
- Failure to manage a neonatal health condition like jaundice, respiratory issues, or neonatal hypoglycemia
There may be other reasons that your doctor is responsible for your baby’s HIE. For example, if a doctor applies too much pressure to the baby’s head during the delivery process, it can also disrupt the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Get a Free Consultation for Your Potential Birth Injury Case
A birth injury is one of the most traumatic situations a family can endure. You deserve to be made whole financially after a healthcare provider fails to treat your baby with the level of care they deserved. An Ann Arbor hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyer at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to assist you with pursuing compensation. For a free and private consultation, call (800) 222-9529.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."