Phoenix Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorneys

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy or HIE caused by fetal or neonatal asphyxia is the leading cause of severe impairment or death in infants in the United States.  HIE occurs in approximately 2% of full-term infants and can permanently damage a child.

 

Why Choose Knapp & Roberts?

If your child suffered from HIE at birth and you believe HIE was preventable, let the birth injury attorneys at Knapp & Roberts review your case.  Our HIE attorneys know the mistakes medical professionals make and the evidence to look for when evaluating medical records for malpractice.

Knapp & Roberts has:

• The knowledge and experience to take on complex HIE cases;
• The resources necessary to win against large insurance companies; and
• The dedication and compassion to fight for victims and families of HIE.

Find out more today by contacting Knapp & Roberts in Phoenix for a confidential consultation.

 

Our Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorneys Can Help

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy can have long-term consequences for its victims.  The severity of brain damage and its location determine the symptoms a child experiences and the amount of care they need.  However, parents may not know the extent of the injury until their child is three to four years old.  

Ongoing medical treatment and adaptive care are costly to families.  Arizona allows children and their parents to file a claim against any medical providers liable for HIE.  The compensation available covers not only past and current medical expenses but also:

• The costs of future medical care;
• The child’s physical pain and suffering;
• The child’s mental and emotional suffering; and
• The parent’s loss of consortium and companionship.

Arizona does not cap the compensation that victims can receive in an HIE lawsuit.  

Knapp & Roberts HIE lawyers can walk you through the HIE claims process and answer your questions about birth injury lawsuits.  You should know your legal rights to compensation and how the law permits victims to recover for their losses.

 

What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain dysfunction that occurs when the brain is shut off from oxygen or blood flow temporarily.  HIE may develop during pregnancy, including labor and delivery or postnatal. 

 

Effects of HIE on Children

While some children experience no health issues or mild effects from HIE, others suffer severe and permanent disabilities like:

• Developmental delay; 
• Cerebral palsy;
• Epilepsy; and
• Cognitive impairment.

The heart, liver, kidneys, and bowels may also be damaged due to a lack of blood or oxygen.  These organs often fully recover while the brain may not.  

 

Causes of HIE

HIE may occur during fetal development or in the postnatal period. 

Causes of HIE during pregnancy can include:

• Problems with blood flow to the placenta;
• Preeclampsia;
• Maternal diabetes with vascular disease;
• Congenital fetal infections;
• Severe fetal anemia;
• Heart disease; and
• Lung malformations.

Possible causes of HIE during labor and delivery are:

• Umbilical cord problems;
• Abruption of the placenta or rupture of the uterus;
• Excessive bleeding from the placenta;
• Abnormal fetal position;
• Prolonged late stages of labor; and
• Very low blood pressure in the mother.

Problems after labor and delivery can be:

• Severe prematurity;
• Severe lung or heart disease;
• Serious infections;
• Trauma to the brain or skull;
• Very low blood pressure in the baby; and
• Respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

These lists are not all-inclusive, and it is best to seek professional help and advice with any questions regarding the causes of HIE.

 

Signs and Symptoms of HIE

There are signs and symptoms to look for in a baby potentially affected by HIE.  Babies born with HIE may:

 

• Be floppy and not react to sights or sounds;
• Be tense and react more to stimulation than a healthy newborn;
• Have abnormal movements or seizures;
• Have feeding problems;
• Have a weak cry; and
• Show signs of organ dysfunction.

 

HIE may be a possibility if a significant risk factor occurred during labor and delivery, or the baby needed help with breathing or a low heart rate after delivery.  However, a neurologist will need to examine the baby for a diagnosis.  

 

Contact an Experienced Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorney in Phoenix 

 

If you suspect your baby is the victim of preventable HIE, call Knapp & Roberts to discuss your case with an HIE attorney in Phoenix.  Let our firm put decades of legal experience and knowledge to work for your family.  Your consultation is risk-free, so there is no reason to hesitate in contacting Knapp & Roberts today.