Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) – A Preventable Birth Injury

Fertility Law Group – Holding Negligent Medical Providers Accountable

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen or blood flow during birth. It can result in permanent brain damage, developmental delays, or even death. Many cases of HIE are preventable if doctors quickly recognize signs of fetal distress and take immediate action. At Fertility Law Group, we help families obtain justice when medical negligence leads to HIE.

What Is HIE?

HIE is a form of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation. The longer a baby’s brain is starved of oxygen, the more severe the damage. Babies with HIE often develop cognitive impairments, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy.

Symptoms of HIE in Newborns:

Low Apgar scores (poor breathing, weak muscle tone)
Seizures or abnormal reflexes
Difficulty feeding or latching
Low or no response to stimuli

How Medical Negligence Causes HIE

Doctors are trained to monitor fetal health and act immediately if a baby is in distress. Failure to act quickly can result in HIE and lifelong disabilities.

Common Medical Errors That Lead to HIE:

Failure to monitor oxygen levels – Delayed recognition of fetal distress can lead to brain damage.
Delayed or denied emergency C-section – If a baby is struggling during labor, a C-section is often the only way to prevent HIE.
Misuse of labor-inducing drugs (Pitocin) – Excessive contractions can cut off oxygen supply.
Umbilical cord complications – If doctors fail to address a prolapsed cord, the baby’s oxygen supply can be restricted.

Get Help Now

If you have questions about your rights or your options, please contact us for a free consultation. There is no obligation and we keep all inquiries strictly confidential.

Life Care Planning for HIE Patients

HIE can lead to lifelong disabilities, requiring expensive medical treatment and therapy that can exceed many millions of dollars over a child’s lifetime. Our birth injury lawyers work with doctors, financial professionals, and life care planning experts to prepare a comprehensive plan for care, education, and treatment over the course of a child’s life. A life care plan helps families estimate long-term costs and ensures that their child gets the maximum amount of care and services to benefit and support them.

A Life Care Plan for HIE May Include:

Neurological & rehabilitation treatments
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Adaptive equipment and assistive devices
Special education & support services
Home modifications for accessibility
Full-time nursing or caregiving

Compensation for HIE Birth Injury Lawsuits

Parents of children diagnosed with HIE due to medical malpractice may be entitled to financial compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Therapy and rehabilitation
Special education and in-home care
Loss of future earnings
Pain and suffering

Please Contact Us For a Free Consultation

We understand the emotional and financial burden that HIE places on families and we are here to answer your questions and provide you with information about your rights and your options. Consultations with our HIE attorneys are always free and are 100% confidential. We appreciate the difficult nature of what you are going through and are here to listen and provide answers, contact us now.