Seattle Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyers
We Put Families First
When a baby suffers from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), the consequences can be devastating. It’s important that families who are dealing with this difficult situation have the right support and resources to help them through it.
At Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, we understand how difficult it can be for families who are dealing with a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy diagnosis. Our compassionate and experienced birth injury attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving HIE injuries and will use their knowledge, skills, and resources to seek justice for your child. We are here to fight for justice on behalf of you and your family so that you can focus on providing the best care possible for your little one.
The Impact of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a birth injury that occurs when an infant's brain is deprived of oxygen and blood supply during or near the time of birth. This can result in severe neurological damage and impair the baby's bodily functions; in some cases, it can even be fatal. Symptoms of HIE include slow or weak breathing, low muscle tone, poor reflexes, seizures, jitteriness, and coma. Low APGAR scores are also a sign of HIE. An APGAR score is a test given to newborns soon after birth. This test assesses the overall health of the newborn, assigning scores to conditions like baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, breathing, and the baby’s skin color and complexion. The extent of the damage caused by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy depends on how long the baby was deprived of oxygen, and other medical factors.
Treatment for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy typically includes intensive medical care and close monitoring to ensure that any neurological issues are treated quickly and appropriately. In some cases, physical therapy may be required to help the child develop motor skills or learn how to walk or talk. In addition, many children with HIE require special education services in order to succeed academically. Even with these treatments, however, there may be lasting impacts on a child’s development. It’s essential that parents receive the support they need during this difficult time so they can provide optimal care for their child.
If you’d like more information about how our experienced Seattle hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyer can help your family, please contact us online or call us at (206) 208-0318 to schedule a consultation.
Causes of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is caused by a lack of oxygen and blood supply to the baby's brain during delivery. This can occur due to a number of factors, including but not limited to:
- Placental abruption: when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor
- Prolonged labor: when contractions last too long and put excessive stress on the baby’s brain
- Cord prolapse: when umbilical cord slips through cervix before baby is born
- Uterine rupture: when uterus tears open during labor
- Fetal distress: when fetus experiences difficulty breathing in utero
- Maternal health issues: preeclampsia, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
It’s important to understand that these events may have been preventable had they been properly monitored and managed during labor and delivery. If your baby suffered a birth injury due to preventable medical mistakes, you may be able to pursue legal action with the help of a qualified Seattle hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyer.
“We couldn't have found a better team of people to act on our behalf.”
Schroeter Goldmark & Bender Can Help You Seek Justice
If your family has been affected by HIE, Schroeter Goldmark & Bender can provide experienced and compassionate legal representation while you focus on caring for your child. We have extensive experience in handling birth injury cases, and we understand their. Our attorneys will work diligently and fight for you to receive fair compensation for any damages or losses associated with your baby’s injury.
In cases involving hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy birth injuries, families may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages and losses. These can include:
- Medical bills related to diagnosis and treatment
- Cost of long-term care or special education services
- Pain and suffering caused by the injury
- Loss of future wages if the child is unable to work due to disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life resulting from disabilities associated with HIE
An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine your legal options. We believe in seeking justice for those who have been wronged due to medical negligence.
