Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE; Birth Asphyxia) Attorneys in Novi, Michigan
Because hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury that often results in conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP), intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and movement disorders, providing care for individuals with HIE can be time-consuming, emotionally difficult, and financially demanding. Unfortunately, few individuals with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy from medical negligence will ever reach out for legal help. Throughout this page, our Novi, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers hope to provide the information necessary to educate and empower the victims of medical malpractice with birth injuries. If at any point you have questions, concerns, or case inquiries, we encourage you to contact our Novi, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers and attorneys here.
Do you believe medical malpractice is at the root of your loved one’s permanent injury or disability? Contact our Novi hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy attorneys for a free case review and we will inform you of your legal options. Should we take accept your case, you will not be charged unless we win or settle in your favor. You may reach our Novi, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers by clicking the following contact button, calling our office toll-free at (888) 592-1857, or filling out this online contact form.
What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)?
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, also known as birth asphyxia, intrapartum asphyxia, or neonatal encephalopathy (NE), is a type of brain damage that is inflicted when a neonate’s brain receives insufficient amounts of blood and oxygen around the time of labor and delivery. The effects of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy range from mild to extreme based on the duration and severity of the oxygen-depriving insult (the “hypoxic ischemic event”)—individuals with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy often go on to have cerebral palsy (CP), motor control issues, learning disabilities, epilepsy and seizure disorders, neurodevelopmental issues, intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and related disorders. In the worst case scenario, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy can cause death.
The Signs of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Some clinical signs used to detect hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy include the following:
- The need for infant resuscitation after delivery or another time during the neonatal period
- Seizures
- Feeding difficulties
- Low muscle tone
- Coma
- Organ failures or issues
- Low Apgar scores
- Abnormal or absent brain stem reflexes
- Acidic blood from umbilical cord blood samples
What Causes Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) from Medical Malpractice in Novi, Michigan
Without proper medical care and attention, a number of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum complications can result in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. In this section, we will list a few of the many conditions, complications, and situations that can lead to HIE.
Problems with the placenta or uterus, including uterine rupture, placental abruption, placenta previa, and placental insufficiency can interfere with the passage of oxygenated blood to the fetus and result in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.- Head trauma and intracranial hemorrhages (brain bleeds) may interfere with the passage of blood and oxygen to the fetus’ brain and cause hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Intracranial hemorrhages may be the result of a number of instances of medical malpractice. For example, brain bleeds can result from the misuse of vacuum extractors and forceps, size incompatibilities between the mother and fetus (such as cephalopelvic disproportion), uterine hyperstimulation, premature birth, and more.
- C-section mistakes, such as the failure to offer a C-section or a delayed emergency C-section, can limit oxygen flow to the baby and result in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
- Infections in the mother or fetus can cause HIE when left undiagnosed or poorly managed.
- Umbilical cord problems, such as nuchal cords, short umbilical cords, and prolapsed and compressed umbilical cords interfere with oxygen and blood flow to the baby.
Any time a medical professional fails to detect, manage, treat, or prevent one of the causes or risk factors for HIE and the result is fetal or maternal injury, is it medical malpractice. To read the full list of causes and risk factors for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), visit this page.
Legal Help for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in Novi, Michigan
Novi, Michigan Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Lawyers Making a Difference
Novi, Michigan has hundreds of valuable disability resources available to individuals with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or other birth injuries. Unfortunately, many families do not have the financial resources to cover their expenses. If you believe medical malpractice caused your loved one’s injuries, you may be entitled to the compensation necessary to afford these wonderful resources. To learn if you are entitled to compensation, contact Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys today.
To contact our Novi, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers, you may complete this online contact form, call us toll-free at (888) 592-1857, or press the following button.
Extra Resources and Reading on HIE
Our Novi, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers encourage you to read the following related resources on HIE and reach out with any questions or case inquiries.
- Disability Resources in Novi, Michigan
- Info on Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Cerebral Palsy:
- About Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys:
- Blogs on Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy:
- Choosing a Michigan HIE Lawyer for Your HIE Case