Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE; Birth Asphyxia) Attorneys in Lansing, Michigan

Because the subsequent complications and side effects of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy are typically so severe, it is upsetting to learn that HIE often results from instances of medical malpractice. News of a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy diagnosis is devastating for the individual and the family, and confronting treatment, therapy, and support service planning can feel overwhelming. Rehabilitation opportunities for the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional repercussions associated with HIE are costly and time-consuming and, unfortunately, financially out of reach for a number of families.

At Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys, our Lansing, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers are committed to securing financial compensation for the individuals with HIE whose injuries are the result of medical malpractice. For decades, our Lansing HIE lawyers have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for clients with birth trauma injuries including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, and much more. If you have a loved one with injuries from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy that you think may have resulted from medical malpractice, our HIE attorneys and professionals are here to help. Our team of birth trauma lawyers and HIE medical professionals will determine your legal options free of charge. If our Lansing, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers take your case, we will not charge you until we win your settlement.

Call our Lansing, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers toll-free today at (888) 592-1857 or fill our out online contact form.

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What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy; HIE; Neonatal Encephalopathy; NE; Intrapartum Asphyxia; Birth Asphyxia

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation to the developing brain of a neonate. In cases of HIE, oxygen deprivation may occur in two central ways—

  • Hypoxia or hypoxemia occurs when there are insufficient oxygen levels in the baby’s blood.
  • Ischemia occurs when insufficient amounts of blood flow to the baby’s brain.

Neonates are able to withstand periods without oxygen before and during delivery, but prolonged periods of oxygen deprivation result in cell death and permanent brain damage. In a subsequent section, we’ll discuss some of the causes and risk factors for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

Which Injuries Are Caused by HIE?

The Results of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy & Medical Malpractice
  • Developmental delays
  • Cerebral palsy (CP)
  • Neurodevelopmental delays
  • Neurological damage
  • Intellectual impairments; cognitive impairments
  • Seizure disorders and epilepsy
  • Impairments to motor control and motor function
  • Fetal death

What Causes HIE?

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Medical Malpractice in Lansing, Michigan

A number of complications may arise throughout a woman’s pregnancy, during labor and delivery, or just after delivery that can, without proper care from a medical professional, lead to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Below we’ve listed a few of the many complications that can result in HIE. To learn more about possible causes and risk factors for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, visit this page.

  • Umbilical cord complications such as nuchal cords (the cord wraps around the baby’s neck), prolapsed cords (the cord precedes the neonates’ exit from the uterus), and short cords can cause HIE. Additionally, cord compression from instances such as cord prolapse or uterine hyperstimulation (excessive and rapid uterine contractions) causes pressure on the umbilical cord, which restricts the flow of oxygenated blood to the baby. Medical professionals must carefully monitor umbilical cord complications to avoid hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
  • Placental or uterine problems such as uterine rupture, placenta previa, placental abruption, and placental insufficiency are known causes of HIE. Since the placenta and uterus protect and provide the flow of oxygenated blood to the baby’s brain, interferences to their functions are dangerous and can cause infant brain damage.
  • Maternal conditions and infections can, when left untreated or poorly managed, cause hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Some of these conditions include preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure) or infection.
  • Intracranial hemorrhages (brain bleeds) or other forms of head trauma sustained during delivery may result in fetal oxygen deprivation and brain damage. Intracranial hemorrhages and head trauma may result from the incorrect use of vacuum extractors and forceps, cephalopelvic disproportion, macrosomia, face presentation, hyperstimulation from the misuse of Pitocin and Cytotec, or premature birth.
  • Delayed emergency C-sections or any other delay in delivery the baby may lead to fetal oxygen loss and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

Are there Treatment and Therapy Options for HIE?

Recuperating from Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Lansing, Michigan

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Treatment

  • The hypothermia treatment (also known as brain cooling) is currently the only treatment for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy that can halt the progression of brain damage and/or improve function after a baby suffers HIE. The treatment works by cooling the baby’s temperature down to around 91 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 72 hours, ultimately slowing metabolic rate and allowing brain cells to recover from oxygen deprivation. Infants are cooled using a cooling blanket and/or a cooling cap. Babies who have suffered a hypoxic ischemic event must undergo hypothermia treatment within a six hour time frame of the hypoxic ischemic event. To read more about hypothermia treatment and eligibility for the treatment, visit our attached hypothermia treatment page.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Therapy

  • Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy often causes lifelong disabilities including cerebral palsy, motor impairments, intellectual impairments, seizures and epilepsy, movement disorders, neurodevelopmental delays, developmental delays, and related challenges. To improve the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social difficulties associated with HIE, individuals often participate in therapeutic programs and exercises including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy, special education, complementary therapy, alternative medicine, and more.

Which HIE Resources are Available in Lansing, Michigan?

Lansing, Michigan is home to several valuable resources for individuals with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, brain damage, birth trauma injuries, or other disabilities. As the state capital, Lansing offers a wealth of lifestyle resources to individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Michigan State University (located in East Lansing, Michigan) offers highly-regarded programs and services including education, medical care, research, adaptive sports, and more. To learn more about the rehabilitative, medical, and lifestyle opportunities located in Lansing, Michigan, please visit our Lansing, Michigan Disability, Cerebral Palsy, and Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Resource page.

Legal Aid for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: Michigan Birth Trauma Lawyers

Lansing, Michigan Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Lawyers Helping Victims of Medical Malpractice

If your loved one’s hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy diagnosis was the result of medical malpractice, it is crucial that you initiate your family’s rehabilitative process and reach out for help today. If you’re not sure whether medical malpractice lead to your loved one’s birth asphyxia, our HIE lawyers will determine the cause of the injuries for no charge. At Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys, our team consists of Lansing HIE lawyers, labor and delivery experts, and infant respiration specialists with years of experience handling HIE medical malpractice cases. We’re committed to advocating for the victims of medical malpractice and vow to provide unparalleled legal services to our clients. To contact our Lansing, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers, you may fill out our online contact form or call Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys toll-free at (888) 592-1857.

Related Resources: Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

To learn more about hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, our Lansing, Michigan hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyers have collected the following informational resources, blogs, lists, and infographics for your reference:

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