WHAT IS HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (HIE)
If you have recently given birth to a son or daughter who suffered from Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE, picture shown below), the attorneys at Cullan & Cullan LLC empathize with your situation and wish to help. HIE impacts thousands of families across the country every year. Unfortunately, despite a mother’s best efforts, these incidents can happen; physical complications and stress during the procedure can produce all manner of complications leading to situations such as HIE.
However, if your child was negatively impacted because of the reckless or negligent decisions made by the medical professionals on hand, it becomes a different story entirely. In such an event, the firm of Cullan & Cullan LLC fully supports your right to obtain justice and compensation for the unimaginable damages your family has endured.
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What Are the Long-Term Effects of HIE?
HIE can result in several lasting or permanent problems, even if the issue is diagnosed and treated early. The earlier Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy is treated, the better the chances of minimizing injury, though the damage can still be quite severe in any case.
When it comes to considering long-term effects of any birth injury, HIE included, it’s important to consider the physical, mental, and financial repercussions. A child with HIE may require ongoing care, regular doctor’s appointments, medication, surgeries, medical devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.), and physical and occupational therapies. Additionally, the child’s parent may need to quit their job to become a full-time caretaker, and they may need home and vehicle modifications to suit the needs of their child once they grow older.
Depending on the current and future needs of your child, the long-term effects of HIE may vary. Ask your child’s doctor about their condition and projected health so that you can better plan for their long-term needs.
Does HIE Always Lead to Cerebral Palsy?
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and cerebral palsy often go hand-in-hand, mainly because HIE is caused by a lack of oxygen flow to an infant’s brain, which can also result in the development of Cerebral Palsy. HIE refers to the type of brain damage the child sustains, whereas cerebral palsy is the condition that may occur due to HIE and other types of oxygen-depriving brain injuries.
HIE does not lead to the developmental of cerebral palsy in every case, but the link between the two is quite strong. HIE can also cause other types of health problems, including developmental delays, cognitive impairments, seizures, and learning disabilities.
How Can I Tell If My Child Suffered an HIE Birth Injury?
If your child was deprived of oxygen at birth, it is possible they developed HIE as a result. However, there may be other symptoms that may indicate a potential problem. If you suspect your child may have HIE, look for the following indications:
- Stained amniotic fluid
- Low fetal heart rate
- Pale, blue-tinted skin
- Poor muscle development
- High levels of acid in the blood
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Feeding problems
- Slow or absent reflexes to light and sound
- Low APGAR scores
We encourage you to contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss your legal options in a free case consultation. Call (402) 882-7080 or submit your information online and one of our representatives will be with you shortly.
Because Cullan & Cullan LLC is a nationally recognized medical malpractice firm, we are uniquely equipped to help you achieve your legal goals. Both attorneys Joseph and Patrick Cullan are registered physicians, with many years of experience both in the emergency room as well as the courtroom. They have a strong track record of success with multimillion-dollar birth injury and birth-related settlements. With their counsel and guidance you may be able to obtain significant compensation to help offset the medical expenses you face, both now and in the future. Associated costs may include:
- Complex at-home medical equipment
- Extensive hospital arrangements
- Various therapeutic treatments
- Long-term specialist care
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Future schooling expenses
Of course, this action cannot undo the great disservice and trauma that has been put upon your family by the at-fault party. No lawsuit or settlement can repair the damage they have inflicted. It can, however, help to ensure your child and your family has the resources to move forward from this tragedy. So, don’t wait another day. Contact Cullan & Cullan LLC as soon as possible to discuss your potential options in a free and confidential consultation.
How Could This Happen at My Hospital?
When we discuss medical malpractice and negligence, what we’re really talking about is trust. Some could even call it faith. As patients, we have faith in our doctor and his or her staff. Of course, they have a duty to provide the standard level of care for all patients, but it becomes so much more than that when it deals with our family. We trust these men and women, and we believe, or at least want to believe, that they have our loved one’s best interests in mind. Sadly, in some cases, medical professionals fall short and end up violating that trust. In regards to HIE, there are a number of complications and warning signs that doctors could miss or disregard entirely:
- Failure to adequately monitor the fetal heart rate
- Failure to notice umbilical cord strangulation
- Delays in responding to any other abnormalities
- Failure to order a Cesarean on time
Understanding Counsel, Knowledgeable Attorneys in Nebraska
Call today for more information on HIE and what the legal implications could mean for you and your family. The number is (402) 882-7080.