Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an extremely serious medical condition that causes brain damage when an infant's brain does not receive adequate oxygen and blood. If not caught and timely treated, the lack of oxygen can cause serious harm, or even death, to a newborn. In fact, HIE is the primary cause of infant fatality and severe impairment. If your baby has been diagnosed with HIE, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable Baltimore birth injury lawyer who can explore the facts of your situation. At Arfaa Law Group, we have accumulated significant experience and obtained many notable results advocating for victims of birth injuries and their families throughout Maryland.

HIE refers to brain damage that takes place when an infant’s brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood. HIE occurs due to medical complications during pregnancy or during the labor and delivery process, including umbilical cord injuries, problems with the placenta or uterus, elevated fetal heart tones, trauma, complications pertaining to the baby’s position (such as a breech birth), or a delayed or premature delivery of the baby.

HIE is a very serious and devastating injury that can be prevented with immediate medical intervention. If your child has been a victim of HIE, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault party. Medical malpractice claims, which are based on a theory of negligence, occur when a patient is harmed because a pediatrician, obstetrician, gynecologist, or other medical professional fails to use the level of care that a competent medical professional in the same specialty would have done under the same or similar circumstances. Medical malpractice can also occur when a medical professional fails to take action when there is a duty to do so.

The type of treatment available for HIE depends greatly on the cause and severity of the infant's injury. Mechanical ventilation systems, oxygen treatments, brain hypoxia reversal, and other treatments are available to help stabilize a newborn and reverse or prevent brain damage. Unfortunately, treatment can be very costly. To alleviate the financial burden, Maryland law allows for victims to receive compensation for past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income and benefits, as well as pain and suffering, and other injury related expenses.

At Arfaa Law Group, our medical malpractice attorneys can diligently handle your HIE case with compassion and care. We work with highly qualified pediatric and obstetric experts to accurately determine the nature and cause of your baby’s harm. You can rest assured that we will fully explore your legal options and advocate aggressively for your rights. We proudly serve clients through the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area. To set up a free and confidential consultation with a Baltimore personal injury attorney, call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.