Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Lawyers in Philadelphia

Oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery may result in severe brain trauma called Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Let the experienced birth injury lawyers at Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig help your family obtain compensation for this devastating condition.

Top Causes of HIE in Philadelphia Hospitals

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is the broad term used to describe brain injuries resulting from oxygen deprivation either during or shortly after birth. Numerous conditions, including medical errors, contribute to HIE injuries in Philadelphia. Common HIE causes include, but are not limited to, the following:

Untreated preeclampsia
Umbilical cord prolapse
Infections
Placental abruption
Prolonged labor

Many HIE-related injuries are preventable if doctors perform timely C-sections after recognizing the signs of preeclampsia, umbilical cord compression, and distressed labor. Although sometimes caused by poor fetal development and preexisting prenatal conditions, our neonatal brain injury attorneys have seen how medical negligence often causes or contributes to this devastating trauma.

Medical Conditions Resulting from Oxygen Loss During Labor and Delivery

The nature and severity of HIE depend on the length of time your child was denied oxygen. The longer the brain goes without receiving oxygen, even a few minutes, the more likely your child will suffer from long-term medical complications.

Common conditions associated with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) include the following.

Cerebral Palsy

One of the most common childhood disabilities, cerebral palsy, often causes significant movement difficulties and speech impediments. Children suffering from severe cerebral palsy often struggle to walk and talk without extensive therapy.

Epilepsy

A seizure disorder caused by misfiring nerve cells. Children suffering from seizures often struggle to control behaviors and muscle movements. Severe seizures might also cause comas and additional traumatic brain injuries.

Sensory Loss

When certain areas of the brain are oxygen-deprived, it might result in permanent hearing or vision loss. These cannot generally be restored, though the right legal advocate can fight for the benefits, therapy, and medical equipment your child needs to overcome these devastating conditions.

Intellectual Disabilities

One of the most common conditions associated with HIE is that children often suffer from intellectual and learning disabilities due to brain cell death. Specialized educational programs and therapy might help children struggling with cognitive injuries due to medical errors.

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Statute of Limitations in HIE Brain Injury Cases

In many HIE cases, parents do not discover the nature and extent of the trauma until their children fail to reach certain developmental milestones. Sometimes, teachers are the first to notice potential cognitive disabilities. In some states, including Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date you reasonably discovered the injury to file medical malpractice litigation for your child.

Exceptions for Minors

Children also have the right to file lawsuits for damages up until their 20th birthday in the Commonwealth. However, the statute of limitations differs in every state, so you should contact our dedicated HIE-injury attorneys immediately to discuss your claims.

Financial Compensation Potentially Available for Neonatal Birth Injury Claims

If medical malpractice caused or contributed to a neonatal brain injury, you may be entitled to personal injury damages. These damages may include compensation for all past and future medical expenses – including needed lifetime medical equipment, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation – special education needs, potential lost earning capacity, and even your child’s physical pain and emotional suffering.

Discuss Your Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Claims with Our Philadelphia Birth Injury Lawyers

At Feldman Shepherd, our dedicated HIE attorneys have recovered multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for children suffering from negligently inflicted oxygen-deprivation injuries. Let us fight for your child without any upfront legal fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Call or contact our dedicated neonatal brain injury legal team online today.