Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Lawyer
The Midwest's Most Effective Injury Law Firm
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
- Last Modified:
- November 15, 2024
Parents of children who have suffered hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, during birth understand how difficult the damage can be for the whole family. However, you may be entitled to compensation if a doctor’s mistakes caused your child’s injuries and suffering. A HIE lawyer with Brown & Crouppen will file a claim for damages and seek the financial support you need to provide the best quality of life for your child.
Our birth injury law firm has extensive experience with filing a birth injury lawsuit in Missouri, including St. Louis and Kansas City. We fight for families who are frustrated with insurance companies, hospitals, and doctors who won’t take responsibility for their negligence. Brown & Crouppen is committed to providing top-tier legal representation and is ready to pursue justice on your behalf. Schedule your free consultation today.
- Why Hire a St. Louis Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorney?
- What Is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?
- Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Causes & Risk Factors
- What Are Common Signs of HIE in Babies?
- Is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Considered Medical Malpractice?
- What Damages Are Available in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Cases?
- Call Our HIE Lawyers in Missouri for a Free Consultation
- Sources
Why Hire a St. Louis Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorney?
Children affected by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy often need specialized medical care and assistance for the rest of their lives. If a negligent health care professional caused your child’s injuries, a skilled HIE lawyer from our team can fight for compensation that will help cover your child’s long-term medical expenses.
At Brown & Crouppen, we understand the complexities and sensitive nature of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy cases. We combine our 40 years of experience and knowledge of medical malpractice laws to pursue the best outcome for our clients. Our award-winning law firm has secured over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients and will pursue legal action for your family.
Our legal services include the following:
- Investigating thoroughly to determine what caused the hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Gathering of crucial evidence to build a strong case
- Access to resources that will help your family during this difficult time
- Negotiations with insurance companies and hospitals for a favorable settlement
- Representation in court if your case needs to go to trial
- Compassionate guidance, support, and communication throughout the process
If your child was affected by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy at birth, we can explain your rights and explore your legal options. Contact our hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy law firm today to schedule a free case review with a trusted HIE medical malpractice lawyer.
What Is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy occurs when there is not enough oxygen and blood flowing to the baby’s brain during birth. When the brain does not receive sufficient oxygen, brain cells quickly die or suffer damage. Other parts of the body may also suffer harm when blood does not flow to critical organs. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may arise from birth complications, which sometimes result from a doctor’s negligence.
Healthcare providers evaluate newborns for signs of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and rank them in severity. Under the Sarnet Scale, there are three stages of HIE:
- Stage 1 (Mild) – Normal activity and consciousness along with slight abnormalities in reflexes, posture, and autonomic function.
- Stage 2 (Moderate) – Lethargy, decreased activity, hypotonia, weak startle reflexes, weak reflexes, seizures, and more.
- Stage 3 (Severe) – Loss of consciousness and activity, flaccid muscle tone, absent reflexes, and deviated or dilated pupils.
Often, children suffer from mental disabilities, cerebral palsy, neonatal seizures, and other types of cognitive impairment as a result of HIE.
Read more: Stages of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
How Common Is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy impacts between three to 20 full-term infants per 1,000 births. While it is considered one of the most serious birth complications for full-term babies, up to 60 percent of premature infants suffer from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy during live births.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Causes & Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or directly cause it, including the following:
- Premature birth
- Prolonged labor
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Maternal medical conditions
- Placental abruption
- Blood clots in the placenta
- Uterine rupture
- Shoulder dystocia
- Delayed Cesarean section
- Failing to monitor the baby properly
If you’re considering a medical malpractice claim, determining what caused your child’s hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is vital. Our St. Louis and Kansas City personal injury lawyers will work with you to uncover the cause of your child’s birth injury.
When medical negligence has caused hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, we will prove that you received below-standard care and advocate for your family’s rights. Schedule a no-obligation case review with our St. Louis HIE lawyers to learn more about our legal services.
What Are Common Signs of HIE in Babies?
Here are some common signs that hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may have occurred during birth:
- Seizures
- Breathing issues at birth
- Pale or bluish skin color
- Difficulty feeding
- Abnormal reflexes
- Decreased alertness or failure to respond
- Lethargy or extreme fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
Babies may experience some or all of these symptoms after suffering from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy at birth. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. If you notice these signs in your child, seek immediate medical assistance.
Is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Considered Medical Malpractice?
Different circumstances can cause hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy at birth. However, if a doctor fails to provide the expected level of care during labor and delivery, it could be considered medical malpractice. Our attorneys can prove medical negligence by showing the following:
- Duty: Your doctor must provide the medical standard of care to you and your baby.
- Breach of duty: Your doctor or other medical professionals breached their duty of care by making mistakes or failing to take action when needed.
- Causation: The breach of duty caused hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and your child’s injuries.
- Damages: As a result of your child’s injuries, you have measurable damages, which can include medical expenses and other losses.
While you may receive some financial assistance from health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other government sources, it may not be enough to provide the best care for your child. A medical malpractice claim can recover the maximum amount for your losses, including future medical care costs. You also can hold the responsible parties accountable, which may include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Hospitals
If you suspect your medical team made poor decisions that caused hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, contact our team now. A St. Louis personal lawyer will review your case at no charge to see if you qualify to bring a claim for compensation.
Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.
What Damages Are Available in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Cases?
Depending on the severity of your child’s injuries, you may be able to seek substantial financial compensation. Our team of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyers will identify and value qualifying damages, including economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages constitute financial losses caused by the injury, while non-economic damages represent subjective, non-monetary losses your family has suffered.
You may receive compensation for the following damages with a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy claim:
- Current medical bills
- Cost of medical supplies and equipment
- Cost of medication
- Cost of home modifications
- Future medical care and assistance
- Lost income and earnings capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact our firm’s hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyers to see if you have a legal claim and what your case may be worth.
Call Our HIE Lawyers in Missouri for a Free Consultation
At Brown & Crouppen, we focus not on big or little cases but on people. We understand your struggles and believe everyone in our community deserves access to the best representation possible. That’s why you won’t pay any upfront costs or legal fees to work with our team. We only get paid if your case succeeds.
Let our attorneys in St. Louis and Kansas City help your family claim the compensation they deserve. Call 800-536-4357 or schedule a free consultation online to seek justice for your baby.
Sources
- Allen, K. A., & Brandon, D. H. (2011). Hypoxic Ischemic encephalopathy: Pathophysiology and experimental treatments. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 11(3), 125–133. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.nainr.2011.07.004
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). (n.d.). UF Health. https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie
- Hypoxic-Ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). (2023, September 8). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie
- Placental abruption. (2022, February 25). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/placental-abruption/symptoms-causes/syc-20376458
- Vanderpool, D. (2021, September 1). The standard of care. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8667701/
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