Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Los Angeles Birth Injury & Birth Trauma Attorneys

Simply defined, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is defined as brain damage caused by a shortage of oxygen or blood flow to the brain. To explain more thoroughly, hypoxia is an inadequacy of oxygen in the body's tissues. Ischemia is a restriction of blood supply, and encephalopathy is a term used to describe a disease of the brain. Reduced cerebral blood flow for as little as 5 minutes may result in irreparable brain damage, as brain cells start to die. As far as long-term damage is concerned, HIE may cause developmental delays, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and seizures.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Childbirth

The exact cause of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and a variety of other birth injuries is a subject of debate in the field of medicine, as well as in what ways these may be prevented or diagnosed and treated as early as possible after childbirth. However, because HIE is linked to a lack of oxygen and blood to the brain, it may be caused by umbilical cord complications, prolonged delivery, delayed c-sections, uterine rupture, hypotension, or other similar complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

In some situations, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may occur as a result of birth trauma caused by medical malpractice or negligence on the part of the attending obstetrician or any other medical professional involved in the labor or delivery process. If you underwent a difficult childbirth and your child suffered brain injury as a result of a lack of oxygen or blood flow, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. These cases are often technical, however, and it may be difficult to determine exactly who should be held at fault. That is why is it important to consider involving a Los Angeles birth injury attorney as soon as possible.

By contacting Pacific Attorney Group, we can conduct a free initial case review to talk to you about your case and what legal options you have in seeking financial damages.  Contact a Los Angeles birth injury lawyer at our law offices today!