Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy / HIE

Dallas HIE Attorneys

Is Your Baby Suffering From Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy? Call (214) 307-6307

Infant hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a terrible birth injury that affects approximately 2 out of every 1,000 full term births[1]. HIE is one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy and infant fatalities in the United States, and can result in permanent neurodevelopmental impairments and brain damage.

The Dallas HIE attorneys at Aldous / Walker are prepared to fight for you like you’re a member of our own family. We know just how difficult and stressful this can be for everyone involved, and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

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Tell us all about your case by filling out the form on our website.

What is HIE?

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, is the combination of a lack of oxygen (hypoxic) and reduced blood flow (ischemic) to the infant's brain and other organs that occurs before, during, or after the birth of the baby. Babies who experience HIE can suffer from lifelong physical and mental impairments.

What Causes HIE?

HIE can be caused by a variety of complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and once the infant is born.

During Pregnancy

  • Alcohol and/or drug abuse
  • Cardiac disease
  • Congenital infections affecting the fetus
  • Lack of proper blood circulation to the placenta
  • Malformed lungs
  • Preeclampsia
  • Vascular disease resulting from maternal diabetes
  • Severe fetal anemia

During Delivery

After Birth

  • Congenital brain malformations
  • Dangerously low neonatal blood pressure
  • Head trauma
  • Infections like meningitis and sepsis
  • Premature birth
  • Severe pulmonary or cardiac disease

Did Your Doctor Fail to Diagnose & Treat HIE?

Not every cause of HIE is directly related to medical malpractice, but when your doctor's or nurse's negligence harmed your baby, you deserve justice!

It’s your doctor’s responsibility to properly monitor your infant during and after the labor and delivery process to make sure that no unexpected complications arise.

Failure to address any of the following complications during birth can lead to HIE:

  • Low infant heart rate and other vital signs
  • Baby stuck too long in the birth canal
  • Babies born breech or in other dangerous positions
  • Umbilical cord that is prolapsed or wrapped too tightly around the baby's neck
  • Trauma to the baby's trachea that cuts off oxygen
Our experienced Dallas HIE lawyers can investigate your case and determine if medical negligence was the cause of your child's injury.

What are the Symptoms of HIE?

Early diagnosis of HIE is crucial to limiting the extent of the damage done to the baby's brain and vital organs. Doctors have a variety of treatment options available to them when they detect hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, but if the doctor failed to diagnose the issue in time there’s only so much they can do.

Signs and symptoms of HIE can include any of the following:

  • Seizures
  • Difficulty feeding
  • Problems breathing
  • Organ failure
  • Abnormal response to light
  • Hyperalertness or lethargy
  • Low Apgar scores
  • Coma

If your baby was diagnosed with HIE, they may suffer these symptoms and other conditions for the rest of their lives. The medical bills alone can be too much for any family to handle, let alone the emotional trauma of watching your baby suffer. A Dallas HIE lawyer from Aldous / Walker can fight for the compensation your child needs in order to live a full life!

What Legal Options Exist If Medical Malpractice Contributes To HIE?

If medical malpractice contributed to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, several legal options are available to seek justice and compensation. As experienced Dallas hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyers, we can help you navigate these complex legal avenues.

Firstly, you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the healthcare provider or institution responsible for the negligence. This involves proving that a duty of care was breached, leading to HIE in your child. The skilled HIE attorneys in Dallas at Aldous \ Walker LLP will gather critical evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a strong case to demonstrate negligence.

Compensation sought in these lawsuits can cover various damages, including medical expenses, long-term care costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. Additionally, a successful lawsuit can lead to punitive damages if the malpractice was particularly egregious.

It is crucial to act promptly due to the statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims in Texas, which is generally two years from the date of the injury. Consulting with skilled Dallas hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyers early on ensures all legal deadlines are met and your rights are protected. Contact Aldous \ Walker LLP for a thorough evaluation of your case and to explore your legal options.

Seeking Compensation for HIE Cases

If your baby has been diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), you may be entitled to compensation for the damages and suffering caused by medical negligence. Our experienced HIE attorneys at Aldous \ Walker LLP have a proven track record of successfully representing families in HIE cases and fighting for the justice they deserve.

Compensation in HIE cases may cover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages for parents/caregivers
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future care and therapy needs

If you suspect medical malpractice in your child's HIE diagnosis and treatment, don't wait to seek legal advice. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your case and get a better understanding of the legal options that are available to you.

Understanding HIE in the Heart of Dallas

Living in Dallas, you know that our city is a bustling hub of activity, with top-notch medical facilities like Baylor University Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center. However, even in a city with such advanced healthcare, complications like hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can still occur. The Dallas HIE attorneys at Aldous \ Walker LLP are deeply familiar with the local healthcare landscape and the challenges that families face when dealing with HIE.

One of the significant pain points for Dallas families is navigating the complexities of medical malpractice claims. The Texas Medical Board and local healthcare providers are stringent, but mistakes can still happen. When they do, it’s crucial to have a legal team that understands the intricacies of local regulations and can effectively advocate for your family.

Dallas parents often worry about the long-term care and financial burden associated with HIE. The cost of specialized medical care, therapy, and adaptive equipment can be overwhelming. Our team is committed to helping you secure the compensation needed to cover these expenses, ensuring your child receives the best possible care.

We also understand the emotional toll that HIE can take on a family. The stress of dealing with a birth injury is compounded by the need to navigate local resources and support systems. Organizations like the Texas Department of State Health Services and local support groups can provide valuable assistance, but having a knowledgeable legal team by your side can make all the difference.

At Aldous \ Walker LLP, we are not just your attorneys; we are your neighbors. We know the streets of Dallas, from the bustling downtown to the serene suburbs, and we are here to help you every step of the way. If your baby has been diagnosed with HIE, contact us today to discuss how we can support you in seeking justice and compensation.

Call us at (214) 307-6307, or by filling out our online form to tell us all about your case.