What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, also known as HIE, is a serious injury caused by a lack of oxygen or a reduction of blood flow supplied to the baby’s organs. It is a dangerous medical condition that necessitates immediate medical intervention and treatment. HIE injuries can range from mild to severe and can result in brain damage, brain lesions, cerebral palsy or even death of the fetus or infant. When a lack of oxygen occurs to a baby’s brain, it often can result in developmental disabilities, cognitive delays and functional motor impairments.

How Does Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Injury Occur?

HIE injuries can occur through medical negligence during a mother’s pregnancy, labor and/or delivery. Healthcare providers that fail to recognize and/or timely intervene to indications of fetal hypoxia such as low maternal blood pressure, lack of fetal movement and/or other signs of fetal compensation may be held liable for medical malpractice if their negligent care and treatment is determined to have been a cause in the baby’s resulting HIE injuries.

Contact an HIE Injury Lawyer in California

If you believe that your child has sustained an HIE injury caused by the negligent management of your pregnancy or child’s delivery, you should call an experienced personal injury lawyer at Mulligan Law to discuss your legal rights. Our firm of California medical malpractice lawyers has the extensive knowledge and expertise required to successfully handle matters involving complex hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy injuries. There is no cost to call and have your case evaluated by our team of personal injury attorneys and medical professionals.

Please note that the information on this page is based on past cases and research in public sources performed by a law firm. It is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you suspect your baby is in physical distress from an HIE injury, you should call your child’s doctor or 911 immediately.