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HIE - Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Baltimore Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorneys

Representing HIE Victims in Baltimore County & Prince George’s County

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain dysfunction that results from oxygen deprivation during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. HIE can lead to a variety of serious conditions, including cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Multiple factors may contribute to HIE, but medical malpractice is, in many cases, the principal cause. Negligent decisions made by medical professionals during labor and delivery may dramatically increase the odds of HIE developing, as well as the condition’s severity.

If your child is suffering from HIE-related complications, our empathetic Miller Stern Lawyers are here for you. You may have a medical malpractice case if your child’s HIE was caused or exacerbated by negligent actions. Our Baltimore hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyers know how to effectively approach these complex cases, having successfully represented thousands of clients and contributed to settlements and verdicts collectively worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Our attorneys will work closely with you from beginning to end and will always fight for maximum compensation. We genuinely care about our clients, and our entire team will work to secure the best possible result. 

Schedule a free initial consultation by contacting us online or calling 410-LAW-FIRM. We offer our legal services in English, Spanish, and Hebrew.

How Do I Know if My Baby Has HIE?

It may not be immediately obvious if your baby is suffering from HIE, but there are several warning signs. You should be especially vigilant if the birth was premature, as the risk for HIE is far greater in these scenarios.

Symptoms of HIE include:

  • Seizures
  • Bluish or pale skin
  • Lacking reflexes
  • Lack of alertness
  • Breathing problems
  • Feeding problems
  • Unusually high or low muscle tone

In some cases, HIE will not become apparent until your child becomes much older. Even mild HIE will usually result in disability, so any notable delays in developmental milestones (including crawling and walking) may be the consequences of HIE.

If you believe your baby or child has HIE, immediately discuss your concerns with your doctor. Though there is no cure, medical professionals can recommend treatments and therapies that can make living with the condition easier. 

Why Does HIE Happen?

A variety of conditions and negligent actions can trigger HIE during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. HIE may sometimes be unavoidable, but in some cases, it is the result of a failure to promptly recognize, intervene, and resolve problems.

HIE can result from many types of medical malpractice, including:

  • A failure to treat infections
  • A failure to monitor high-risk pregnancies
  • A failure to take steps to prevent a premature birth
  • A failure to address umbilical cord complications
  • A failure to monitor fetal heart rate
  • A failure to prescribe adequate medications or improperly prescribing medications that heighten the risk of HIE

What Should I Do If My Child Has HIE Due to Medical Malpractice?

You should immediately get in touch with our Baltimore hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy attorneys if you suspect your child may be the victim of medical malpractice. We can review the circumstances of your child’s birth, including any actions taken (or not taken) by your medical team, and advise whether you have a strong case. 

You only have a limited time to take legal action. In Maryland, you have five years from the date of the injury (typically the birth) or three years from the date HIE was discovered to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, whichever comes first. Keep in mind that some families will only learn their child has HIE after several years. Should HIE complications result in death, you will have three years from the date of your loved one’s passing to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

A successful HIE lawsuit can help you recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages (including reductions in future earning capacity)
  • Physical pain and mental suffering

At Miller Stern Lawyers, we emphasize a personal approach and strive to build long-lasting connections with each of our clients. Our Baltimore hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyers will always fight to maximize your recovery, and we will continue to keep in touch even after your case is over. 

We know results matter. Call 410-LAW-FIRM or contact us online to learn more about your legal options.

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    Our attorneys are committed to helping you win. Contact us online or call 410-LAW-FIRM to speak with directly with a partner.

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