Medical Malpractice And Personal Injury Trial Attorney

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Standing Up For Families Impacted By Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of serious birth injury that affects a newborn’s brain. It can have major impacts on a child, their future and their family. An infant’s likelihood of being exposed to HIE is influenced by many things, including how carefully medical professionals act. Given this, medical malpractice claims can sometimes be brought over this condition. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy attorneys can assist families with using such lawsuits to pursue the justice and compensation they need.

David Gray is committed to advocating for parents of children with HIE here in Kentucky. He provides personal service and direct legal support, backed by a proven track record and decades of experience. From his Louisville-based law firm of Gray Law, PLLC, he is here to help you understand your rights and options when it comes to your child’s HIE.

What Is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)?

HIE is a brain disorder resulting from a shortage of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. It often occurs during or around the time of birth. Symptoms of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy include:

  • Reflex problems
  • Muscle issues
  • A pale or bluish skin tone
  • Breathing issues
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Trouble with feeding

HIE is generally split into three different classes based on the seriousness of the injury:

  • Mild
  • Medium
  • Severe

What class a case of HIE is in impacts what complications and treatment are likely.

Causes Of HIE

Many different factors can increase the risk of HIE for a newborn. These include:

  • Maternal medical conditions: Such as preeclampsia, infections and internal bleeding
  • Fetal conditions: Such as fetal distress, delayed development and heart problems
  • Birth/delivery issues: Such as prolonged labor, premature birth, positioning problems and birth asphyxia

In some cases, medical negligence plays a role, such as failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate or a delay in performing a necessary C-section.

Long-Term Effects Of HIE

HIE can have significant long-term effects on a child. These may include:

  • Cognitive impairments
  • Delayed development
  • Seizures
  • Vision or hearing loss
  • Impairments of motor skills
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Attention issues

Treatments, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, hearing aids and glasses, may be able to reduce the overall quality of life implications of some of these long-term impacts. However, this can lead to increased medical bills both now and in the future.

What If Medical Malpractice Occurred?

If you suspect preventable medical errors contributed to your child’s HIE, a lawsuit could provide an avenue for relief to help cope with the costs and impacts of the condition. In medical malpractice claims, Kentucky families can pursue various damages, including for:

  • Medical costs
  • Ongoing care
  • Lost parental earnings
  • Lost future earnings
  • Pain and suffering

It is important to note that such claims can be very complex, and there can be many challenges in proving that medical negligence was behind a given case of HIE. However, you don’t have to try to pursue justice on your own. You can reach out for the help of a skilled hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy attorney, such as David Gray.

What Can A Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorney Do?

Such a birth injury lawyer can carefully look into the details of your case to help you determine if you likely have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you do, they can assist you with every step of seeking full and fair compensation. They can help you navigate the legal requirements of these claims and search for the proof you need to build a strong case. They can negotiate with insurance companies and fight for you in court if necessary.

Contact David Today To Discuss Your HIE Case

Get a trusted ally in the fight for justice for your child and your family. Turn to HIE lawyer David Gray for well-prepared and focused legal support tailored to your unique situation. Schedule a free consultation with him today by calling 502-205-7578 or sending an email.