Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Lawyers in Atlanta, GA

Committed to Pursuing Justice for Your Family

Our firm has been trusted to handle some of the most complex medical malpractice cases in the country. This is because we have a proven record of success and an unwavering dedication to our clients. If your child suffered a serious birth injury, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), you can trust Cunningham Bounds to provide the compassionate, personalized legal representation you and your family deserve.

Call (844) 417-0930 to speak with an Atlanta HIE attorney at Cunningham Bounds.

What Is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of birth injury that occurs when an infant’s brain is deprived of oxygen. This can occur in utero, during the birth process, or shortly after delivery. In many cases, HIE is caused by medical negligence, such as the failure to properly monitor the mother and baby or the failure to perform an emergency C-section.

HIE is a serious, life-threatening condition that can result in permanent damage. Children who suffer HIE may face a lifetime of medical complications and may require extensive medical care. They may also suffer from severe cognitive, developmental, and/or physical disabilities. In some cases, HIE is fatal.

Causes of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

HIE occurs when an infant’s brain is deprived of oxygen. This can happen in a variety of ways, but in many cases, it is the result of medical negligence. When doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals fail to provide the accepted standard of care, they can be held legally liable for any resulting harm.

Some common causes of HIE include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress: During labor and delivery, medical professionals must monitor the fetus for signs of distress, such as changes in heart rate. Failure to do so can result in prolonged oxygen deprivation, leading to HIE.
• Failure to perform a C-section: In cases where a C-section is medically indicated due to complications such as umbilical cord prolapse, placental abruption, or prolonged labor, a delay in performing the procedure can result in HIE due to prolonged oxygen deprivation.
• Medication errors: Administration of medications during labor and delivery, such as those used for pain relief or to induce or augment labor, must be carefully managed. Errors in dosage or timing can lead to complications that contribute to HIE.
• Inadequate neonatal resuscitation: After birth, if the newborn is not promptly and effectively resuscitated in cases of birth asphyxia, it can result in HIE. Proper training and adherence to resuscitation protocols are essential to prevent such complications.
• Inadequate monitoring and care in neonatal period: Following birth, proper monitoring and care of the newborn are crucial. Failure to detect and appropriately manage signs of distress or complications in the neonatal period can lead to HIE or exacerbate an existing brain injury.
• Failure to address maternal health conditions: Certain maternal health conditions, such as preeclampsia, diabetes, or infections, can increase the risk of HIE in the newborn if not adequately managed during pregnancy and delivery.

Additional risk factors for HIE include:

• Intrapartum events, such as prolonged labor or umbilical cord complications
• Fetal distress indicated by abnormal heart rate patterns or meconium staining
• Maternal factors, including infections, hypertension, diabetes, and substance use
• Prematurity and underdeveloped organs
• Intrauterine growth restriction (IGR) leading to compromised placental function
• Multiple gestation and associated complications
• Fetal anomalies such as congenital heart defects
• Advanced maternal age (typically defined as age 35 and older)
• History of previous pregnancy complications like preterm birth or preeclampsia

If you believe that your child’s HIE was the result of medical negligence, reach out to our firm. We can help you determine if you have grounds for a claim and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

How Is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Treated?

There is no cure for HIE, but there are several treatment options that can help minimize brain damage and other complications. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms the baby is experiencing.

Some common treatments for HIE include:

• Hypothermia therapy: Also known as “whole-body cooling,” hypothermia therapy is a type of treatment that can help minimize brain damage in infants who have suffered HIE. During this treatment, the baby is placed on a cooling blanket and/or cooling cap, which helps lower the body temperature. This treatment is typically started within six hours of birth and lasts for about 72 hours.
• Medications: Medications can be used to treat specific symptoms of HIE. For example, if the baby is experiencing seizures, he or she may be given anti-seizure medications.
• Respiratory support: If the baby is having difficulty breathing, he or she may require respiratory support. This can include the use of a ventilator or other breathing machine.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help treat muscle weakness and other physical complications of HIE. It can also help improve mobility and strength.

The cost of treatment for HIE can be astronomical, and many families are left struggling to make ends meet. If your child’s HIE was caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your child’s past and future medical expenses, as well as other economic and non-economic damages. At Cunningham Bounds, we can help you understand your legal options and fight for the maximum recovery you are owed.

Why Choose Cunningham Bounds?

At Cunningham Bounds, we are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. We understand that no amount of money can undo the damage that has been done, but we also believe that you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of a birth injury that was not your fault.

Our HIE lawyers in Atlanta have been fighting for the rights of the wrongfully injured since 1958, and we have recovered billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We know what it takes to win, and you can trust us to provide the effective, aggressive representation you need.

Tell Us About Your Case Today

If your child was diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, our firm is here to help. We can evaluate your case, help you understand your legal options, and fight for the maximum recovery you are owed. Our HIE attorneys have a proven track record of success. We have been recognized by some of the most prestigious legal organizations in the country, including Super Lawyers® and Best Law Firms.

Call (844) 417-0930 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta HIE lawyers.