Hypoxic Encephalopathy

Florida Hypoxic Encephalopathy Attorneys

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Claims

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain injury or damage that occurs when a newborn does not receive sufficient oxygen to the brain.  The term “hypoxic” means not enough oxygen to the brain and other organs, “ischemic” refers to insufficient blood flow to the organs and “encephalopathy” relates to brain injury or dysfunction.   According to the Florida Neonatal Neurologic Network (FN3), HIE occurs about 60 percent of the time in pre-term births and from 3 to 20 out of 1000 full-term births.   

HIE is a very dangerous and often life-threatening condition that can lead to cerebral palsy and other disabilities.  Infants with HIE are generally classified based upon the severity of the condition – mild, moderate or severe.  The Florida Neonatal Neurological Network explains that 75% or more of the babies with severe HIE will suffer from severe handicaps or potentially die early in life.

Helping Clients Recover Maximum Compensation in HIE Cases

If your newborn is suffering from HIE, you should speak with knowledgeable Florida hypoxic encephalopathy attorneys as soon as possible.  The attorneys at The Florida Law Group are skilled in handling all types of birth injury claims, including cases involving hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.  The sad reality is that HIE and many other labor and birth injuries are often preventable with proper care and monitoring.  When a physician or other healthcare provider acts negligently and fails to meet the level of care expected in the medical community, patients are put at risk for serious injury.  

At The Florida Law Group, we know just how devastating medical malpractice and medical negligence can be for patients and their families.  The attorneys at our firm have over 100 years of combined experience handling medical malpractice and other personal injury cases. We are well-respected and accomplished attorneys who are committed to helping our clients get maximum compensation for their injuries and damages.

Symptoms Associated with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

A diagnosis of HIE generally takes place post-delivery after the newborn is monitored for several days. There are several different medical tests that can be used to diagnose HIE.   These tests include blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, EEGs and EKGs.

 Some of the most common symptoms or indications of HIE include:

• APGAR scores remaining low for more than 10 minutes
• Abnormal pupils
• Seizures
• Feeding problems
• Poor or absent neonatal reflexes, including grasping, sucking, swallowing and Moro reflexes
• Poor muscle tone
• Excessive acid in the baby’s blood
• Multiple organ problems
• Coma
• Irregular heart rate and blood pressure
• Excessive acid in the blood

If Your Infant has been Diagnosed with HIE, Should Speak with our Florida Hypoxic Encephalopathy Attorneys

HIE and other birth injury cases tend to be extraordinarily complex and should be handled by an experienced team of attorneys.  The Florida hypoxic encephalopathy attorneys at our firm are well-equipped to take on complicated birth injury cases, including cases in involving hypoxic encephalopathy.  Our firm offers free case evaluations where you can meet with us to discuss the legal options that may be available to you.  Call us today to learn how we can help.