On this page
- Common Causes in Birth Injuries and Maternal Injuries Cases
- Injuries Often Involved
- Lifetime Care Planning
- Evidence That Can Prove Your Claim
- Who May Be Responsible
- What to Do Next
- Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
- Why Acting Early Matters
- How Our Attorneys Can Help
- Attorneys Who Handle These Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
HIE is brain injury caused by reduced oxygen and blood flow around birth, sometimes due to delayed response to fetal distress.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) cases are part of our Birth Injuries and Maternal Injuries practice. Our attorneys investigate prenatal care, labor and delivery and neonatal care to determine whether preventable errors caused harm, and we pursue compensation for the long-term care that injured children often need.
Common Causes in Birth Injuries and Maternal Injuries Cases
- Failure to respond to fetal distress
- Delayed C-section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Failure to diagnose preeclampsia or infection
- Medication errors during labor
- Inadequate neonatal care
Injuries Often Involved
- Cerebral palsy and HIE
- Brachial plexus injuries and Erb's palsy
- Brain injuries and seizures
- Maternal hemorrhage and organ damage
- Stillbirth and infant death
Lifetime Care Planning
Birth injury claims often involve the cost of a lifetime of medical care, therapy, equipment and support. Life care plans and economic analysis help document these needs. Deadlines for injuries to children may differ from adult claims, but they still apply, and some states have special programs for certain birth injuries.
Evidence That Can Prove Your Claim
Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:
- Prenatal, labor and delivery records
- Fetal heart monitoring strips
- Neonatal and NICU records
- Review by qualified medical professionals
Who May Be Responsible
More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:
- Obstetricians and midwives
- Hospitals and birthing centers
- Nurses and NICU staff
- Anesthesiologists
What to Do Next
- Get a second opinion and needed follow-up care
- Request copies of your medical records
- Write down dates, providers and what you were told
- Keep medication containers and discharge papers
- Avoid signing releases from the provider
- Speak with an attorney promptly — special deadlines may apply
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
- Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses
Why Acting Early Matters
Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.
Attorneys Who Handle These Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a case involving Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)?
If someone else's negligence caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a claim. The answer depends on how the incident happened, the evidence available, your injuries and the law in your state. A free consultation can help you understand your options.
What is a Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) case worth?
Every case is different. Value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, long-term effects, the strength of the evidence and the insurance available. We cannot predict an outcome, but we document every element of your losses.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you, and the consultation is free and confidential.
How do I know if my child's injury was preventable?
Review of prenatal records, fetal monitoring strips and delivery records by qualified medical professionals can show whether warning signs were missed.
How long do we have to file a birth injury claim?
Deadlines for minors vary by state and may be extended, but some limits still apply. Early review is important.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Laws differ from state to state, and every case depends on its own facts. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.