Three Causes of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy HIE Birth Injury
A decrease or lack of oxygen or blood flow to an infant’s brain, known as birth asphyxia, can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy HIE birth injury, a form of brain dysfunction.1,2 HIE may be recognized by a number of symptoms, including breathing problems, unusual muscle tone, a lack of common reflexes, and seizures, among other things.1 It can occur at any point before birth, after birth, or during labor and delivery. In some cases, it is due to medical malpractice negligence in the form of an HIE birth injury. Three causes of HIE are: 1) umbilical cord compression or prolapse, 2) uterine rupture, and 3) placental abruption.
Umbilical Cord Compression or Prolapse
Compression or prolapse of the umbilical cord during labor and delivery restricts blood flow and oxygen supply to a baby. These scenarios have a number of causes, including preterm labor, early rupture of membranes, and multiple gestations (twins, triplets, other multiple pregnancies).3 Failure on behalf of doctors, specialists, nurses, midwives, hospitals, birthing centers, or other individuals or entities to avoid, or properly and rapidly address, umbilical cord compression or prolapse can result in permanent disability or death of an infant. In such instances, one or more individuals or entities may be liable for provable medical malpractice negligence in the form of an HIE birth injury.
Uterine Rupture
While relatively rare, uterine rupture mainly occurs during labor in a subsequent pregnancy following one in which a cesarean section was performed (known as vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC).4 Careful fetal and maternal monitoring must be a priority in such cases. A lack of such monitoring can result in medical malpractice negligence and serious harm to a mother, baby, or both in the form of an HIE birth injury.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption is a serious complication that can place the health and lives of both mother and baby at risk. It occurs when the placenta separates from the lining of the uterus at any point before the second stage of labor has been completed.5 Careful monitoring of both mother and baby are crucial in high-risk cases of injury or trauma. Improper monitoring or treatment may result in medical malpractice negligence HIE birth injuries.
No matter the cause, fair compensation is an essential part of a legal settlement in cases of HIE birth injury medical malpractice negligence. Cost increases for required items, medications, and services must also be considered and calculated into a settlement.
Parents whose newborns are victims of an HIE birth injury due to provable medical malpractice negligence not only want and need valid answers to their questions, but also useful, effective direction and assistance. Selecting an expert birth injury lawyer or legal team is essential to help ensure justice and fair compensation. Noted South Florida Lawyer Richard “Bo” Sharp, Esq. and Mallard & Sharp, P.A.’s goal is to obtain justice for individuals and families who are victims of birth injury medical malpractice negligence, especially when such malpractice occurs during labor and delivery. This includes cases involving HIE birth injuries.
The legal professionals at Mallard & Sharp, P.A. are dedicated to providing their clients with the path to justice and financial recovery. The firm handles detailed cases that involve birth injuries, medical malpractice, and negligent security, as well as any other acts of negligence that cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
For more information or to inquire about hiring expert legal representation for a potential birth injury medical malpractice negligence case, including those involving hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) birth injuries, contact Mallard & Sharp, P.A. at 305-461-4800.
1 https://www.massgeneral.org/children/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy
2 https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/birth-asphyxia/
3 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12345-umbilical-cord-prolapse