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North Carolina Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer

It can be devastating when your child suffers a birth injury. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is among some of the most serious birth injuries a child can suffer. There are various conditions and risk factors that can lead to HIE but is also sometimes the result of medical malpractice. If your child is suffering from HIE and you suspect it may be due to medical malpractice, you should speak with a birth injury attorney as soon as possible.

What Is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is an injury to an infant’s brain that occurs before, during, or immediately after birth. More specifically, it is an injury that occurs due to a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain. It is perhaps helpful to break the term “hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy” down into its elements:

• Hypoxic: lack of oxygen
• Ischemic: lack of blood flow
• Encephalopathy: brain disorder

HIE can vary from mild to severe, generally depending on how long the baby’s brain was deprived of blood and oxygen. The longer the brain was deprived of oxygen and blood flow, the more severely the baby may be later impaired. It is also important to note that because HIE impacts the brain’s function, it often leads to additional complications, particularly cognitive impairments.

What Causes Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy?

There are many causes and conditions that can lead to blood and oxygen loss to the baby’s brain. Preeclampsia, diabetes, problems with the placenta or umbilical cord are all risk factors for HIE. While many of these conditions can cause unavoidable cases of HIE, many other cases are the result of substandard medical care. For example, a sudden loss of blood and oxygen to the baby’s brain can be caused by the following during labor and delivery:

• Failure to adequately monitor the oxygen and blood flow to the baby’s brain
• Misuse of forceps, vacuum, or other birthing devices
• Improper administration of labor-inducing drugs
• Inadequate prenatal care
• Inadequate medical response to signs of fetal distress during labor

HIE cases are incredibly complex. If your child is showing HIE symptoms, a North Carolina birth injury lawyer can assess your case and help you understand your options.

The Connection Between HIE and Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a musculoskeletal disorder that arises from underlying brain damage or other brain disorders. It causes impairments in motor function and commonly results in reduced strength and coordination. While cerebral palsy will not get worse over time, there is also no cure for it. As a result, cerebral palsy is a lifelong affliction for those who have it.

One of the most common causes of cerebral palsy is HIE, resulting from the baby’s brain being deprived of blood and oxygen for a significant period. As a result, your child may be a victim of medical malpractice if they have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. A North Carolina cerebral palsy attorney can discuss whether you have a claim.

Contact a North Carolina HIE Lawyer Today

With lawyers dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice in Raleigh, Durham, and Wilmington, the HIE attorneys at Martin & Jones represent clients across the state of North Carolina. With decades of skill and experience, we can help you obtain needed compensation for your child’s injury so that you can provide the lifelong care they may need. Contact us today at 800-662-1234 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

 

Hear it from our clients

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

“Thank you for your concern of my well-being every time I spoke with you. It always meant so much. I hear nothing but awful stories of dealing with attorneys and their offices, but I have had nothing but positive experience. You have many special ways of working with people in need of help. Words can never express the way your support has been so helpful. I pray you will continue to help others. I wish you all the best.”

- Mary

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