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(516) 394-4200
A Uniondale hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyer focuses on birth injuries related to the lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain before, after, or during delivery. Because HIE is frequently associated with birth injuries, it is often referred to as neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Regardless of the term, the outcome of such a birth injury can be life-altering.
Severe disabilities can result depending on how long oxygen or blood flow is reduced and what area of the brain is involved. HIE can cause cerebral palsy, developmental delays, epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. The child may only show slight developmental delays, while some children may not experience any long-term consequences. Parents should consult a birth injury attorney immediately if they believe their child suffered HIE.
Neonatal HIE is a brain dysfunction caused by a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and blood flow (ischemia) before, during, or after birth. The exact cause of neonatal HIE may be unknown, but complications during labor and delivery can increase the risk of HIE.
Neonatal HIE manifests differently from child to child, depending on the damaged part of the brain. Many symptoms related to developmental issues may not appear until children are three to five years old. For example, cognitive impairment or developmental delays may not be apparent until the child is in preschool or kindergarten. Other symptoms, such as difficulty sucking, breathing, or hearing, may appear shortly after birth.
Several tests can help determine if an infant has suffered HIE, beginning with the Apgar scale. Every infant should be assessed using the Apgar scale at one and five minutes after delivery. The Apgar score tells medical professionals if the infant needs additional medical care. Early detection and the implementation of treatments, such as cooling therapy, may improve HIE outcomes.
Blood tests performed shortly after delivery can show the blood’s oxygen level as well as the amounts of electrolytes, enzymes, and nutrients. Other tests, such as the following, can aid in diagnosing HIE:
Early detection enables early intervention that may lessen the long-term consequences of neonatal HIE. An attorney in Uniondale could review medical records to determine liability for an HIE.
Labor and delivery are far from routine. The process is complex, requiring a baby to navigate a narrow birth canal through a series of rotations. Any delays can have catastrophic results. Given the specificity of medical terms and procedures regarding pregnancy and childbirth, an attorney who understands them can do the following:
Because of their focus, our lawyers could review medical records, interview witnesses, consult medical experts, and assess hospital policies to determine if the doctor, medical staff, or hospital failed to maintain the accepted standard of care.
We understand the healthcare system and can locate pertinent evidence, such as witness statements, medical records from prepartum through postpartum, and standards of care for birthing complications.
An attorney could file a claim in the appropriate court with the required documentation, such as the Certificate of Merit, which must accompany every medical malpractice claim to ensure the case is not dismissed.
Our HIE lawyers in Uniondale have seen the financial, emotional, and physical trauma that families suffer and work to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve, whether lost wages, medical expenses, or pain and suffering. We are also ready to go to trial if a settlement is not reached.
Since some birth injuries do not manifest until years later, parents have until the child is ten to file a personal injury lawsuit. A child has two years from the time they turn 18 to file. However, a family should not delay preparing their case. A Uniondale hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) lawyer from Duffy & Duffy could review your case and discuss your legal options to pursue compensation if your child has suffered a birth injury. Call today.
After years of serving New York–including the Bronx, Queens and Nassau, Suffolk and Kings Counties–, we are confident our injury lawyers can assist you with your claim. We are well respected by our clients, who appreciate not only the outcomes we’ve provided but also the care in which we resolved their cases. As you can see from our successful settlements, we offer excellent results, though the outcome varies depending on the case. Regardless of your case details, you can rest assured our Long Island car accident attorneys will always fight for you as you seek compensation to pay for medical bills, vehicle repairs and more. You deserve to be made whole again after your accident, and Duffy & Duffy is here to help.
No. Our injury cases are handled on a contingent retainer. You pay nothing upfront, and we recover attorney’s fees only if your litigation is successful. We don’t bill by the hour. You don’t need to worry about running up a large attorney’s bill before you see any recovery for your injuries.
Yes. Our firm is dedicated to creating a strong relationship with our clients, beginning with keeping your information and consultation confidential.
Each case we encounter is carefully screened and evidence scrutinized to make sure the claim is meritorious and may be successful at trial. We will perform an investigation, and then our partners make a final decision on whether to take on a case.
