Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a life-changing diagnosis for the victim as well as their parents. It is a diagnosis that leads to many questions. How will you pay for your child's treatment? How will you make sure your child has the resources necessary to thrive? Just as importantly, you may be asking, "how did this happen?"

At Powell Klausing, we can help you find the answers you are looking for. We represent parents and children in Kentucky who have been touched by neonatal HIE and focus on making things right for them now and in the future.

Causes Of Neonatal HIE

Neonatal HIE is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain before, during or immediately after birth. There is no cure for the brain damage caused by the condition, so it is crucial for doctors, nurses and other hospital workers to be on the lookout for signs of fetal distress and take corrective action.

It is normal for oxygen levels to be reduced as less blood moves through the umbilical cord during contractions. However, when repeated contractions deplete the baby's resources or blood flow fails to return to normal after a contraction, it is imperative that medical professionals recognize the situation for the emergency it is and take decisive action.

Preventing Neonatal HIE

The fact is that sometimes things go wrong during childbirth even when medical professionals do everything right. Our focus is on identifying cases where they did not do everything right. Examples of medical negligence that can result in a lack of oxygen include:

• Failure to monitor the mother and fetus for signs of distress
• Not taking decisive action to address complications, such as a breached baby or wrapped umbilical cord
• Failure to order a cesarean section (C-section) when conditions, such as breach or wrapped umbilical cord, are present prior to labor
• Anesthesia errors related to a C-section operation

Something as simple as failing to routinely check the heart rate and oxygen levels of the mother or fetus can result in neonatal HIE. Simply following their own hospital protocols goes a long way toward lowering the risk of neonatal HIE, cerebral palsy and other conditions caused by a lack of oxygen.

Compensation For Neonatal HIE

The medical and financial needs associated with neonatal HIE will be there for the rest of your child's life. It is crucial to make sure they will also have a lifetime of financial compensation to ensure they have the resources they need to maintain their quality of life. We are strong negotiators who will go to trial when necessary to maximize compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, specialized care and other costs associated with neonatal HIE.

Get The Help You Need And The Compensation Your Family Deserves

You and your family should not be left to beard the financial and emotional burden alone. Our experienced birth injury lawyers can help make things right. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We have office locations in Louisville and Lexington for your convenience.