Houston Brain Injury and HIE Lawyers

Any injury sustained at birth can cause long-term problems, but when it involves the brain it can have lifelong consequences. Tragically, brain injuries during birth such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are not uncommon. When the brain damage is caused by a medical professional’s negligence, they must be held accountable.

At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, our attorneys will help walk you through the process of filing a claim. We understand how challenging a brain injury diagnosis can be, which is why we always provide families the dedicated, compassionate representation they need and deserve. If your child was diagnosed with HIE or another birth-related brain injury, contact our office at (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free consultation. 

What Is HIE?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury caused when there is a significant loss of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Also referred to as intrapartum asphyxia, HIE is a serious birth injury. It can result in long-term health problems including cognitive impairment, developmental delays, and other debilitating disabilities.

If you suspect that your child’s HIE was the result of negligence, you might have a claim for medical malpractice. It is critical to discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible. You only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against a negligent healthcare provider. Failure to file a case within the statute of limitations could result in your claim being dismissed or denied.

What Causes HIE?

HIE is most often caused by some sort of problem during the labor and delivery process. However, in some cases, HIE and other brain injuries may occur because of an undiagnosed maternal inflection, drug or alcohol use, or maternal diabetes. 

Common causes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy:

• Prolapsed umbilical cord
• Prolonged labor
• Placental abruption
• Low blood pressure
• Excessive bleeding
• Premature birth
• Abnormal fetal position

In order to determine the exact cause of your child’s brain damage, you may need to conduct an independent investigation. Without the help of an experienced attorney, you may not be able to prove that a medical provider failed to provide a reasonable standard of care resulting in your child’s injury. 

What Are the Signs of HIE?

Symptoms common to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy can range in severity depending on the stage of the condition. Indications that a child has a mild case of HIE may include fussiness, decreased muscle tone, and difficulty feeding. However, some signs of HIE may not be immediately obvious. 

Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe HIE include:

• Respiratory issues
• Decreased alertness
• Extreme fatigue or lethargy
• Seizures
• Floppy muscles
• Irregular heart rate
• Vision problems
• Impaired motor function
• Organ dysfunction

If you are concerned about your child’s development you should consult with your child’s pediatrician. Missed milestones may be one of the first warning signs that your child sustained a brain injury at birth. In severe cases of HIE, the brain damage may prove fatal. 

Is HIE a Birth Injury?

HIE is considered a serious birth injury that can greatly impact the life expectancy of a child. It is important to note that not all cases of HIE or birth-related brain injuries are preventable. However, when the brain damage is caused by a doctor’s failure to monitor, diagnose, or treat a health condition, there might be liability.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Brain Injury?

If you suspect that your child suffered a brain injury at birth, you should consult with a physician. Gather all medical records and contact an attorney. A skilled lawyer can help determine whether you have a valid claim for damages and should pursue compensation against a liable medical provider.

Hiring a Birth Brain Injury Attorney

At Bailey Cowan Heckaman, PLLC we understand that the health of your child is your first priority. We will work tirelessly to help you obtain compensation for your child’s injury. Damages in a birth injury claim can help to cover your infant’s current and future medical bills. A lawsuit can also help to provide the justice you deserve after an unthinkable tragedy.

An HIE diagnosis can be overwhelming, which is why our attorneys can help provide you with the resources and support you need to understand your rights. We have handled thousands of cases, recovering millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Was your child diagnosed with HIE or another brain injury? Did the injury occur as a result of a medical mistake or malpractice? Contact our office today at (888) 367-7160 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. 

Our trial lawyers are committed to providing every client with the highest quality legal services. We are unafraid to take on complex birth injury and HIE cases, working with a network of medical experts to prove a case. Get a free, no-obligation case evaluation by calling our office today. Do not wait until it is too late.