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Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Caused By Hospital or Doctor Error

Even doctors and hospitals that have delivered hundreds of babies can make mistakes. However, their medical errors can lead to serious birth injuries and permanent conditions that can affect the child’s life. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a birth injury that can often be avoided. If your infant has suffered from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, you need to be aware of what may have caused this condition.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a condition where the brain does not receive enough oxygen, but is not completely deprived. It can result in damage to the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. There has been a lot of debate regarding hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, but it is believed to be a cause of infant death, as well as developmental delay, mental retardation and cerebral palsy.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy can be fatal as brain cells begin dying after only minutes of oxygen deprivation. For newborns, oxygen deprivation can occur when they have a prolapsed cord or prolonged and difficult birth. Doctors and hospitals can be held responsible for some cases of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy when measures could have been taken to prevent this serious condition. For example, if a doctor delays a C-section or misinterprets the fetal heartbeat, they can be held liable for the birth injury. Sometimes doctors and hospital staff do not respond to a problem with the birth in a timely manner, which can also result in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Typically hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is identified immediately following the infant’s birth. An infant who has suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may have a loss of brainstem signs, loss of deep tendon reflexes or seizures. In some hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy cases, the infant can slip into a coma.

An infant who is experiencing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy will be treated promptly to increase oxygen flow to the brain and the rest of the body. When it is suspected that the brain function has stopped, life-sustaining treatment will be administered.

If your infant has suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and you believe the doctor was negligent or that the hospital made a mistake that resulted in the condition, contact the experienced New York birth injury attorneys at Rappaport, Glass, Greene & Levine at (800) 734-9445 for a free legal consultation. We will help you determine who was to blame for your child’s hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and will work hard to ensure that you are fully compensated. Do not delay in seeking legal advice.