As you delve into the details of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), you’re likely seeking justice for a loved one affected by this devastating condition. With its roots in oxygen deprivation, HIE can have lasting impacts on newborns and adults alike.
When medical negligence plays a role, it’s important to understand the role a Florida hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyer from Anidjar & Levine, can play in securing the compensation your family merits. Working with a skilled Florida medical malpractice lawyer, we can help you build a strong case to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Common Causes of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Florida
You may be wondering what causes hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in Florida. Our Florida personal injury lawyer can help determine the cause of your HIE. Common causes include:
Fetal Distress During Labor
During labor, fetal distress can arise from a range of factors, including umbilical cord compression and abnormal fetal heart rate. As a mother, you trust that your healthcare provider is monitoring your baby’s well-being closely.
However, sometimes fetal monitoring may not detect distress signals promptly, leading to delayed labor interventions. When fetal distress is not addressed promptly, the risk of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy increases. You may be left wondering what went wrong and whether your healthcare provider’s actions contributed to your child’s condition.
Our lawyer can guide you through the process, helping you understand your rights and options available to secure your child’s future.
Umbilical Cord Complications
Umbilical cord complications, which can occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, can cut off oxygen supply to the baby’s brain, leading to HIE. You may be surprised to learn that umbilical cord accidents, such as umbilical cord entanglement, are a common cause of HIE in Florida.
When the umbilical cord becomes compressed or twisted, it can restrict blood flow and oxygen delivery to the baby’s brain. This can lead to brain damage and even long-term developmental delays.
If you suspect that an umbilical cord complication caused your child’s HIE, it’s important to consult with a Florida lawyer who can help you handle the legal process and fight for your child’s rights.
Delayed Emergency C-Section
Timely medical intervention is important in preventing HIE; a delayed emergency C-section can have devastating consequences. You may be wondering what leads to these significant delays.
One common cause is a failure to follow emergency protocol, resulting in poor C-section timing. When medical staff don’t respond promptly to fetal distress signals, such as abnormal heart rate patterns, they put the baby at risk of oxygen deprivation. As a result, you may be left dealing with the long-term effects of a delayed emergency C-section.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Newborns and Adults
As you understand the details of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms that can manifest in both newborns and adults. Newborn symptoms of HIE often appear within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth and can include seizures, apnea, hypotonia, and abnormal reflexes.
You may also notice abnormal posturing, such as decerebrate or decorticate posturing. In some cases, newborns may exhibit no initial symptoms, only to develop them in the days or weeks following birth.
In adults, HIE symptoms can be subtle and may include obvious signs of brain injury. You may experience headaches, confusion, disorientation, or seizures. Adult symptoms can also include memory loss, difficulty with coordination and balance, and changes in mood or behavior. Recognizing these signs and symptoms is important for prompt medical attention and treatment.
Our Florida Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer Can Prove Medical Malpractice
When pursuing a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy case, you’ll need to prove medical malpractice occurred, which can be a substantial amount of evidence. To establish liability, you must show that a healthcare provider’s medical negligence caused or contributed to the HIE.
This requires demonstrating that the provider deviated from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. You’ll need to carry the burden of proof, presenting evidence that links the provider’s actions to the HIE.
This may involve consulting with medical experts, reviewing medical records, and analyzing relevant data. By building a strong case, you can hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm caused by medical malpractice, ultimately seeking justice for those affected by HIE.
Damages and Recovery in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Claims in Florida
You’ve established a strong medical malpractice case, linking a healthcare provider’s negligence to the hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Now, it’s important to focus on damages and recovery options.
A thorough damage assessment will help determine the extent of your losses, including past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your Florida hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyer will work with medical experts to calculate the full extent of your losses.
In addition to economic damages, you may also be eligible for non-economic damages, such as compensation for reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. A successful claim can provide the financial resources you need to move forward and access the care and support you require.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting a skilled Florida HIE lawyer is important for increasing the chances that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. When evaluating experience, consider their track record of success in HIE claims, as well as their understanding of intricate medical issues.
You want a lawyer who can effectively communicate your needs and advocate on your behalf. Evaluating communication is important; you need someone who will keep you informed throughout the process and respond to your concerns in a timely manner.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the initial consultation, such as their approach to handling HIE cases, their fee structure, and their level of involvement in your case. By doing your due diligence, you can find a qualified Florida hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy attorney who will fight for the compensation you need.
Contact Our Florida Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer
Having understood the causes, signs, and symptoms of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, as well as the importance of proving medical malpractice, you can now focus on seeking the compensation you deserve. With Anidjar & Levine, you can recover damages for rehabilitation and emotional suffering.
Contact us today for a free consultation.