Seattle Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyers
Putting Families First in HIE Cases
When a baby suffers from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), the consequences can be devastating. It’s important that families who are dealing with this difficult situation have the right support and resources to help them through it.
At Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, we understand how difficult it can be for families dealing with a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy diagnosis. Our compassionate and experienced birth injury attorneys have handled cases involving HIE injuries and will use their knowledge, skills, and resources to seek justice for your child. We are here to fight for justice on behalf of you and your family so that you can focus on providing the best care possible for your little one.
Beyond legal representation, we actively work to connect families with additional resources, including support groups and medical professionals who specialize in pediatric neurological care. Our role extends beyond the courtroom as we help families navigate the complexities that arise with HIE, offering guidance on managing long-term care needs and educational resources. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your child's well-being is considered, helping families to build a comprehensive support system during these challenging times.
Essential Steps After Your Child's HIE Diagnosis
It is imperative that you take specific legal action if your child was diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) after delivery in Washington. First, compile all pertinent medical records, such as those related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. These documents are necessary to create a chronology and detect any non-standard medical practices.
Next, speak with Seattle-based HIE attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, who handle cases involving birth injuries. Our attorneys will carry out a comprehensive investigation to ascertain whether malpractice or neglect occurred, examining medical records and speaking with specialists in the field.
Submit your claim before Washington's statue of limitations expires. You must act quickly to protect your legal rights. To create a strong case, more information will be acquired after the claim is filed, including witness statements and expert testimony.
Ultimately, in order to obtain a just settlement, your lawyer will bargain with the at-fault parties and their insurance providers. They are willing to take the matter to court in order to obtain the settlement your family is entitled to, should a satisfactory agreement not be reached. For a free consultation, get in touch with our Seattle HIE attorneys.
Why Choose Our Seattle Attorneys for Your HIE Lawsuit?
Our team of attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, located in Seattle, has vast experience representing clients with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). We are aware of the intricacies involved in these situations and the terrible effects they may have on families. On behalf of our clients, our kind and devoted legal staff is committed to pursuing justice.
When you choose us to represent you in your HIE lawsuit, you can expect:
- Personalized attention and support throughout the legal process
- Thorough investigation and preparation of your case
- Aggressive advocacy to hold responsible parties accountable
- Transparent communication and regular updates on the progress of your case
- Compassionate guidance and representation every step of the way
Don't navigate the complexities of an HIE lawsuit alone. Contact Schroeter Goldmark & Bender to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team.
An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine your legal options. We believe in seeking justice for those who have been wronged due to medical negligence. Get started by giving us a call today at (206) 208-0318.
The Impact of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a birth injury that occurs when an infant's brain is deprived of oxygen and blood supply during or near the time of birth. This can result in severe neurological damage and impair the baby's bodily functions; in some cases, it can even be fatal. Symptoms of HIE include slow or weak breathing, low muscle tone, poor reflexes, seizures, jitteriness, and coma. Low APGAR scores are also a sign of HIE. An APGAR score is a test given to newborns soon after birth. This test assesses the overall health of the newborn, assigning scores to conditions like baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, breathing, and the baby’s skin color and complexion. The extent of the damage caused by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy depends on how long the baby was deprived of oxygen, and other medical factors.
The long-term effects of HIE can vary significantly from one child to another. Children may experience cognitive impairments, including learning disabilities and delayed development in speech and motor skills. It's common for HIE to also lead to challenges in socialization and emotional regulation, necessitating ongoing therapy and support. Parents must adjust to a new normal, where daily routines are heavily influenced by their child's health and educational needs, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care and early intervention programs.
Treatment for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy typically includes intensive medical care and close monitoring to ensure that any neurological issues are treated quickly and appropriately. In some cases, physical therapy may be required to help the child develop motor skills or learn how to walk or talk. In addition, many children with HIE require special education services in order to succeed academically. Even with these treatments, however, there may be lasting impacts on a child’s development. It’s essential that parents receive the support they need during this difficult time so they can provide optimal care for their child.
In the face of such adversity, it's crucial for families to have access to a network of resources. Organizations that offer support for families dealing with HIE provide not only emotional support but also practical advice on navigating medical appointments, educational planning, and therapeutic interventions. Connecting with other families who understand the journey can also be incredibly empowering, offering shared experiences and strategies for overcoming daily challenges.
Causes of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is caused by a lack of oxygen and blood supply to the baby's brain during delivery. This can occur due to a number of factors, including but not limited to:
- Placental abruption: when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor
- Prolonged labor: when contractions last too long and put excessive stress on the baby’s brain
- Cord prolapse: when umbilical cord slips through cervix before baby is born
- Uterine rupture: when uterus tears open during labor
- Fetal distress: when fetus experiences difficulty breathing in utero
- Maternal health issues: preeclampsia, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
It’s important to understand that these events may have been preventable had they been properly monitored and managed during labor and delivery. If your baby suffered a birth injury due to preventable medical mistakes, you may be able to pursue legal action with the help of a qualified Seattle hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy lawyer.
Understanding the root causes of HIE can provide critical insights for prevention and risk reduction. For expecting parents, being informed about potential hazards during pregnancy and delivery can lead to better decision-making and proactive discussions with healthcare providers. Regular prenatal care and monitoring, especially for mothers with pre-existing health conditions, are vital to reduce the risk of complications that could lead to HIE.
Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and health of both mother and child. They are responsible for identifying and managing potential risk factors effectively, reporting any abnormalities promptly, and ensuring that delivery procedures adhere to the highest standards of care. Continuous education and training for medical teams on the latest advancements and guidelines related to childbirth can help in minimizing instances of negligence.
Schroeter Goldmark & Bender Can Help You Seek Justice
If your family has been affected by HIE, Schroeter Goldmark & Bender can provide experienced and compassionate legal representation while you focus on caring for your child. We have extensive experience in handling birth injury cases, and we understand them. Our attorneys will work diligently and fight for you to receive fair compensation for any damages or losses associated with your baby’s injury.
In cases involving hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy birth injuries, families may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages and losses. These can include:
- Medical bills related to diagnosis and treatment
- Cost of long-term care or special education services
- Pain and suffering caused by the injury
- Loss of future wages if the child is unable to work due to disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life resulting from disabilities associated with HIE
An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine your legal options. We believe in seeking justice for those who have been wronged due to medical negligence.
Beyond financial compensation, pursuing legal action can also drive systemic change within healthcare institutions, urging improvements in medical protocols and accountability. This can lead to a reduction in future instances of preventable birth injuries, ensuring better safety for newborns and parents alike.
At Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and resources. Our team is committed to providing clear guidance, explaining complex legal terms in understandable ways, and keeping you informed every step of the way. We strive to create a partnership based on trust and transparency, allowing you to focus on your family while we handle the legal intricacies.
Contact us online or by calling (206) 208-0318 today!
