Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy — or HIE — is brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to a baby's brain around the time of birth. It is one of the most serious complications a newborn can experience, and it is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in newborns worldwide.

When parents hear the term "HIE," they are often told it "just happened" — that it was a tragedy no one could have predicted or prevented. That is not always true.

In the vast majority of HIE cases reviewed by birth injury attorneys and medical experts, there were warning signs visible on fetal heart rate monitors hours before the baby suffered brain damage. A trained medical team is required to recognize and act on those signs — and when they don't, the result can be devastating and permanent.

If your baby received therapeutic hypothermia (brain cooling) after birth, that is a critical indicator. Brain cooling is only used when HIE is diagnosed at birth — meaning the medical team knew your baby had suffered oxygen deprivation. The question your attorney will ask is: Why didn't they prevent it?

Common causes of HIE that involve hospital or physician negligence:

• Failure to recognize non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns and respond appropriately
• Delayed C-section decision when fetal distress was apparent
• Failure to identify and manage umbilical cord compression or prolapse
• Mismanagement of placental abruption or placenta previa
• Excessive use of Pitocin (oxytocin) causing uterine hyperstimulation
• Failure to respond to maternal hemorrhage or shock

The long-term effects of HIE can include cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, learning disabilities, vision or hearing impairment, and developmental delays. In severe cases, HIE is fatal. Families of children with HIE face enormous medical costs and emotional burdens — often for decades.

If your baby was diagnosed with HIE, or if you were told your baby needed brain cooling treatment, please reach out to us. If a licensed attorney finds signs of negligence, A licensed attorney can evaluate your case at no cost. Filing deadlines vary by state.