Hilo Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Lawyer

Advocating for Families Affected by Birth Injuries in Hilo, HI

Welcoming a child into the world should be one of life’s most joyous moments. But for families dealing with a diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), this joy can quickly be overshadowed by uncertainty, fear, and challenges. At Davis Levin Livingston, we understand how devastating a diagnosis like HIE can be, and our dedicated Hilo HIE lawyers are here to provide compassionate and effective legal representation.

With over 40 years of experience handling birth injury cases in Hawaii, our firm has the knowledge and resources to help families in Hilo seek justice when their child’s condition may have been caused by medical malpractice.

If substandard care during labor or delivery led to your baby’s condition, you don’t have to face this alone. Contact us at (808) 740-0633 for a free and confidential consultation.

What is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during or immediately after birth. Often linked to preventable medical errors, HIE is a serious condition that can have lifelong consequences for babies and their families.

Worldwide, HIE is responsible for roughly 25% of neonatal deaths. For every 1,000 live births, one to six infants are diagnosed with this condition. While some children with mild cases recover fully, others may face long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or cognitive impairments.

Common Causes of HIE in Childbirth

HIE often occurs when doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals fail to act appropriately in high-pressure situations. Common causes of HIE related to obstetrical malpractice include:

• Failure to perform or delay in performing a C-section when a baby is in distress or labor is not progressing.
• Improper management of shoulder dystocia, a dangerous condition where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery.
• Failure to respond to signs of fetal distress, such as irregular heart rates.
• Neglecting to recommend a C-section for high-risk pregnancies or complicated deliveries.
• Untreated maternal conditions like preeclampsia or diabetes.
• Prolonged labor without the use of vacuum or forceps-assisted delivery when necessary.

Mistakes like these can lead to a loss of oxygen and blood flow to a baby’s brain, resulting in the kind of catastrophic outcomes associated with HIE.

Symptoms of HIE in Newborns

While the severity of symptoms varies, newborns with HIE may show the following signs after birth:

• Low heart rate or weak breathing
• Poor muscle tone and reflexes
• Bluish or pale skin
• Feeding difficulties
• Severe irritability or lethargy
• Seizures

Symptoms of HIE can mimic other conditions, making an accurate diagnosis critical. Medical professionals must rule out other possibilities such as infections or genetic issues to provide the appropriate treatment.

Severity of HIE Symptoms

• Mild HIE may include temporary behavioral changes, such as excessive crying or difficulties with feeding. Most cases of mild HIE resolve within 24 hours.
• Moderate HIE often involves lethargy, reduced reflexes, and seizures. Recovery may take weeks, though long-term impacts vary.
• Severe HIE can lead to ongoing seizures, coma, and significant neurological damage. Outcomes may include severe disabilities or fatal complications.

If your baby displayed any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult an HIE lawyer in Hilo who can help determine whether malpractice played a role.

Diagnosing and Treating HIE

Prompt diagnosis is crucial in minimizing the impacts of HIE and ensuring your child receives appropriate treatment. Diagnostic tests may include brain imaging, EEGs, and lab work to detect organ damage or brain function abnormalities.

For babies with HIE, treatment often occurs in intensive care and may include:

• Cooling therapy to reduce brain damage.
• Medications to manage seizures or regulate blood pressure.
• Assisted ventilation and monitoring of oxygen levels.

Long-term care may involve ongoing therapies like speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as specialized education or assistive devices. The costs associated with these treatments can be overwhelming for families—but that’s where Davis Levin Livingston can help.

How a Hilo HIE Lawyer Can Help

Proving that medical negligence caused your child’s HIE can be complex, but our experienced birth injury attorneys have the skills and resources to handle even the toughest cases. Here’s how we assist families in Hilo:

1. Thorough Investigations: We review medical records, timelines, and expert medical opinions to determine whether substandard care led to your baby’s injuries.
2. Building a Strong Case: By consulting with leading medical experts, we establish how healthcare providers failed to meet their duty of care.
3. Securing Compensation: We fight to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term costs of your child’s care.

Our team’s deep understanding of medical malpractice law, combined with our compassionate approach, ensures families in Hilo get the support they need during this difficult time.

Why Families in Hilo Trust Davis Levin Livingston

For over four decades, Davis Levin Livingston has built a reputation for excellence in representing families across Hawaii. With significant experience in handling birth injury cases, our firm is uniquely equipped to advocate for your child’s future. When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Personalized Attention: Every family’s story is unique. We take the time to listen and tailor our approach to your needs.
• Proven Results: We have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across Hawaii, including in birth injury cases.
• No Upfront Fees: We work on contingency, so you only pay if we win your case.
• Local Commitment: Based in Hawaii, we are passionate about serving our Hilo community with integrity and compassion.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Hilo HIE Lawyer Today

If your child has been diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, you need a legal advocate who will fight for your family’s rights. The experienced Hilo HIE lawyers at Davis Levin Livingston are here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation needed to provide for your child’s future.

Call us at (808) 740-0633 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. We are ready to stand by your side every step of the way.