Common Causes of HIE

Because HIE is caused by oxygen deprivation, there are many ways that this injury can occur during pregnancy and delivery, as this process can come with severe health risks for both mother and child. From intrauterine asphyxia to heightened maternal blood pressure, some of these issues are a direct result of physician negligence, as medical professionals have a responsibility to carefully monitor vital signs and offer appropriate treatment as issues arise.

Some of the most typical causes of HIE include:

• Maternal cardiac disease, diabetes, and other pre-existing conditions
• Anesthesia errors
• C-section errors and delays
• Preeclampsia, or high maternal blood pressure
• Excessive force on the infant’s skull and brain
• Prolonged or delayed labor process
• Poor positioning of the fetus in the birth canal or uterus
• Umbilical cord strangulation
• Maternal infection and sepsis

Additionally, because there are now “brain cooling” techniques that can halt the spread of infant brain damage, physicians have a responsibility to seek prompt treatment upon realizing that a newborn has HIE. Also called “therapeutic hypothermia,” brain cooling dramatically reduces the risks of more serious conditions and disabilities, such as cerebral palsy (CP).

Although little can truly compensate your family for your losses, our Michigan HIE injury attorneys can apply over 100 years of legal experience to help hold negligent physicians and OB-GYNs accountable for their actions. Medical professionals have a responsibility to avoid causing birth injuries, and when they do not meet this responsibility, they could be financially liable to cover your child’s past and future medical expenses, as well as any other losses suffered by your family as a result of this injury.

Do you believe that your infant’s HIE may have been caused by physician negligence? Contact the Michigan HIE injury lawyers at Grewal Law PLLC today to explore your options.