When the arrival of a new baby is met with unexpected challenges, it can leave families feeling overwhelmed and searching for answers. If your child has been diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) because of medical negligence during labor or delivery, you are not alone. HIE, a serious birth injury caused by oxygen deprivation, can have life-altering implications for your child and your family.
At Furman Honick Law, we understand the heartbreak, fear, and frustration parents feel in these circumstances. Our mission is to help your child receive the medical care, therapies, and resources they need to live their best life. Filing a medical malpractice or birth injury claim is not just about compensation; it’s about advocating for justice, holding responsible parties accountable, and securing your child’s future.
If your family has been impacted by HIE, reach out to Furman Honick Law today for a free consultation. Our compassionate Baltimore HIE lawyer can help you take the first steps toward the justice and support your child deserves.
Why Choose Furman Honick Law for Your Baltimore HIE Case?
When you’re dealing with the overwhelming and emotional aftermath of a birth injury like HIE, choosing the right attorney is a critical decision. At Furman Honick Law, you’ll find a team of award-winning trial lawyers with the experience and dedication needed to fight for your family’s rights. Here’s why so many families in Baltimore trust us with their most challenging cases:
- Proven Results: With over $75 million recovered for our clients, we have the skills and determination to secure significant compensation for families dealing with catastrophic injuries.
- Birth Injury Knowledge: We have extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases, with a strong focus on birth injuries, including HIE. Our attorneys deeply understand the complexities involved in proving medical negligence and are equipped to handle every aspect of these cases.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We know that a birth injury doesn’t just affect the child—it impacts the entire family. That’s why we approach every case with empathy and a commitment to providing the personalized care and attention your family deserves.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This ensures that every family has access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances.
At Furman Honick Law, we never back down from a fight. We are relentless in representing families impacted by preventable medical errors. You don’t have to face this alone—our team is here to guide you, advocate for you, and help you protect your child’s future.
What Is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious type of brain damage that occurs when an infant’s brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood flow during labor and delivery. The lack of oxygen leads to severe and sometimes permanent consequences, affecting the child’s ability to develop, learn, and lead an independent life.
Understanding HIE’s Impact
The effects of HIE vary depending on the severity of the oxygen deprivation, but even in mild cases, families may face hurdles they never anticipated. Conditions caused by HIE can include:
- Cognitive delays
- Physical disabilities or motor skill challenges
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Speech and language difficulties
- Cerebral palsy
Families coping with an HIE diagnosis often require extensive support, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, specialized schooling, and long-term medical care. For many, these needs become a financial burden that would have been entirely avoidable if medical professionals had provided the appropriate standard of care during the birthing process.
How Does Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Happen?
HIE is almost always preventable. It occurs in many cases because of medical errors, lapses in judgment, or negligence during labor and delivery. Your medical team has a responsibility to monitor the baby’s condition, respond to complications, and act swiftly to prevent harm. When those responsibilities are neglected, the consequences can be life-altering.
Some of the most common causes of HIE include:
- Delayed or Improper Decisions About C-Sections: When labor doesn’t progress normally or signs of fetal distress are evident, waiting too long to perform a cesarean section can put a baby at risk of oxygen deprivation.
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Medical teams must carefully monitor a baby’s heart rate using tools like fetal monitors. If they fail to respond to signs of oxygen deprivation or other complications, irreversible damage may occur.
- Prolonged Labor or Delivery Trauma: A long or complicated labor can cut off a baby’s oxygen supply. This is especially true if medical devices like forceps or vacuum extractors are improperly used, causing additional stress or injury.
- Issues With the Umbilical Cord: Situations like a prolapsed or compressed umbilical cord can block oxygen flow to the baby. Immediate intervention is needed to minimize harm and protect the baby’s brain.
- Mismanagement of Maternal Health: Maternal conditions like infections, preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy and childbirth must be carefully managed to ensure the baby is not harmed.
How We Prove Liability
Proving liability in an HIE case requires a comprehensive investigation. At Furman Honick Law, we rely on medical experts to provide insight into whether the treatment your family received fell below the standard of care. By doing so, we are able to link errors or negligence directly to the harm your child suffered. Our team is thorough, compassionate, and determined to uncover the full extent of any wrongdoing.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Baltimore HIE Case?
Determining liability in an HIE case can be challenging. Different members of the medical team may have contributed to the negligence, and identifying those at fault is a critical step in your case. Potentially responsible parties include:
Doctors
Obstetricians are often the first individuals investigated in HIE claims. They are responsible for monitoring both the mother and baby during labor and delivery. If an obstetrician fails to detect distress, adequately prepare for complications, or respond in a timely manner, they may be held accountable for a preventable HIE diagnosis.
Nurses
Labor and delivery nurses play an essential role in patient care. They are tasked with monitoring the baby’s heart rate, managing contractions, and communicating any signs of trouble to the attending physician. Failing to perform these responsibilities can contribute directly to harm.
Hospitals
Hospitals are required to maintain safe, functional equipment and ensure that their staff is trained and capable. An HIE injury may arise from systemic issues within the hospital itself, such as staffing shortages, poor policies, or even defective medical devices.
Anesthesiologists or Other Specialists
Anesthesiologists who improperly administer epidurals or other pain management methods may inadvertently cause complications that lead to oxygen deprivation. Other specialists—such as those overseeing a mother’s preexisting medical conditions—could also be liable if their care falls below accepted medical standards.
Fighting for Your Family’s Future
A birth injury like HIE transforms your family’s life in unexpected ways. You face not only physical and emotional challenges but also the financial strain of lifelong medical care. At Furman Honick Law, we’re committed to helping you:
- Cover medical expenses and ongoing therapy costs
- Access special education resources or in-home care
- Compensate for lost income or future earnings
- Find peace of mind knowing justice has been served
We understand that no amount of compensation can erase the challenges you’re facing, but it can ease the burden and provide your family with the support required to move forward. You have the right to hold negligent medical professionals accountable and demand justice for your child.
Do I Have an HIE Birth Injury Claim?
Determining whether you have an HIE birth injury claim starts with identifying whether medical negligence played a role in your child’s condition. Not all birth injuries are caused by malpractice, but if errors or reckless decisions by medical staff contributed to oxygen deprivation and subsequent brain injury, you may have a valid claim. Some key factors include:
- Evidence of Medical Negligence: Did the medical team fail to respond to warning signs like fetal distress or prolonged labor? Could the injury have been prevented with proper care?
- Timing of the Injury: HIE injuries often occur during labor and delivery, but they may also result from mismanagement of health conditions during pregnancy or immediately after birth.
- Impact on Your Child’s Health: If your child has lasting disabilities, developmental delays, or requires extensive medical care due to HIE, these consequences must be evaluated in building your case.
Every case is unique, making it crucial to consult an experienced attorney. At Furman Honick Law, we’ll carefully review your medical records, consult with experts, and determine whether legal action is the right path for your family. We’re here to provide the answers and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Compensation Available to Erb’s Palsy Victims in Baltimore
Families of children diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy caused by medical negligence may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Coverage for past, present, and future medical expenses
- Costs of ongoing or long-term physical and occupational therapy
- Compensation for the child’s pain and suffering
- Financial support for adaptive aids or assistive devices
- Reimbursement for lost future earnings due to long-term disabilities
- Compensation for emotional distress endured by both the child and family
At Furman Honick Law, we’ll work tirelessly to ensure your family receives the maximum compensation available to help your child thrive.
How Can an HIE Lawyer in Baltimore Help Me?
Dealing with a birth injury claim can be overwhelming for any parent. That’s why an experienced HIE lawyer is an invaluable ally, helping you through every step of your fight for justice. Here’s how we can assist:
- Case Investigation: We’ll conduct a thorough review of medical records to identify where errors or negligence occurred. This involves consulting trusted medical experts to build a strong case.
- Gathering Evidence: From hospital incident reports to testimonies from expert witnesses, we’ll collect the evidence needed to prove that substandard care caused your child’s condition.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to undervalue your claim or deny responsibility. We’ll handle all negotiations to seek the compensation your family deserves.
- Litigation Support: While many cases settle out of court, Furman Honick Law is prepared to fight for you at trial if it means securing the justice and resources you need.
- Providing Ongoing Guidance: Throughout the process, we’ll ensure that you fully understand your rights, legal options, and how we’re working to secure your child’s future.
By focusing on the legal complexities, we allow you to concentrate on your child’s health and well-being, offering compassionate support every step of the way.
Baltimore HIE Claims FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding HIE claims:
How Long Do I Have to File an HIE Claim in Baltimore?
Maryland law generally allows three years from the date of injury to file a medical malpractice claim. However, in cases involving children, the timeline may be extended until the child’s 21st birthday. It’s vital to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
What Evidence Is Needed for an HIE Claim?
To prove an HIE claim, you’ll need medical records showing how and when the injury occurred, as well as expert testimony to confirm that the standard of care was violated. Evidence may also include hospital policies, treatment plans, and witness statements from medical professionals involved in your care.
Will Filing a Claim Affect My Relationship with My Doctor?
Filing a claim is about holding medical professionals accountable for negligence—not about targeting your doctor personally. It’s important to focus on securing the compensation and resources your child needs, knowing that attorneys handle interactions with the medical providers and their insurers on your behalf.
Contact Our Trusted Baltimore HIE Lawyers Today
When your family is facing the devastating impact of an HIE diagnosis, you deserve compassion, justice, and unwavering support. At Furman Honick Law, we are committed to being your advocate during this difficult time. With a proven track record of success, our dedicated team will fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the resources your child needs to build a bright future.
The road ahead may seem daunting, but you don’t have to walk it alone. By choosing Furman Honick Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a partner who genuinely cares about your family’s well-being.
Take the first step toward justice by contacting us today. Contact our Baltimore personal injury lawyers today at (410) 844-6000 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Together, we can fight to protect your child’s future and bring hope back into your family’s life.