San Francisco Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Attorney

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits for Preventable Brain Damage During Birth

Many risks of childbirth can be effectively managed when health care providers act with reasonable care and conform to accepted medical standards.

When medical professionals fail to act within the accepted standard of care during pregnancy and childbirth, however, they greatly increase the chance for life-altering birth injuries like HIE.

If your child suffered hypoxic brain injury or another form of infant brain damage because of substandard medical care, our San Francisco hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP can determine if you have grounds for legal action and explain what we can do to help.

Bostwick & Peterson, LLP: Proven Birth Injury Results

Bostwick & Peterson has earned national recognition representing victims of preventable birth injuries, including infant brain damage resulting in permanent disabilities and deficits. As leaders in birth injury litigation, we are trusted by clients and colleagues across the country, and have built a proven record of success:

• Over $1 billion in compensation recovered for clients.
• Record birth injury recoveries in California, Hawaii, Washington & Colorado.
• Ranked by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®“Best Law Firms” as a Tier 1 Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury law firm.
• Led by two of the nation’s most accomplished trial attorneys.

Call (888) 831-8448 to discuss your case during a FREE consultation.

HIE Birth Injury

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an acquired brain injury – meaning it is not hereditary or congenital – that occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygenated blood.

• Hypoxia is a condition involving inadequate oxygen supply.
• Ischemia is inadequate blood supply.
• Encephalopathy means affecting the brain.

Neonatal HIE is a medical emergency when it occurs during childbirth, as it can deprive a baby’s brain of oxygen and result in severe brain damage or death. HIE occurs in approximately two to three of every 1,000 births. Roughly 75% - 80% of babies survive HIE, 50% - 70% experience seizures, and 30% to 40% suffer developmental disabilities. It requires immediate medical intervention.

Common Causes of HIE

HIE can lead to long-term neurological impairments, developmental delays, or even death in severe cases. The common causes of HIE during pregnancy, labor, and delivery include:

• Placental Issues: Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches early from the uterine wall, can cut off the baby’s oxygen supply, leading to HIE. Placental insufficiency, when the placenta fails to deliver enough nutrients and oxygen, can also result in chronic oxygen deprivation.
• Umbilical Cord Problems: Conditions like cord prolapse, where the cord slips into the birth canal, or nuchal cord, where the cord wraps around the baby’s neck, can restrict oxygen flow. Cord compression during labor can further reduce oxygen and blood delivery to the baby.
• Uterine Rupture: A rupture in the uterine wall can cause severe blood loss and oxygen deprivation for both the mother and baby, increasing the risk of HIE. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
• Prolonged Labor (Dystocia): Difficult or extended labor can stress the baby and result in reduced oxygen levels, which can lead to HIE. Quick action is crucial to prevent brain injury in these cases.
• Severe Fetal Anemia: Conditions like Rh incompatibility may lead to severe fetal anemia, reducing the blood's capacity to carry oxygen. Without enough oxygen, the fetus is at higher risk of HIE.
• Maternal Hypotension: A significant drop in the mother’s blood pressure during labor can result in insufficient blood flow to the baby, depriving it of oxygen and potentially causing HIE.
• Infection: Maternal infections like chorioamnionitis can trigger inflammation, disrupting the oxygen and blood supply to the baby, which increases the risk of HIE.
• Tight or Excessive Use of Forceps or Vacuum: Improper use of delivery tools, like forceps or vacuum extractors, can cause head trauma or reduce blood flow to the baby’s brain, leading to HIE.
• Delayed C-Section: In cases of fetal distress, delaying a necessary C-section can prolong oxygen deprivation, increasing the risk of HIE. Timely intervention is essential to prevent injury.
• Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia: High blood pressure from conditions like pre-eclampsia or eclampsia can limit the blood flow to the placenta, reducing oxygen delivery to the baby and increasing the chances of HIE.