Many Houston families have had children affected by cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is not always caused by medical negligence but occasionally it does happen. Cerebral palsy is a life-long condition that can require years of therapy and other medical interventions.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, also known as HIE, is when oxygen deprivation severely injures the brain in infants. Cerebral palsy can be caused by HIE. When a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time it can cause serious problems. Damaging levels of hypoxia can lead to cerebral palsy and other injuries. Causes of HIE include not enough blood flowing to the brain during birth, poor oxygen supply, placental abruption, labor stress, and medical negligence.
Negligent doctors can severely affect the birth of a baby. Parents who have been eagerly awaiting their new arrival can find their world turned upside down unexpectedly. Medical practitioners need to be capable of monitoring a woman’s labor and delivery to make sure everything is going as expected. Signs that there can be problems with the baby include the baby having seizures, irregular breathing, sluggish or absent reflexes and dilated pupils, among other indications.
When parents are affected by a birth injury such as cerebral palsy they can feel helpless and not know what to do. A lawyer practicing in the area of medical malpractice can help a family find answers as to the cause of the injury. The lawyer can review medical records, consult with medical experts and hold negligent doctors responsible. Compensation may be available for past and future medical expenses and other damages.
Source: emedicine.medscape.com, “Hypoxic-Ishemic Encephalopathy“, Santina A. Zanelli and Ted Rosencrantz, Jan. 16, 2015
