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Pearl City Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Attorneys
Compassionate Legal Support for Families Facing Birth Injuries in Pearl City
The birth of a child is a moment filled with excitement, love, and hope. However, complications during labor and delivery can result in devastating outcomes, such as Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). This serious condition, caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to a baby’s brain, can lead to lifelong challenges or even loss of life. For families navigating the aftermath of an HIE diagnosis, understanding your options and securing expert legal representation can make a significant difference.
At Davis Levin Livingston, we are committed to helping families seek justice and compensation for birth injuries caused by medical negligence. With over 40 years of experience, our Pearl City HIE attorneys have the knowledge and resources to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the financial support your family needs.
If your child has been diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, call us at (808) 740-0633 for a free, confidential consultation.
What Is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), also known as perinatal asphyxia, is a type of brain injury caused by insufficient oxygen and blood flow to a newborn’s brain during childbirth. Globally, HIE is a leading cause of neonatal death, responsible for nearly 25% of all newborn fatalities.
Babies who survive HIE face a range of potential outcomes. While mild cases may result in little to no lasting damage, moderate to severe cases often lead to permanent disabilities, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental delays. Early detection and proper medical care are critical for managing symptoms and improving long-term outcomes.
Causes of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
HIE occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen and blood, but the root causes are often linked to medical negligence or errors during labor and delivery. Potential causes of HIE include:
- Delayed C-Section: Failure to quickly resolve complications that require surgery.
- Prolonged Labor: Extended time in the birth canal increases the risk of oxygen deprivation.
- Improper Management of Shoulder Dystocia: Mishandling this condition can lead to restricted blood and oxygen flow.
- Failure to Address Fetal Distress: Ignoring or delaying intervention when signs of distress are present.
- Untreated Maternal Conditions: Conditions like preeclampsia, maternal diabetes, or infections that go untreated can contribute to HIE.
When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, their negligence may put a newborn’s life and health at risk.
Symptoms of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
HIE symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Parents may notice the following signs in their newborn:
- Low Heart Rate: A slow or irregular heartbeat.
- Poor Muscle Tone: Limpness or difficulty moving.
- Weak or Irregular Breathing: Often requiring respiratory support.
- Bluish or Pale Skin: A sign of inadequate oxygenation.
- Feeding Difficulties: Difficulty grasping or sucking.
HIE symptoms may overlap with other neonatal conditions, such as infections or metabolic disorders. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to rule out other causes and provide effective treatment.
Severity of Symptoms
- Mild HIE: Temporary symptoms like irritability or fatigue that typically resolve within 24 hours.
- Moderate HIE: More pronounced symptoms, including weak reflexes, lethargy, or seizures. Recovery may take weeks, but some long-term effects are possible.
- Severe HIE: Includes ongoing seizures, coma, and significant risk of permanent brain damage or death.
Diagnosing and Treating HIE
To diagnose HIE, medical professionals use a combination of imaging tests (e.g., MRIs or cranial ultrasounds), bloodwork, and physical assessments. An Apgar score of 0 to 3 beyond five minutes after birth is also an indicator.
Once diagnosed, immediate treatment focuses on stabilizing the infant and minimizing further brain damage. This may include:
- Therapeutic Hypothermia: Cooling the baby’s body to slow damage and improve outcomes.
- Seizure Management: Medications to control frequent seizures.
- Supportive Care: Maintaining proper ventilation, monitoring blood pressure, and stabilizing glucose levels.
Long-term care often requires a combination of occupational, physical, and speech therapies to optimize development and quality of life for children with HIE.
Why Seek Legal Representation for HIE?
The financial and emotional toll of HIE can be overwhelming for families. With potentially lifelong medical costs, including therapies, equipment, and special education, pursuing legal action can provide the resources needed to give your child the best care possible.
At Davis Levin Livingston, our HIE attorneys have extensive experience handling birth injury cases in Pearl City. We work diligently to investigate the circumstances of your child’s birth, consulting with medical experts to uncover instances of negligence. Through compassionate and personalized legal guidance, we help families secure the compensation they deserve for:
- Current and future medical expenses.
- Loss of income for parents who must provide full-time care.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Why Families in Pearl City Trust Davis Levin Livingston
For over 40 years, Davis Levin Livingston has been a trusted advocate for families across Hawaii. We are deeply committed to holding negligent medical providers accountable and fighting for justice in even the most complex birth injury cases.
Why Choose Us?
- Proven Track Record: Hundreds of millions recovered for clients.
- Experienced Team: Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to substantiate claims.
- Compassionate Support: We provide a safe space for families to share their stories and feel heard.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Pearl City HIE Attorneys Today
If your child suffered from Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, it’s essential to understand your legal options. At Davis Levin Livingston, our dedicated Pearl City attorneys are here to help you pursue justice and secure the financial support your family deserves. Your child’s future deserves to be protected.
Call (808) 740-0633 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Four Decades of Record Breaking Victories
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$104,000,000 Child Sex Abuse
We're proud to have secured a landmark $104 million settlement for victims of abuse against Kamehameha School. This ground-breaking case marks a significant victory for the victims, with the school agreeing to settle.
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$29,400,000 Medical Malpractice
Physicians at Tripler Army Medical Center failed to order a crucial test that would have detected a twisted gut in a 1-month-old baby, resulting in the loss of 95% of the baby's small intestine and leading to lifelong disability.
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$15,400,000 Wrongful Death
The state has agreed to a $15.4 million settlement in a civil lawsuit filed by the families of two hikers who fell to their deaths on a Kauai hiking trail in 2006.
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$15,000,000 Vacuum/Forceps Injury
The hospital improperly attempted to deliver a post-date baby using a traumatic second-stage vacuum extraction. This extraction and the delay in delivery resulted in permanent brain damage to the baby.
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$9,975,000 Brain Injury
The hospital's failure to monitor an infant's rising bilirubin levels led to bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, resulting in severe and permanent brain damage. A settlement of $9,975,000 was obtained.
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$9,500,000 Medical Malpractice
Surgeons at Tripler Army Medical Center reattached the small intestine backward during gastric bypass surgery, leading to complications that ultimately resulted in the death of a 31-year-old Army wife and mother of three.
Why Davis Levin Livingston?
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Available by phone 24/7 & ready to help.
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Secured tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
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Highest malpractice judgment in U.S. history against a military hospital.
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Includes an experienced medical team including a nursing staff to answer your questions.
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Mark Davis and Mike Livingston have been recognized as some of the best lawyers in Hawaii.
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Resources available to advance your expenses; no cost or fees unless Davis Levin Livingston wins your case.
Dedicated Legal Counsel You Can Count On
Helping Families throughout hawaii for over 40 years
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"Professional, KIND, and understanding"
They are most professional, KIND, and understanding. Thank you Matt Winter for all your help.- Clare T. -
"We wouldn't have chosen any other team!"
Mathew Winter and the whole staff of Davis Levin Livingston guided us every step of the way and made sure we understood everything that was going on. They were always so welcoming and compassionate. Communication was never a problem and emails were answered super fast, especially when we had so many questions. They- Maariel -
"The absolute best firm in Hawaii. Compassion and professionalism at its best!"
Truly a wonderful experience with everyone at the firm. I can't thank you enough for helping provide closure for my family and me during this process. The absolute best firm in Hawaii. Compassion and professionalism at its best!- Daniel -
"After doing extensive research I knew that Davis Levin Livingston was the firm for me due to the success they have had in cases like mine."
After doing extensive research I knew that Davis Levin Livingston was the firm for me due to the success they have had in cases like mine. What surprised me was their personal touch. In the 3- Anthony
