When medical professionals fail to provide proper care during labor and delivery, the consequences can be life-altering. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)—a type of newborn brain damage caused by insufficient oxygen or blood flow—can lead to permanent disabilities, enormous medical expenses, and challenges that affect a family for a lifetime.
If your child was diagnosed with HIE, Raposo & Lukacs is here to stand with your family. Our Miami HIE attorneys parents uncover what went wrong, identify who is responsible, and pursue the financial compensation needed to support your child’s long-term care and wellbeing.
Connect with us at (305) 575-2177 today to schedule a free consultation.
What is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy is a serious birth injury caused by a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and reduced blood flow (ischemia) to a baby’s brain. When these conditions occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, brain cells can begin to die within minutes. Immediate intervention is critical—but medical mistakes often lead to delays or improper response.
HIE can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may result in temporary problems, while severe cases can cause lifelong cognitive, motor, and developmental disabilities. Many children diagnosed with HIE later develop conditions such as:
Early detection and treatment—such as therapeutic hypothermia—can reduce the severity of the injury, but it must be administered within hours after birth. When medical professionals fail to recognize signs of fetal distress or do not act quickly enough, the outcome can be devastating.
Common Causes of HIE
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy typically occurs when there is a disruption in oxygen or blood flow during pregnancy or childbirth. Many of these situations can be prevented with proper monitoring, timely intervention, and adherence to medical standards. Common causes include:
Delayed Emergency C-Section: When fetal distress is detected, medical teams must act quickly. A delay in ordering or performing a C-section can allow oxygen deprivation to continue for too long, resulting in brain damage.
Umbilical Cord Complications: Issues such as a prolapsed cord, nuchal cord (wrapped around the neck), or cord compression can restrict oxygen flow. Failure to address these emergencies promptly can lead to HIE.
Placental Problems: Placental abruption, placenta previa, and poor placental function can all reduce the oxygen supply to the baby. These conditions require careful monitoring and fast intervention.
Maternal Infections: Undiagnosed or untreated maternal infections—such as Group B Strep—can lead to fetal inflammation, high fevers, and decreased oxygen levels.
Improper Use of Labor-Inducing Drugs: Medications like Pitocin can cause contractions that are too strong or too frequent, overwhelming the baby and cutting off oxygen flow.
Failure to Monitor the Fetal Heart Rate: Electronic fetal monitoring is the most important tool for detecting fetal distress. Mistakes in interpretation—or failure to monitor continuously—can allow oxygen deprivation to go unnoticed.
Medical Negligence During Delivery: Miscommunication, understaffing, inexperience, or simple carelessness can all contribute to preventable delays that cause HIE.
If any of these factors played a role in your child’s HIE diagnosis, your family may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team investigates every detail to determine whether negligence occurred.
Long-Term Impact of HIE
HIE is more than a momentary medical emergency—it often affects a child for their entire life. The long-term impact depends on the severity of the oxygen deprivation and how quickly doctors responded. Some children suffer lifelong disabilities requiring extensive care.
Common long-term effects include:
Cerebral palsy affecting mobility and muscle control
Learning disabilities requiring special education services
Speech and language delays
Behavioral and emotional disorders
Seizure disorders or epilepsy
Feeding or gastrointestinal complications
Vision or hearing impairments
Mobility limitations requiring assistive devices
These conditions often require:
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Long-term medical treatment
Adaptive equipment
In-home care or specialized schooling
Surgeries or ongoing neurological care
The financial cost of caring for a child with HIE can exceed millions of dollars over a lifetime. A successful legal claim can help ensure your child receives the resources they need.
Speak With a Miami HIE Attorney Today
If your child was diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, you don’t have to face this alone. Raposo & Lukacs is ready to help your family uncover the truth and fight for the justice your child deserves.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Symptoms may include poor muscle tone, seizures, difficulty breathing, low Apgar scores, or the need for resuscitation. Imaging such as MRI can help confirm the injury.
Is HIE always caused by medical negligence?
Not always, but many cases are preventable. If doctors fail to monitor, diagnose, or intervene appropriately, negligence may be involved.
Can a child recover from HIE?
Mild cases may resolve with minimal long-term issues. Moderate to severe cases often lead to permanent disabilities.
How long do I have to file an HIE lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice is complex, especially in birth injury cases. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What compensation can families receive in an HIE case?
Compensation may cover medical expenses, long-term care, therapies, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
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Why Choose Raposo & Lukacs as Your Miami HIE Attorney?
Families facing an HIE diagnosis deserve answers, compassion, and powerful legal advocacy. That is exactly what we provide. When you trust Raposo & Lukacs, you get:
A firm experienced in complex birth injury litigation
Access to top medical experts and specialists
A thorough investigation into hospital and provider negligence
Personalized support for your family’s needs
No upfront costs—we only get paid if you win
Our goal is simple: help your child live the fullest life possible while holding negligent providers accountable.
