Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation and limited blood flow to a baby’s brain before, during, or shortly after birth. This two-part injury begins when oxygen supply is reduced (hypoxia), which leads to decreased blood flow (ischemia). If not quickly addressed, the damage can continue even after oxygen is restored, leading to brain cell death and long-term neurological complications.

HIE is often linked to birth asphyxia and can cause lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or even death. While some cases are unpredictable, many result from preventable medical errors during labor and delivery.

Common preventable causes can include:

• Failure to recognize or respond to fetal distress
• Delayed decision to perform an emergency C-section
• Inadequate monitoring of fetal oxygen levels during labor
• Mismanagement of high-risk pregnancies or prolonged labor
• Failure to treat maternal infections or preeclampsia

If your doctor or medical team failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure contributed to your child’s HIE, you may have a birth injury claim. A Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy lawyer can investigate the circumstances, determine whether malpractice occurred, and fight for the compensation your family needs to move forward.