Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) occurs when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and blood, leading to potential brain damage. This condition affects approximately 1.5 infants out of every 1,000 births worldwide.

Families dealing with HIE face major financial burdens that extend far beyond the initial medical treatment, such as the need for medication, therapy, and assistive devices. These costs can leave families struggling to stay afloat and pay for their child’s daily needs.

If your child suffered HIE due to medical negligence, get help from our Michigan birth injury lawyers at Fieger Law. We can help your family secure the compensation needed to manage the financial impact and support your child’s well-being.

Defining HIE: Causes and Consequences

HIE is a birth injury that typically occurs around the time of birth due to factors such as umbilical cord complications, placental abruption, or maternal complications during delivery. When delivering doctors fail to recognize and promptly treat complications that may lead to HIE, they could be guilty of medical negligence.

The lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain can cause widespread neural damage, leading to a range of consequences from mild developmental delays to severe cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cognitive impairments.

For example, a child with moderate HIE might experience delays in reaching developmental milestones, require speech therapy, and need special education services. In severe cases, a child may be unable to walk, communicate verbally, or perform basic self-care tasks, necessitating lifelong, round-the-clock care.

If you suspect your child’s HIE was caused by medical negligence during birth, our birth injury attorneys at Fieger Law can help you investigate and pursue financial support.

The Financial Implications of Managing HIE

Families affected by HIE face the immediate financial burden of medical treatment and ongoing costs that extend far into the future. Here’s a breakdown of the primary areas of financial burden:

Area of Financial Burden Specific Costs
Medical Expenses ●       Hospitalization: Prolonged stays in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where specialized care is provided around the clock.

 

●       Diagnostic Tests: MRI scans, CT scans, and other imaging tests are crucial for assessing the extent of the brain damage.

 

●       Specialist Consultations: Regular visits to neurologists, pediatricians, and other specialists are necessary to monitor and manage the condition.

 

●       Medications: A range of medications may be needed to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

 
Rehabilitation Costs ●       Physical Therapy: Essential for improving mobility and managing muscle tone issues.

 

●       Occupational Therapy: Helps children develop the skills needed for daily activities.

 

●       Speech Therapy: Addresses communication challenges and feeding difficulties.

 

●       Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, braces, and communication aids are often required to improve mobility and interaction.
Ongoing Care Needs ●       Home Modifications: To accommodate mobility aids and ensure a safe environment.

 

●       In-Home Care: Professional caregivers may be needed to assist with daily tasks.

 

●       Long-Term Care Facilities: In severe cases, placement in specialized care facilities may be necessary.

 

At Fieger Law, we understand HIE’s enormous financial burden on families. Our compassionate and dedicated birth injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation to cover these costs and provide for your child throughout their lifetime.

Indirect Costs of HIE

Besides direct medical and care expenses, families may face significant indirect costs:

  • Loss of Productivity for Caregivers: Parents often need to reduce work hours or leave their jobs to care for their children. This can result in significant lost income over time.
  • Strain on Family Finances: The cumulative care costs can drain savings and lead to financial instability. Families may need to make difficult financial decisions to manage expenses.
  • Insurance Challenges: Many insurance policies have limitations or don’t cover all necessary treatments. Families often face out-of-pocket expenses for essential services.
  • Difficult Access to Financial Assistance Programs: Obtaining government assistance can be complicated. Programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid waivers often have strict eligibility requirements or long waiting lists in Michigan.

These indirect costs compound the financial stress on families, making it even more critical to seek comprehensive support. Fieger Law’s birth injury lawyers can help you counter these financial challenges and explore all available options for support.

Raising Awareness and Advocating for Support

The long-term financial challenges associated with HIE highlight the need for comprehensive support systems and resources for affected families. At Fieger Law, we advocate for policies prioritizing equitable access to healthcare and financial assistance, such as comprehensive insurance coverage and community support services.

To further assist families, we offer personalized legal support and guidance. Our firm has more than 100 years of experience handling medical malpractice claims in Michigan and throughout the U.S. We hold negligent medical providers accountable through civil claims that seek compensation for babies and families harmed by substandard care during birth.

If your family was victimized by medical negligence, we can help you prove it and secure the full compensation needed to pay for the damages suffered. We’ve won multiple birth injury cases, including one of the largest in U.S. history.

Seek Legal Help for HIE-Related Challenges

Caring for a child with HIE can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Understanding the long-term costs and advocating for better support are crucial steps in ensuring the best possible care for your child.

At Fieger Law, our qualified Michigan birth injury lawyers are dedicated to helping families affected by HIE secure the resources they need for their child’s future. We can inform you of your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review and let us stand by your side in this important journey.