When a Kentucky Birth Injury Results in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

The birth process is still risky, even if the pregnancy was without complications. A newborn can sustain a birth injury through negligence on behalf of the delivering physician or the medical team. One such birth injury is known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

What is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy?
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, which generally can be prevented, results when there is damage to the newborn's cells in the central nervous system. It often occurs when there is an inefficient supply of oxygen during labor and delivery.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy develops when events during the delivery process deprive the newborn of an adequate supply of oxygen. Some of the most common causes include the following:

 

• There is a prolonged labor and delivery period
• The umbilical cord becomes prolapsed
• The newborn becomes lodged and remains too long in the birth canal
• A Cesarean section is not performed in time
• The doctor misinterprets the fetal heartbeat

 

Common results of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
If your child has suffered from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, there is a risk of:

 

• Developmental delay
• Cerebral palsy
• Mental retardation

 

Negligence
Many of these events are a result of negligence by the delivering doctor and/or his medical team. You might be able to seek damages and hold the negligent party liable, but the first step is to talk with a lawyer.

If your child has suffered from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, you should call an experienced Kentucky birth injury attorney at Gray and White Law at (502) 210-8942 or (800) 634-8767. You may be able to recover compensation.