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Top Signs You Need an HIE Lawyer for Your Child’s Birth Injury
The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but for some families, the celebration is cut short by the reality of a birth injury caused by medical negligence. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain damage that occurs when a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen and blood flow, is one of the most serious birth injuries a child can suffer.
If you suspect that your child’s HIE was caused by medical malpractice during labor and delivery, seeking the guidance of an experienced HIE lawyer may be one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s future and hold negligent medical professionals accountable.
7 Signs You Need to Hire an HIE Lawyer ASAP
1. Your Child Has Been Diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
If your child has been diagnosed with HIE, you need to know the cause and whether medical negligence played a role. HIE occurs when a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen and blood flow, often due to complications during labor and delivery.
While not all cases of HIE are caused by medical malpractice, many are the result of preventable errors or delays in treatment. An experienced HIE lawyer can help you investigate the cause of your child’s condition and determine if you have a valid legal claim.
2. You Suspect Medical Malpractice During Labor and Delivery
If you have a gut feeling that something went wrong during your child’s birth, don’t ignore it. Trust your instincts and seek legal advice from an HIE lawyer who can review your case and help you understand your options.
Some common examples of medical negligence that can lead to HIE include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delay in performing a necessary C-section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections
At Onward Injury Law, we have extensive experience handling HIE cases and can help you determine if medical malpractice was a factor in your child’s birth injury.
3. Your Child is Experiencing Severe Symptoms Related to HIE
HIE can cause a wide range of severe and long-lasting symptoms, including:
- Cognitive and developmental delays
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Cerebral palsy and motor impairments
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek legal guidance from an HIE lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation to cover the cost of your child’s ongoing medical care and support.
4. You’re Struggling to Get Clear Answers from Medical Professionals
If you’ve been trying to get answers from your healthcare providers about what went wrong during your child’s birth, but you’re getting the runaround or inadequate explanations, it may be time to involve an HIE lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you obtain your child’s medical records, consult with medical experts, and get to the bottom of what happened. Don’t let your questions go unanswered – take action to hold negligent parties accountable.
5. You’re Facing Significant Financial Burdens Related to Your Child’s Care
Caring for a child with HIE can be incredibly expensive, with costs that can stretch into the millions of dollars over a lifetime. If your child’s condition was caused by medical negligence, you shouldn’t have to bear these financial burdens alone.
An HIE lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need to ensure your child’s long-term needs are met, including:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages if you need to leave your job to care for your child
- Pain and suffering damages
At Onward Injury Law, we understand the financial toll that HIE can take on families, and we’re here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
6. You’ve Noticed Inconsistencies or Red Flags in Your Child’s Medical Records
If you’ve been reviewing your child’s medical records and you’ve noticed inconsistencies, missing information, or other red flags, it’s crucial to bring these concerns to an HIE lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you decipher medical jargon, identify potential signs of negligence, and use this information to build a strong case on your behalf.
7. You’re Feeling Overwhelmed and Unsure of How to Advocate for Your Child
Dealing with a birth injury diagnosis and trying to get answers from medical professionals can be a lot to handle on top of caring for your child. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. That’s where an HIE lawyer can help. At Onward Injury Law, we’re here to be your advocate and guide you through the legal process with compassion. You don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone.
How Our Birth Injury Lawyers Help You
An experienced HIE lawyer can play a critical role in helping you seek justice and compensation for your child’s birth injury.
Some of the key things an HIE lawyer can do include:
Investigating the Cause of Your Child’s Birth Injury
An HIE lawyer will thoroughly review your child’s medical records, consult with medical experts, and gather evidence to determine if medical negligence was a factor in your child’s condition. This investigation is crucial for building a strong case and holding negligent parties accountable.
Navigating the Legal Process on Your Behalf
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a complex and time-consuming process. An HIE lawyer can handle all the legal details on your behalf, from drafting and filing court documents to negotiating with insurance companies and healthcare providers. This allows you to focus on caring for your child while your lawyer fights for your rights.
Fighting for the Compensation Your Child Deserves
An HIE lawyer will work tirelessly to help you seek the maximum compensation possible for your child’s birth injury, including economic damages for medical expenses and future care costs, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. At Onward Injury Law, we have a track record of success in securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Providing Support and Guidance Throughout the Legal Journey
Pursuing an HIE lawsuit can be an emotional and stressful experience. An HIE lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need throughout the process, from answering your questions and providing regular updates on your case to connecting you with resources and support services for families affected by HIE.
Why It’s So Importance to Act Quickly
If you suspect that your child’s HIE was caused by medical negligence, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury or the date when the injury was discovered. However, for birth injuries like HIE, the statute of limitations may be extended until the child’s eighth birthday.
While this may seem like a long time, it’s important to remember that the sooner you consult with an HIE lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. Over time, evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories can fade, and medical records can be destroyed. By acting quickly and consulting with an HIE lawyer as soon as possible, you can ensure that your child’s rights are protected, and you have the best possible chance of seeking the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Seek Justice for Your Child’s HIE Birth Injury
If your child has been diagnosed with HIE and you suspect that medical negligence may have been a factor, seek the guidance of an experienced HIE lawyer as soon as possible.
At Onward Injury Law, we understand the devastation that HIE can cause, and we’re here to be your advocate and guide throughout the legal process.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
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