Deprivation of oxygen to the brain (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy), due to disruption of blood flow, causes cells to die due to acidosis (increased acidity in the brain), resulting in irreversible damage to brain tissue. That results in birth brain injuries including developmental delays/mental retardation and cerebral palsy. Glenn L. Goodhart, M.D., J.D., Atlanta hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy medical malpractice attorney, knows that such catastrophic results are oftentimes avoidable.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Georgia Attorney
Negligence can occur at any stage of the labor and delivery process. Waiting too long to perform a Cesarean section, misuse of extractors or forceps birth injury, misreading the fetal heartbeat, or other failure of doctor and hospital staff to act in a timely manner can result in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Failure to conduct blood tests, including arterial blood gases and blood glucose levels can lead to hypoglycemia and pulmonary hypertension. Prompt treatment for the circulatory system may mean the difference between mild handicap and severe disability. Unheeded NST and BPP (biophysical profile) readings may also be the root cause of the medical malpractice of your infant. Mechanical failure of testing equipment or strip monitors may also be a factor in your case. Glenn L. Goodhart, M.D., J.D., hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy Atlanta products liability attorney and his team will investigate the details of your case, checking to see if medical staff acted in a timely manner, protecting the brain from injury through such means as hypothermia (whole body cooling) and other therapies.
Atlanta Medical Malpractice
Symptoms include coma, loss of brainstem reflexes (breathing, responding to light), or loss of deep tendon reflexes and/or seizures. Stroke, heart attack, or shock can occur. In extreme cases, brain death can occur. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may cause acquired microcephaly and spastic quadriparesis. Damage will be evident in speech and language, cognitive and motor skills, as well as paralysis.
Birth Injury Attorney Atlanta
Understanding the full impact of financial, emotional, and physical demands of caring for an infant suffering birth brain injuries can be overwhelming. Treatment of bedsores and exercises to prevent muscle wasting can strain a family’s time constraints and complex ethical choices can take its toll on emotions and mental wellbeing. Life-sustaining treatment such as feeding tubes, mechanical ventilation, or medication can be short- or long- term in the effort to control blood pressure and maintain heart function. You, your child, and your family deserve compensation for this unexpected, unforeseeable turn of events. Glenn Goodhart, M.D., J.D., Atlanta hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy medical malpractice attorney, will aggressively pursue fair and just compensation for the catastrophic injury caused by the negligence of another. Contact our Atlanta attorney today.
