Jacksonville HIE Brain Damage Lawyer

Millions Recovered in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Cases

Medical providers have a responsibility to provide safe and competent care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. When they fail to meet this obligation, the results can be catastrophic and lead to conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). 

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we fight for victims of medical negligence, offering our support to evaluate their rights and options and take decisive steps toward securing the justice and compensation they deserve. If your child was diagnosed with HIE, our award-winning team can help. 

Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has secured record recoveries and millions of dollars in compensation in medical malpractice and birth injury claims across Florida and beyond. Learn how we can help you when you call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

What Is HIE?

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow to a baby’s brain during labor and delivery. It can result in serious, lifelong disabilities and requires immediate medical intervention. HIE often occurs when there are complications during childbirth that go unaddressed or are improperly handled by medical professionals.

Some common causes of oxygen deprivation leading to HIE include:

• Umbilical cord complications (e.g., umbilical cord prolapse or nuchal cord)
• Placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the womb too early)
• Prolonged or difficult labor
• Maternal infections left untreated during pregnancy or labor
• Fetal distress that goes unmonitored or untreated

While some instances of HIE are unavoidable, many cases result from preventable medical errors. Understanding the causes behind your child’s injury is the first step in determining whether you have grounds to pursue a legal claim.

How Medical Negligence Can Cause HIE

Medical negligence plays a significant role in many HIE cases. Medical professionals are required to monitor both the mother and baby closely during labor and delivery and act promptly if complications arise. When doctors, nurses, or hospital staff fail to uphold this standard of care, the consequences can be devastating.

Here are some examples of medical negligence that can lead to HIE:

• Failure to recognize fetal distress on electronic fetal monitoring and take appropriate action
• Delaying or failing to perform a C-section when the baby is in distress
• Mismanagement of labor-inducing drugs such as Pitocin, leading to excessive contractions that cut off the baby’s oxygen supply
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery, causing trauma or oxygen deprivation
• Failure to address umbilical cord issues such as cord prolapse or wrapping around the baby’s neck (nuchal cord)
• Inadequate response to maternal complications such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes

When medical professionals fail to act swiftly or competently during childbirth, the window for preventing irreversible harm to the baby can close quickly. If you suspect that negligence played a role in your child’s HIE diagnosis, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options.

Common Disabilities Caused by HIE

The long-term consequences of HIE depend on the severity of the brain injury, but many children diagnosed with HIE go on to face significant, lifelong challenges. Some common disabilities and conditions associated with HIE include:

• Cerebral palsy: A motor disability that affects movement, coordination, and posture.
• Developmental delays: Children with HIE may experience delays in reaching important developmental milestones such as walking, talking, and socializing.
• Cognitive impairments: HIE can result in learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities.
• Seizure disorders: Many children with HIE suffer from epilepsy or other seizure-related conditions.
• Vision or hearing impairments: HIE can affect sensory functions, leading to partial or total loss of vision or hearing.
• Behavioral and emotional issues: Some children with HIE struggle with attention deficits, emotional regulation, or behavioral problems as they grow.

These disabilities often require ongoing medical care, therapy, and special education, which can place immense financial and emotional strain on families. Seeking compensation through a birth injury claim can help alleviate some of these burdens and provide for your child’s future needs.

Can I File an HIE Lawsuit in Jacksonville?

If your child was diagnosed with HIE, and you suspect that medical negligence played a role in causing their brain injury, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. These cases can be complex and require careful analysis of medical records, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of medical standards of care.

You may have a valid HIE lawsuit if:

1. There was a failure to monitor your baby’s condition during labor or delivery.
2. Medical professionals did not respond appropriately to signs of fetal distress or complications.
3. A delayed or improper delivery method (e.g., failure to perform a timely C-section) caused prolonged oxygen deprivation.
4. Hospital staff failed to provide proper care for the baby immediately after birth (e.g., resuscitation errors).
5. There were preventable complications during labor, such as maternal infections or umbilical cord problems that went unaddressed.

If any of these circumstances apply to your case, it’s important to speak with an experienced birth injury lawyer who can evaluate your situation and advise you on the next steps.

Compensation in HIE Cases

Families dealing with HIE face significant financial and emotional challenges. A successful birth injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Ongoing medical care, surgeries, therapies, and medications.
• Future care costs: Expenses related to special education, rehabilitation, or in-home care for children with long-term disabilities.
• Lost wages: Compensation for parents who need to take time off work to care for their child.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and trauma experienced by the child and their family.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the child’s diminished quality of life due to their disabilities.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation possible to ensure that your family has the resources needed to provide the best care for your child.

Why Work With Experienced HIE Lawyers?

HIE cases are some of the most complex types of medical malpractice claims. These cases involve intricate medical details, expert witnesses, and a thorough investigation into hospital records and practices. Without the right legal team, it can be difficult to build a strong case.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we have a proven track record of handling complex birth injury and medical malpractice claims. Our firm has over 150 years of combined legal experience, and our partners, Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz, are both Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers. This certification reflects our expertise in trial litigation and our commitment to justice.

How We Help Families Throughout the Legal Process:

• We thoroughly investigate medical records and consult with leading medical experts to build a compelling case.
• We handle all communications with insurance companies, hospitals, and opposing counsel to protect your family’s interests.
• We work with financial experts to calculate the full extent of your child’s future care needs and fight for compensation that reflects those long-term costs.
• We provide compassionate, personalized legal representation, understanding that each family’s situation is unique.

Proven Results in Medical Malpractice Cases

Backed by a team of talented trial lawyers, Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has earned a reputation for taking on claims other firms and attorneys can’t. During our time in practice, we’ve excelled in litigating complex injury claims involving medical negligence and birth injuries and have secured record recoveries for our clients. Examples of our results:

• $178 million record-setting verdict in a Jacksonville medical malpractice case.
• $23 million medical malpractice recovery over hospital negligence.
• $11 million recovery in a birth injury case involving infant brain damage. 
• $8 million recovery against a hospital for a client injured due to malpractice.

See more of our results here.

Call for a FREE Consultation: (904) 295-1050

Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has been trusted by countless families to handle their birth injury and medical malpractice claims. We know how devastating it is to face an HIE diagnosis, and we are committed to helping you navigate the legal process with care, compassion, and expertise.

If you believe your child’s HIE was caused by medical negligence, contact us today for a FREE consultation. We are here to discuss your case and explore how we can help your family move forward.