Hypoxic Injuries to a Baby in Oregon

hie baby can i sue for cerebral palsy Hypoxic Injuries to a Baby in Oregon

Families With Permanent Damages Due to Hypoxic Injuries to a Baby in Oregon Should Speak With Our Birth Injury Lawyer in Bend, OR

 

Anytime there are hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon, families should speak with an experienced birth injury lawyer in Bend, OR. That’s because hypoxic injuries are often life-changing and sometimes fatal. According to research statistics, hypoxic injuries occur in roughly 3 per every 1,000 live births in developed countries such as the United States. Out of babies with hypoxic injuries at birth, by the age of two, roughly 42% of all children in a different study had either died or been diagnosed with a severe disability. In children with such disabilities, government research statistics reveal that the most common disabilities include cognitive dysfunction/intellectual disability (formally known as “mental retardation”), epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Although there are many possible causes of hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon, unfortunately our birth injury lawyer in Bend, OR knows that many instances are due to medical malpractice.

At Kuhlman Law, we truly understand how difficult it is for victims and their families after a healthcare provider’s negligence has harmed them. That’s why we offer dedicated representation without charging any money upfront for a case evaluation. If you do hire our law firm, and if we accept your case, there are also no legal bills until we recover compensation for you and your family in a verdict, settlement, or another type of recovery such as in arbitration. To learn more about your rights to compensation after hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon have caused catastrophic damages or the wrongful death of a loved one, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Hypoxic Birth Injury?

A hypoxic birth injury occurs when an infant’s brain does not receive adequate oxygen during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or immediately after delivery. This oxygen deprivation can lead to serious brain damage and lifelong complications, and may be fatal in severe cases of extreme negligence by healthcare providers. The severity of the injury depends on several factors, including how long the oxygen deprivation lasts and how completely the oxygen supply is restricted, as well as the gestation age of the baby (neonate) and other pedigree factors of the mother and child (i.e., gestation diabetes, high blood pressure, medications, drug use, etc.).

During normal development and birth, an infant’s brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to function properly and continue growing. When this oxygen supply is disrupted, even briefly, brain cells begin to sustain damage and can start to die off, potentially causing permanent damage to vital structures. The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation because it has higher oxygen requirements than adult brains and fewer natural protective mechanisms, whereas a newborn baby’s brain is rapidly expanding and growing. Therefore, any gap in the oxygen supply can result in serious damage to the brain and cause no development to occur in those areas of lesions (or damage).

What is the Difference Between a Hypoxic Birth Injury and an Anoxic Birth Injury?

Though these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different levels of oxygen deprivation. Hypoxic injuries occur when there is a partial reduction in oxygen supply to the brain. In these cases, some oxygen still reaches the brain tissue, but not enough for normal function. Think of it as trying to breathe through a partially blocked straw – some air gets through, but not enough for comfortable breathing and it will eventually result in significant deprivation or death.

Anoxic injuries, on the other hand, occur when there is a complete lack of oxygen supply to the brain. This represents a more severe situation where no oxygen reaches the brain tissue at all. Using the same analogy, this would be like trying to breathe through a completely blocked straw or where the straw is cut in half. Because anoxic injuries involve a total absence of oxygen, they typically cause more severe and widespread brain damage than hypoxic injuries and do so in much shorter periods of time because there is simply nothing else to sustain the body’s systems.

Whether your loved one was diagnosed with a hypoxic birth injury or an anoxic birth injury, victims and their families should always consult with an experienced birth injury lawyer in Bend, OR for help with their potential case. Families may be entitled to compensation for their children that could last for their entire lives, including for therapies, in-home or at-facility nursing, equipment, schooling, and other damages such as for conscious pain and suffering.

Examples of Conditions Caused by Hypoxic Birth Injuries 

There are many examples of hypoxic birth injuries. Sometimes there are referred to as being caused by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE. This is when there is a decrease in the supply of oxygenated blood to the brain, which results in brain injuries or damage. There are many possible causes of HIE and other hypoxic injuries or anoxic injuries. In addition, there are also many different conditions that may be caused by HIE and hypoxic birth injuries or anoxic birth injuries.

Some of the most common hypoxic birth injuries that our birth injury lawyer in Bend, OR could handle when hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon cause damages include the following:

Cerebral Palsy

One of the most common consequences of hypoxic birth injury is cerebral palsy, also known as CP. This condition affects muscle control and coordination, making it difficult for children to move normally and maintain balance. The severity can range from mild movement difficulties to complete inability to walk or control bodily movements. Indeed, each person with cerebral palsy experiences the condition differently, as there are several distinct types that affect movement and muscle control in various ways.

The different types of CP caused by hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon include the following:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

This is the most common form, affecting about 80% of people with CP. It’s characterized by stiff, tight muscles that make movements appear rigid and jerky. Think of it like a door with overly tight hinges – it still moves, but with resistance.

Spastic CP has three main subtypes:

  • Spastic diplegia affects mainly the legs, while the arms are less impacted or unaffected
  • Spastic hemiplegia affects one side of the body, similar to stroke effects
  • Spastic quadriplegia affects all four limbs, the trunk, and face muscles
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

This type is marked by fluctuating muscle tone, resulting in uncontrolled, involuntary movements. Imagine trying to write while riding in a car on a bumpy road – that’s similar to how challenging controlled movement can be with dyskinetic CP. It typically affects the entire body and can include the following symptoms:

  • Slow, writhing movements (athetosis)
  • Quick, dance-like movements (chorea)
  • Sudden, jerky movements (dystonia)
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

The least common type, ataxic CP primarily affects balance, coordination, and depth perception. People with this type often have shaky movements and struggle with precise motions, like buttoning a shirt or writing. It’s similar to trying to walk on a rocking boat – maintaining balance requires extra concentration and effort.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Some individuals have symptoms of multiple types, most commonly a combination of spastic and dyskinetic CP. This happens because different areas of the brain may be affected, resulting in varied symptoms.

Cognitive Impairments

Oxygen deprivation during birth can lead to various levels of cognitive impairment. Some children might experience learning disabilities or developmental delays, while others might face more severe intellectual disabilities. These impairments can affect memory, problem-solving abilities, and overall intellectual development. They may not fit specifically within a condition like CP, and may be more related to affecting a children’s emotional state, IQ, memory, language, or a combination.

Vision and Hearing Problems

The parts of the brain responsible for processing sensory information are particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Children who experience hypoxic birth injuries might develop vision problems, including cortical visual impairment, or hearing difficulties that range from mild to severe. This is very common in children who have hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon.

Seizure Disorders 

When brain cells are damaged due to lack of oxygen such as hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon, they might develop abnormal electrical activity patterns. This can result in seizure disorders that manifest immediately after birth or develop as the child grows older. These seizures might require lifelong medication and monitoring. Any seizure disorder diagnosed by a healthcare provider should be evaluated by a birth injury lawyer in Bend, OR such as ours.

There are many different types of seizure disorders that a child may sustain as a result of a hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon, including the following:

Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE)

This condition typically begins between ages 4-10 and features brief staring spells lasting 10-15 seconds, during which the child becomes unresponsive. The child may experience multiple episodes per day, often mistaken for daydreaming. These seizures can disrupt learning but typically respond well to medication.

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) 

Usually appearing in late childhood or adolescence, JME causes sudden, brief muscle jerks, typically in the morning or when tired. Children may drop or throw objects they’re holding. Many also experience occasional generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE)

Also called Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes, this condition features seizures that often occur during sleep or upon waking. Children experience facial twitching, drooling, and speech difficulties during episodes. Many children outgrow this condition by adolescence.

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)

 This severe form of epilepsy usually begins between ages 3-5 and includes multiple seizure types: tonic (stiffening), atonic (drop attacks), and atypical absence seizures. Children often experience developmental delays and learning difficulties.

West Syndrome (Infantile Spasms)

Typically beginning in infancy, this disorder causes clusters of sudden, brief stiffening of the body, arms, and legs. Each spasm lasts only a few seconds but can occur hundreds of times per day. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for better outcomes. Hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon very commonly cause this type of seizure disorder.

Dravet Syndrome

This rare genetic disorder begins in the first year of life with prolonged seizures often triggered by fever. As the child ages, other seizure types develop, and they may experience developmental delays, movement issues, and speech problems.

Behavioral and Emotional Challenges

Some children who experience hypoxic birth injuries develop behavioral issues or emotional regulation difficulties. These might include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or problems with emotional control. These challenges often become more apparent as the child reaches school age.

Each of these conditions requires specialized medical care, therapy, and often long-term support services. The specific treatment needs depend on the severity of the oxygen deprivation and the particular areas of the brain that were affected. Early intervention and consistent therapeutic support can help maximize a child’s potential for development and improved quality of life.

Diagnosed With Any of These Conditions? Call Our Birth Injury Lawyer in Portland, OR 

If any of the conditions above may have been caused by hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon, such as to your baby or a relative’s baby, have them call Kuhlman Law. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you and your family recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages caused by a doctor’s medical malpractice to your baby. This includes your lost wages and damages too as the parents. We offer free consultations and case evaluations.

Common Causes of Hypoxic Injuries to a Baby in Oregon Due to Medical Malpractice

Birth-related hypoxic injuries occur when an infant’s brain does not receive adequate oxygen during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These injuries can result in severe, life-altering conditions such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and other medical injuries that we discussed above. Medical professionals have a duty to monitor for signs of fetal distress and take appropriate action to prevent oxygen deprivation, including by performing an emergency c-section or transferring a baby to a new facility that could handle the emergency or perform the c-section. When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, their negligence may constitute medical malpractice in Oregon that our birth injury lawyer in Bend, OR could handle for you and your family.

There are many possible causes of hypoxic and anoxic injuries that could result in serious personal injuries to a baby. Some of the most common ones include the following:

Maternal Health Conditions and Complications

Several maternal health conditions can increase the risk of fetal oxygen deprivation. Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, can restrict blood flow to the placenta, reducing oxygen delivery to the fetus. Healthcare providers must regularly monitor blood pressure and protein levels in maternal urine to detect preeclampsia early. Failure to diagnose and treat this condition appropriately may lead to severe complications.

Gestational diabetes presents another significant risk factor. This condition can cause the fetus to grow larger than normal (macrosomia), potentially leading to difficult deliveries and increased risk of oxygen deprivation during birth. Medical professionals should screen for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and carefully manage blood sugar levels throughout the pregnancy.

Placental Complications

The placenta serves as the primary source of oxygen and nutrients for the developing fetus. Several placental complications can disrupt oxygen flow, including the following:

Placental Abruption

This occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This medical emergency requires immediate intervention, as it can severely reduce or completely cut off oxygen supply to the fetus. Healthcare providers must recognize the signs of placental abruption, including vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness.

Placenta Previa

This is where the placenta covers the cervix, can cause dangerous bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Medical professionals should identify this condition through routine ultrasound screenings and develop appropriate delivery plans to prevent oxygen deprivation during birth.

Umbilical Cord Issues

The umbilical cord functions as the lifeline between mother and fetus, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the developing baby. Several cord-related complications can lead to hypoxic injuries include the following:

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

This occurs when the cord drops through the cervix before the baby, potentially becoming compressed during delivery. This emergency situation requires immediate cesarean section to prevent oxygen deprivation. Medical staff must recognize risk factors for cord prolapse and monitor for this complication during labor.

Cord Compression

Is a major cause of medical malpractice and hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon, and can occur when the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby’s neck (nuchal cord) or body, or when it becomes kinked or compressed between the baby and the birth canal. Healthcare providers should monitor fetal heart rate patterns that might indicate cord compression and take appropriate action, including emergency cesarean section if necessary.

Labor and Delivery Complications

The process of labor and delivery presents numerous opportunities for oxygen deprivation if not properly managed, including the following:

Prolonged Labor

This can subject the infant to extended periods of stress and pressure, potentially leading to oxygen deprivation. Medical professionals must recognize when labor has become prolonged and intervene appropriately, whether through assisted delivery methods or cesarean section.

Shoulder Dystocia

This occurs when the infant’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery. This emergency requires skilled management and specific maneuvers to prevent oxygen deprivation. Failure to properly address shoulder dystocia can result in brain damage from prolonged oxygen deprivation.

Monitoring and Response Failures

Perhaps the most preventable cause of hypoxic birth injuries involves failures in fetal monitoring and appropriate response to signs of distress, including Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM). This provides crucial information about the baby’s heart rate and oxygen status during labor. Healthcare providers must correctly interpret EFM patterns and respond appropriately to signs of fetal distress. Misreading or ignoring concerning patterns can lead to delayed intervention and preventable brain damage.

Medical staff should also monitor for meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which can indicate fetal distress and risk of meconium aspiration syndrome. Proper suctioning and management of meconium-stained fluid is essential to prevent respiratory complications and oxygen deprivation.

Medication-Related Issues

Certain medications used during pregnancy and labor can contribute to hypoxic injuries if not properly administered, including the following:

Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin)

This is used to induce or augment labor must be carefully monitored, as excessive use can cause uterine hyperstimulation, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the fetus. Healthcare providers must follow proper protocols for Pitocin administration and adjust dosing based on maternal and fetal response.

Anesthetic Medications

This including epidurals, can affect maternal blood pressure and potentially impact fetal oxygenation. Proper monitoring of maternal vital signs and appropriate management of blood pressure changes is essential.

Prevention and Standard of Care

Healthcare providers have numerous tools and protocols available to prevent hypoxic birth injuries. Initially, that includes regular prenatal care should include thorough screening for risk factors and complications that could lead to oxygen deprivation. This includes monitoring maternal health conditions, performing appropriate ultrasound examinations, and developing comprehensive delivery plans for high-risk pregnancies. During labor and delivery, medical staff must maintain continuous fetal monitoring, properly interpret results, and respond promptly to signs of distress. This includes having the capability and willingness to perform emergency cesarean sections when indicated.

Medical professionals should also maintain clear communication among team members and with the parents, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and appropriate interventions are implemented without delay. Indeed, healthcare providers must remain vigilant in monitoring for potential complications and take swift action when concerns arise. Through proper education, adherence to medical standards, and appropriate intervention, many hypoxic birth injuries can be prevented, ensuring better outcomes for mothers and their newborns.

When medical professionals fail to meet these standards of care, resulting in hypoxic birth injuries in Oregon, they may be held legally accountable through medical malpractice claims. Families affected by hypoxic birth injuries often face significant medical expenses, ongoing care requirements, and emotional trauma. Understanding the causes and preventable nature of these injuries is crucial for both healthcare providers and families seeking accountability through the legal system.

If Hypoxic Injuries to a Baby in Oregon Resulted in Damages to Your Family in Bend, OR or Portland, OR, Call Kuhlman Law

At Kuhlman Law, our experienced birth injury lawyer in Bend and Portland can handle causes for victims and their families. We know that hypoxic injuries to a baby in Oregon are serious and devastating. We can help victims and their families recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages due to the reckless, careless, and outright negligence conduct of medical professionals. If you or a loved one suffered any harm, especially if your baby was harmed by a defendant in Oregon, call our birth injury lawyer to schedule a free consultation.

Kuhlman Law Handles Cases Involving Hypoxic Injuries to a Baby in Oregon, Call Today

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.

We handle cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, and Hillsboro.

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.

Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.

For a free case evaluation

Call

(541) 385-1999 in Bend, Oregon
(503) 479-3646 in Portland, Oregon
(612) 444-3374 in Minnesota

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