Perinatal Hypoxia (Oxygen Deprivation)

Put a Trusted Team of Charlotte Birth Injury Lawyers on Your Side

Perinatal hypoxia refers to lack of oxygen to an infant’s brain tissue either before, during, or after birth. Oxygen deprivation can have serious implications, including permanent brain damage, which may lead to serious complications such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or cerebral palsy. Sadly, in many cases, perinatal hypoxia is the result of a medical professional’s failure to recognize and/or respond to fetal distress, either while the infant was in utero or during the labor and delivery process.

If your child suffered brain damage or other complications due to perinatal hypoxia, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party to aide in the cost of your child’s required medical treatment, as well as other damages. At Charles G. Monnett III & Associates, our experienced Charlotte birth injury lawyers are prepared to help. We are recognized as leaders in the field of brain injury litigation, including brain injury cases involving infant oxygen deprivation. We understand what you and your family are going through, as well as the challenges that still lay ahead, and we are prepared to serve as your tireless advocate throughout each stage of the legal process.

Get started with a free, confidential consultation; call (704) 859-2003 or contact us online today.

What Causes Perinatal Hypoxia?

Perinatal hypoxia has been possible causes, including some that are entirely preventable.

Some common situations that may lead to infant oxygen deprivation include:

• Failure to monitor/address signs of fetal distress
• Head/brain trauma
• Prolonged labor
• Umbilical cord problems, such as umbilical prolapse
• Birth asphyxia
• Placental abruption

Additionally, certain outside factors, such as maternal anemia or maternal smoking, could lead to oxygen deprivation. During pregnancy, obstetricians should look for warning signs of perinatal hypoxia and promptly diagnose and/or treat any issues that could pose a risk to the unborn child.

What Are the Effects of Perinatal Hypoxia?

Put simply, any time the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain cells die. This, in turn, can lead to serious and irreversible brain damage.

Some of the possible effects of perinatal hypoxia include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Seizure disorders
• Developmental delays
• Cognitive disabilities
• Behavioral problems

In severe cases, the infant may even die as a result of perinatal hypoxia. Even in relatively mild instances, it is likely that the child will experience a number of difficulties, both now and in the future. While he or she can still live a full and meaningful life, these difficulties can inhibit their physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral functioning.

What to Do If You Believe Your Child Suffered a Birth Injury

The first thing to remember is that you are not alone. If you believe your child’s disability or condition was the result of perinatal hypoxia, or if your child suffered obvious brain damage after a difficult labor or delivery, it is important that you speak to an experienced birth injury lawyer in Charlotte who can help you understand your legal rights and options.

At Charles G. Monnett III & Associates, we have helped countless parents take action against negligent medical providers and succeed in recovering the compensation they needed to help their children get proper medical care after devastating birth injuries. While every case is unique and, therefore, requires a personalized approach, we are also able to draw on this well of experience in order to provide you and your family with the representation you desperately need.

Please call our office at (704) 859-2003 today to get started with a complimentary case evaluation or contact us online.