Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorneys in Connecticut

Legal Help for Families After a Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Diagnosis in CT

When a baby is diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), parents are left trying to understand what happened and what their child’s future will look like. Some families may be told that nothing could have been done differently, yet the medical records may tell a more complicated story. You may be wondering if your child’s injuries were preventable, whether you can hold a doctor or hospital accountable, and how you will pay for the care your child may need for years to come.

At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we help families in this situation. We are a Connecticut personal injury law firm that has represented injured individuals and families for more than 70 years, and we bring that experience to complex birth injury matters. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay legal fees unless there is a recovery.

Request a free consultation to learn more about how our HIE lawyer in Connecticut can support you and your loved ones. Dial (860) 245-2412 to begin.

Understanding HIE & Possible Negligence

For many parents, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a new and alarming term. HIE describes a brain injury that occurs when a baby’s brain is deprived of enough oxygen and blood flow for a period of time. This can happen before birth, during labor and delivery, or shortly after birth, and it may lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, epilepsy, and more.

Not every case of HIE is caused by medical negligence. Some events occur despite careful care. However, there are situations where different decisions or faster action might have reduced or prevented the injury. 

Examples of medical negligence that can cause HIE include:

• Delayed response to fetal distress
• Inadequate monitoring during labor
• Failure to identify maternal risk factors
• Improper use of delivery tools

If you are considering whether to sue for HIE, it is important to know that you do not have to make that decision on your own. A careful review of prenatal records, labor and delivery notes, fetal heart monitor strips, and neonatal charts can help show whether the medical team acted reasonably or whether preventable mistakes contributed to your child’s injury. Speaking with an HIE attorney in Connecticut is a first step toward getting answers.

Your Next Steps After an HIE Diagnosis

After an HIE diagnosis, it can feel difficult to even think about legal issues when you are focused on your child’s medical care. At the same time, decisions made in the months following the injury can affect your ability to pursue a claim later. Our goal is to help you protect your child’s rights while you continue to care for your family.

Some practical steps that may help include:

• Request medical records: Request copies of your prenatal, labor and delivery, and neonatal records for your own files.
• Document your recollection: Write down what you remember about the pregnancy, labor, and delivery while the details are still fresh.
• Track your child's care: Keep a simple record of medical appointments, diagnoses, therapies, and changes in your child's condition.
• Save important documents: Keep discharge summaries, test results, and other written information provided by hospitals or specialists.

Meeting with a Connecticut HIE attorney does not obligate you to move forward with a case. During a free consultation, we can discuss what is known so far about your child’s condition, review any records you already have, and explain how the process works. If we believe further investigation is warranted, and if you choose to hire us, our HIE attorney in Connecticut handles the legal work so you can focus on your child.

Why Families Choose Our Legal Team

Choosing the right advocate is critical when a child’s future is at stake. Our firm has focused exclusively on representing plaintiffs since 1955, which means our loyalty is always with injured people and their families, not insurance companies or hospitals. Families come to us when they want a firm that will dig into the details and prepare thoroughly for every stage of an HIE case.

Choosing our team means you benefit from:

• Decades of proven results: Our firm has recovered more than half a billion dollars for clients over the years.
• Board Certified Trial Lawyers: Seven of our attorneys have earned this distinction, reflecting significant trial experience and legal knowledge.
• Recognized legal professionals: Our attorneys have been recognized by organizations such as Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell®, and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.
• Collaborative case preparation: We work together with experienced medical and technical professionals when appropriate to build strong cases.
• Convenient statewide representation: We can meet with families throughout Connecticut, making it easier to receive legal guidance while caring for a medically fragile child.

We understand that this is an emotional and uncertain time for your family. Our team is committed to providing compassionate guidance, answering your questions, and handling the legal process so you can focus on your child's care and future.

When you are ready to talk about a potential hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy claim in Connecticut, we can listen. Call (860) 245-2412 to speak with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby’s HIE was preventable?

The only way to know is through a careful review of the medical records and timeline. We obtain and analyze prenatal, labor, delivery, and neonatal records, then consult with independent medical professionals. Their opinions help show whether accepted standards of care were followed or whether preventable errors likely contributed.

Is it expensive to hire your firm for an HIE case?

We handle HIE and other birth injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay legal fees upfront, and our fee is collected only if there is a financial recovery. 

What will your attorneys actually do in my HIE case?

We work to understand what happened, whether the care met standards, and what your child will need in the future. This involves gathering records, consulting with medical professionals, calculating damages, and, when appropriate, filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial. Our goal is to handle the legal burdens for your family.