Cranston HIE Attorney

Ready to Fight for Your Family

When a newborn suffers from a lack of oxygen at or around the time of birth, the consequences can be life-altering. Families facing a diagnosis of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) often experience a whirlwind of fear, grief, and uncertainty about the future. Our Cranston HIE lawyers at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. are here to provide both compassionate guidance and aggressive legal representation. If medical negligence caused your child’s injury, you deserve answers — and justice.

Call (401) 200-4059 or contact us online today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Cranston HIE lawyer.

What is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy is a type of birth injury that occurs when a baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen (hypoxia) or blood flow (ischemia) before, during, or shortly after delivery. Even a brief period of oxygen deprivation can cause serious and permanent brain damage.

HIE is considered a medical emergency. The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the greater the risk of severe developmental delays, motor impairments, or even death. While some cases are unavoidable, many occur because of preventable medical mistakes — errors that could have been avoided with timely diagnosis, careful monitoring, and appropriate medical intervention.

Common Causes of HIE

HIE can develop from a variety of complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Unfortunately, some cases result directly from medical negligence. Common causes include:

• Prolonged labor – Delays can place extreme stress on the baby, leading to oxygen deprivation.
• Umbilical cord complications – A prolapsed or compressed cord can restrict blood flow to the brain.
• Placental abruption – When the placenta detaches prematurely, the baby may lose its oxygen supply.
• Uterine rupture – A rare but life-threatening event that can deprive the baby of oxygen within minutes.
• Failure to monitor fetal distress – Electronic fetal monitoring often shows warning signs of oxygen loss; ignoring or misinterpreting them can be catastrophic.
• Delayed or failed C-section – When signs of distress are present, immediate surgical delivery may be necessary to prevent injury.

Our Cranston HIE attorneys have the resources and medical expertise to investigate what happened in the delivery room and determine whether a healthcare provider’s negligence played a role in your child’s injury.

The Devastating Impact of HIE

The effects of HIE depend largely on how long the brain was deprived of oxygen and the extent of the damage. For some children, HIE results in mild developmental delays. For others, it causes severe and lifelong disabilities. Possible outcomes include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Seizure disorders
• Cognitive impairments
• Motor skill delays
• Speech and language difficulties
• Vision and hearing problems

Beyond the medical consequences, families face overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. Specialized medical care, therapy, assistive devices, and ongoing support can cost millions over a child’s lifetime. A successful HIE claim can help secure the resources needed to provide the best possible quality of life.

Treatment for HIE

Immediate and effective medical care can make a critical difference in a child’s prognosis. Common treatments for newborns diagnosed with HIE include:

• Therapeutic hypothermia (cooling therapy) – Lowering the baby’s body temperature shortly after birth can slow brain injury and improve outcomes.
• Anti-seizure medications – Used to control seizure activity often associated with HIE.
• Respiratory support – Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
• Occupational, speech, and physical therapy – Long-term rehabilitation to help the child reach developmental milestones.

While medical treatment can help manage symptoms and improve function, HIE-related brain damage is often permanent. This is why pursuing legal action is so important — it ensures families have the means to provide lifelong care.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy FAQs

How do I know if my child’s HIE was caused by medical malpractice?

If warning signs were ignored, if there were delays in delivering your baby, or if complications were not promptly addressed, malpractice may have occurred. Our team works with medical experts to analyze records and determine if negligence was a factor.

Is there a time limit for filing an HIE lawsuit in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island law has strict statutes of limitations for medical malpractice cases. In most cases involving minors, the deadline is extended, but you should act quickly to preserve evidence and witness testimony.

What compensation can we recover in an HIE case?

You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses (past and future), rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, pain and suffering, and loss of future earning capacity for your child.

Do I need to pay upfront for legal representation?

No. Our team handles HIE cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

How long does an HIE lawsuit take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the defendant to settle, and court scheduling. Some cases resolve in months, while others take years.

Why Choose Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. as Your Cranston HIE Attorney?

HIE cases are among the most complex medical malpractice claims, requiring both deep medical knowledge and aggressive legal strategy. At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we:

• Work with top medical experts nationwide.
• Conduct thorough investigations into hospital protocols and staff actions.
• Fight for maximum compensation to ensure your child’s lifelong needs are met.
• Provide compassionate, personalized support every step of the way.

Your family’s future matters — and you deserve an advocate who will stand up to hospitals, insurance companies, and defense attorneys to demand justice.

Reach out today at (401) 200-4059 for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.