Families filing an HIE birth injury lawsuit in New Mexico often have questions about the cause of their child’s condition and if it could have been prevented. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain damage that can occur when an infant’s brain is deprived of oxygen or blood before, during, or just after birth.
Medical care provided before, during, or after birth may raise questions for parents seeking to understand how the injury occurred. By understanding how HIE occurs and how birth injury claims are assessed, families can be better equipped to decide what to do next.
Frequency of HIE Occurrences
Birth-related medical care can affect thousands of New Mexico families each year. According to March of Dimes data, there were 21,328 live births in New Mexico in 2024. While not common, HIE is among the most serious birth-related brain injuries. One population-based study estimated the incidence of perinatal HIE to be about 1.7 per 1,000 live births.
While many births do not involve HIE, the condition can cause long-term medical needs and neurological impairments. The child’s outcome can vary depending on the degree of oxygen deprivation and treatment after birth.
New Mexico Newborns Receive Specialized Care for Serious Birth Injuries
Newborns with serious medical conditions may need to be transferred to a facility capable of providing advanced neonatal care. For example, in the Albuquerque area, UNM Hospital operates a neonatal intensive care unit that provides specialized care for critically ill newborns.
The treatment a child receives can depend on the underlying medical condition, but may include neurological monitoring, therapeutic hypothermia, respiratory support, and other interventions designed to address complications occurring shortly after birth.
New Mexico Laws Affecting an HIE Birth Injury Lawsuit
Several New Mexico laws may impact an HIE birth injury claim. Depending on the circumstances, the action may be subject to certain provisions under the New Mexico Medical Malpractice Act. For instance, NMSA 1978, § 41-5-14 created the New Mexico Medical Review Commission.
The Commission reviews certain malpractice claims against qualified healthcare providers before a lawsuit may proceed in court. Other laws may govern the procedures available, filing deadlines, and other aspects of medical malpractice litigation. Birth injury claims can involve a variety of factual and legal issues, so it can be important to understand the legal process when considering a possible lawsuit.
Hire a Birth Injury Lawyer
Since 1966, Branch Law Firm has been serving individuals and families who have suffered significant injuries. We take on complicated medical malpractice and birth injury cases that include voluminous medical records and consultation with medical professionals. With thorough preparation and investigation, we aim to assist families in understanding their legal rights after a preventable medical error.
New Mexico HIE Birth Injury Lawyer
An HIE diagnosis often leaves families with a host of hard questions about the child’s future and the medical care provided before or during birth. Learning about the causes of HIE, the medical evidence involved, and the legal process can help families make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Branch Law Firm aids families in the investigation of birth injury claims and review of the injury’s circumstances to help them better understand their legal options. Schedule a consultation today to hire a birth injury lawyer.
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