Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy claims

If HIE injuries were caused by medical negligence and your baby did not have enough oxygen at or around birth you may be entitled to compensation that can be used to pay for care, adapted accommodation, therapies, specialist equipment and education and lifelong needs.

What is HIE?

HIE stands for hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. An HIE event is when there is a lack of oxygen and / or blood flow to the brain. It can cause a brain injury.

Who is affected by HIE?

Most commonly babies who have suffered a lack of oxygen and / or blood flow to the brain. This can be either before, during, or shortly after birth.

HIE can also be referred to as “birth asphyxia”, “perinatal asphyxia” or “neonatal encephalopathy”. HIE can occur in older children or adults too.

An HIE event also has a big impact on parents, siblings, and the wider family. A brain injured baby may have additional needs and require specialist support, education and treatment for the rest of their lives.

How common is HIE?

Research data published in 2018 showed that HIE occurs in up to approximately 3-4 live births in the UK.

My baby has been diagnosed with HIE. What does that mean?

HIE is a brain injury but it can also affect other organs in the body. Tests will be done to diagnose HIE often at a very early stage. HIE uses a grading system of mild, moderate, or severe.

Outcomes can vary depending on the extent of the injury. Some babies with mild injuries may be unaffected. Some babies may sadly not survive. Others may have long term effects and develop disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

What causes an HIE event?

There are many different causes of HIE. Some examples include:

• A long labour
• Shoulder dystocia - a delay with birth because one of the baby’s shoulders becomes stuck
• Cord prolapse - If the umbilical cord slips down in front of the baby after waters have broken
• Breech presentation - when your baby is lying bottom-down in your womb
• Problems with the placenta e.g. if it is covering the neck of the womb (placenta praevia) or if it comes away from the wall of the womb too early (placenta abruption)
• Uterine rupture – when the scar of a previous caesarean section opens during labour

HIE may be caused by medical negligence. Our award winning team has been representing individuals and families in medical negligence claims for more than 35 years. 

Ready to talk?

If you want to consider bringing a claim, contact Leigh Day for a free consultation, Call us today on 020 7650 1200 or email to discuss your ‘no win no fee’ claim.

Why would I need to contact a solicitor after an HIE event?

After an HIE event, you may need legal advice. Some examples include:

• To investigate a medical negligence claim.
• For representation at an inquest.
• To apply to the Court of Protection to appoint a Financial Deputy, or appoint a professional trustee.
• For advice on your rights at work.

We know how hard it can be for HIE families, like you, to find the time and energy to find good legal support who can understand your unique circumstances and “get it”. We want to ensure that you and other HIE families can easily access the legal support you need, from the right specialist lawyers.

Ready to talk?

If you want to consider bringing a claim, contact Leigh Day for a free consultation, Call us today on 020 7650 1200 or email to discuss your ‘no win no fee’ claim.

There is going to be an inquest into my baby’s death. What does this mean?

We are so sorry for your loss.

In certain circumstances, a death cannot be registered until a Coroner has completed an investigation and reached a conclusion as to how the person died. The purpose of a coroner’s investigation is to allow them to answer the following questions:

• Who died?
• When did they die?
• Where did they die?
• How did they die?

It is likely that any hospital and health care professionals involved in the inquest will have legal representation. You can have legal representation at an inquest.

Please make an enquiry to find out more by calling us on 020 7650 1200 or by completing our short enquiry form.

Who else can I speak to for support?

Peeps is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting those affected by HIE. You can find out more on their website or contact them on info@peeps-hie.org or 0800 987 5422 / 07838 197 945.