Little Rock Oxygen Deprivation Lawyers
Fighting for your family after a birth injury caused by lack of oxygen
Bringing a baby into the world is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. But for some families, what should be the happiest moment becomes a nightmare, because something went wrong during childbirth. One of the most devastating problems that can happen during labor and delivery is oxygen deprivation. At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we help parents across Arkansas when their child suffers a birth injury caused by a lack of oxygen. These cases are heartbreaking, but they are also preventable. If a doctor, nurse, or hospital made a mistake that caused your baby to be hurt, we’re here to help you fight for answers, accountability, and the support your family needs.
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- What is oxygen deprivation at birth?
- What are the causes of oxygen deprivation at childbirth?
- What are some signs that my baby suffered from oxygen deprivation?
- What is medical negligence?
- How does oxygen deprivation affect a child’s life?
- How can your Little Rock oxygen deprivation lawyers help with my case?
- Why choose Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC for my Little Rock oxygen deprivation claim?
- What is the value of my Little Rock oxygen deprivation case?
- How long do I have to file a Little Rock oxygen deprivation claim?
- Do you have a Little Rock oxygen deprivation lawyer near me?
What is oxygen deprivation at birth?
Oxygen deprivation, also called birth asphyxia, happens when a baby does not get enough oxygen before, during, or right after delivery. The medical term for oxygen-related brain injury is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is very serious. Even a short time without oxygen can cause permanent damage to a baby’s brain and body. In severe cases, it can lead to cerebral palsy, developmental delays, seizures, or even death.
What are the causes of oxygen deprivation at childbirth?
A variety of issues can lead to oxygen deprivation, and most of them are preventable if the medical staff does their jobs properly. Common causes of oxygen deprivation at birth include:
- Umbilical cord problems, like a prolapsed, nuchal, or compressed and knotted cord can block oxygen flow.
- Placental issues can also cause oxygen deprivation, like with placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus too early), placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix), or poor blood flow from the placenta to the baby.
- If staff ignore signs of fetal distress or there’s a delay in performing a C-section, the baby can suffer from oxygen loss.
- When labor is prolonged, the baby can become exhausted and lose oxygen during contractions.
- Doctors and nurses must monitor the baby’s heart rate throughout labor. An abnormal heart rate is often the first sign that the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen. Failure to respond quickly can result in serious injury.
What are some signs that my baby suffered from oxygen deprivation?
Sometimes, doctors don’t explain what really happened during childbirth. As a parent, you might just be told, “Your baby is having some issues,” or “There were complications.” If you notice any of the signs below, it could mean your child experienced oxygen deprivation.
- The baby wasn’t breathing or crying at birth
- The baby needed CPR or was put on a ventilator
- The baby had low Apgar scores
- The baby was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, seizures or epilepsy, developmental delays, HIE, feeding difficulties, or hearing and vision problems.
If any of this sounds familiar, your child’s injuries may have been caused by medical malpractice, and you may be able to take legal action against the responsible parties.
What is medical negligence?
Medical professionals, like doctors, nurses, and hospitals, are required to follow a standard of care. That means they must act with the skill and attention expected of someone in their position. When they don’t, and a baby is hurt as a result, that’s called medical negligence or malpractice. Examples of negligence in oxygen deprivation cases include:
- Not ordering an emergency C-section when needed
- Failing to recognize signs of fetal distress
- Misusing labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Not responding quickly to umbilical cord problems
At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we work with medical experts to investigate what really happened during delivery and find out if your child’s injury could have been prevented.
How does oxygen deprivation affect a child’s life?
The effects of birth asphyxia can range from mild to severe. In many cases, children will need long-term care, therapy, and medical attention. Some may never walk, talk, or live independently. Common long-term outcomes for children include:
- Cognitive impairments, including learning disabilities and memory issues
- Motor skill delays
- Speech and language difficulties
- Vision and hearing loss
- Behavioral challenges
- Physical disabilities requiring wheelchairs or assistive devices
These challenges don’t just affect the child. They also impact the parents, siblings, and the entire family. And, the emotional and financial burden can be overwhelming.
How can your Little Rock oxygen deprivation lawyers help with my case?
When a child is injured due to medical malpractice, the law allows you to seek compensation. This is not about suing for money. It’s about getting your child the resources they need to live their best life possible, and holding the people who caused the injury responsible. Here’s how we can help:
- We listen to your story in a free case review and explain your options.
- We can investigate, gather medical records, and work with experts to find out what really occurred.
- We’re ready to fight to recover money for medical care, therapy, assistive equipment, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
And, we take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win on your behalf.
Why choose Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC for my Little Rock oxygen deprivation claim?
Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC is a Little Rock-based law firm focused on helping families recover after birth injuries. We understand how deeply these tragedies can affect your life, and we bring our experience, compassion, and commitment to each and every case. Here’s what sets us apart from the rest:
- We understand birth injury law. It’s not just something we do. It’s what we focus on.
- You’re not just a case to us. We care about your family, and we’re by your side every step of the way.
- We have a proven track record of helping families across Arkansas secure justice and compensation.
- We work with top experts, building a strong case that can stand up in court.
What is the value of my Little Rock oxygen deprivation case?
When a child is injured by oxygen deprivation at birth, the financial costs can be staggering. A lawsuit can help recover money for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Wheelchairs, braces, or special equipment
- Home modifications (like wheelchair ramps)
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death (in cases where the baby passed away)
This support can be life-changing, helping your family afford the care your child needs for years to come.
How long do I have to file a Little Rock oxygen deprivation claim?
In Arkansas, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, if the case involves a minor child, you may have longer, but don’t wait. Medical records can be lost. Memories fade. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better chance we have of building a strong case.
Do you have a Little Rock oxygen deprivation lawyer near me?
Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC is located at 415 N McKinley Suite #250-J, Little Rock, AR 72205. Rest assured, however, that if you are critically injured and unable to come to us, we will travel to visit you in the hospital or rehabilitation center. We also offer virtual conferences and telephone consultations.
Take the first step and call our Little Rock oxygen deprivation attorneys today
Every family’s story is different. But if you suspect something went wrong during your child’s birth, you deserve answers. And you deserve a legal team that will fight for you. If your baby was hurt during childbirth and you believe lack of oxygen may be the cause, don’t wait. At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we’re here to listen. We can answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you make the best decision for your family. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form.
