Cystic encephalomalacia is the softening of brain tissue, due to inflammation or hemorrhage in the brain. It is usually accompanies hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, which is a brain injury suffered by babies caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. When a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen, brain tissue begins to die. The dead brain tissue is then reabsorbed by the body, leaving in a hole or soft spot in the brain. These holes are referred to as cysts. Cysts, holes, and other types of brain damage resulting from a lack of oxygen can leave a baby with permanent injuries. Brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen is often preventable. With careful monitoring of the baby and mother, with an understanding of risks presented by the mother’s medical history, doctors can plan for possible complications that can lead to the baby suffering a serious birth injury. If your baby suffered brain damage associated with lack of oxygen, contact a New York cystic encephalomalacia lawyer who will review the facts of your case and explain your legal options for compensation.
Common causes of encephalomalaciaEncephalomalacia in babies can occur due to lack of oxygen. When the brain does not receive the necessary levels of oxygen, brain cells begin to die. The result is brain damage.
Pursuing damagesWhen a baby suffers damage to the brain, the effect on the baby’s health and quality of life can be significant. Brain damaged babies often end up with cerebral palsy which is a muscular disorder that can leave the child with lack of muscular control, feeding problems, and the inability to walk. Another complication related to brain damage is epilepsy. Brain damaged babies often lose the ability to see or hear. They also have cognitive problems and intellectual disabilities. Treatment for these types of complications includes frequent visits to the doctor, surgery, and various types of therapy. The costs are astronomical, and parents often have a hard time paying for the child’s needs.
As an experienced cystic encephalomalacia attorney in New York will explain, if your child’s cystic encephalomalacia was caused because of medical negligence, then you can demand that the negligent doctor or hospital pay for your child’s lifelong medical care. Negligence may be based on your doctor failing to properly monitor the fetus or the mother during labor and delivery. If there is a change in the baby’s heart beat, for example, it is up to the doctor to respond to the distress. Oftentimes the doctor has a small window of time to respond to the cause of the baby’s distress before the baby suffers a permanent injury such as brain damage. Similarly, the doctor must understand the mother’s medical history in order to prepare for possible complications that may put the baby at risk.
It is not unusual for a doctor or hospital to be reluctant to provide clear answers as to the cause of your child’s injury. An experienced New York cystic encephalomalacia lawyer will be able to review the medical records in order to determine the sequence of events that preceded your child’s injury. If a medical professional was negligent, we will ensure your rights are protected and demand fair compensation.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesA baby with cystic encephalomalacia will need a significant amount of care throughout his or her life. If you feel that negligent was at the root of your baby’s injury, it is important that you are represented by a cystic encephalomalacia attorney serving New York who has the legal knowledge and resources to ensure that your legal rights are protected. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has the experience, knowledge, and resources to help. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.