Hypoxic brain injury compensation claims solicitors

Types of injury caused by lack of oxygen to the brain

• Anoxia – when blood is making its way to the brain, but without sufficient (or any) oxygen in the blood, meaning brain cells are quickly damaged
• Hypoxia – a reduced level of oxygen in the blood making its way to the brain, which is less serious than anoxia but can still result in side effects and damage to the brain

The causes behind anoxia and hypoxia are varied, in children it is often as a result of complications during birth, which can be classed as clinical negligence. However, in adults, the causes of such injuries can also be a result of one of the following:

• Asthma attack
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Drowning or near drowning
• Errors in the administration or anaesthesia
• Smoke inhalation
• Overdose
• Strangulation
• Poisoning (e.g. carbon monoxide)

Hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries are identified by symptoms including, but not limited to:

• Lack of coordination / reduced movement
• Inability to focus or communicate properly
• Headaches and dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Blurred / distorted vision
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

The brain injury association, Headway, states that certain areas are more vulnerable than others when it comes to anoxia; in particular, the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex (mainly the parietal lobe and occipital lobe) and the hippocampus, which is a vital part of the brain in regards to a person’s memory.

Reason for brain injury caused by lack of oxygen

If the reason for a person’s anoxic or hypoxic brain injury is the result of negligent medical care, either as an adult or a baby it is important to understand and determine what led to such serious issues and if someone is at fault. If you or somebody you love has suffered a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen they could be entitled to claim compensation. 

What is the process of making a claim with Stephensons?

Stephensons will initially take full details of your accident and obtain all the medical records to start to investigate the claim. Independent expert evidence is also obtained from several experts disciplines. If the investigations reveal that there has been negligence in your care then we will notify NHS Resolution of your claim and request that they accept fault for same. This usually involves commencing the claim at court as these cases are very difficult and lengthy and are frequently disputed.

We will also obtain all the necessary evidence to enable us to value the claim and attempt to reach a settlement. 

If you would like expert legal advice about making a claim, please contact Stephensons today on 01616 966 229 for free initial guidance on your options or fill out our online enquiry form and someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible.