San Diego Anoxic Brain Injury Attorney

Anoxic brain injuries leave families watching and waiting, hoping for movement, recognition, or any sign of awareness. Medical explanations often fall short, and many families struggle to get the answers they deserve. 

Some of these injuries happen during childbirth due to medical negligence. Others occur during medical procedures, workplace incidents, or traffic collisions right here in San Diego.

Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire examines medical records, decisions, and timelines to determine what led to the injury and who played a role in it. These cases require more than reports and expert opinions—they demand a thorough look at what went wrong and why.

A lawsuit cannot undo the injury, but it can ensure those at fault answer for their actions and provide the means to seek justice. A San Diego anoxic brain injury lawyer is ready to help. Contact us online or call (619) 236-9363 today.

“Vince, Karen, and the entire TBM team were beyond what my family could have ever hoped for. They didn’t need to take on our case but did and fought as hard for us “little guys” as they would a bigger client. It was incredible to watch true professionals fight for our family and what was right. They brought us in, treated us like family and stood by us the entire way.”

—Greg C.

What Is Anoxic Brain Injury?

The brain needs a constant flow of oxygen to function. When that supply is cut off, even for a short time, brain cells begin to die. An anoxic brain injury happens when the brain doesn’t get oxygen at all, affecting movement, memory, speech, and basic bodily functions. The longer the brain goes without oxygen, the more damage occurs.

Doctors use different terms to describe anoxic brain injuries based on how oxygen loss occurs:

• Anemic Anoxia. The brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen because the blood can’t carry it properly. Conditions like lung disease can play a role, making it harder for the body to supply oxygen where it’s needed.‍
• Toxic Anoxia. Toxins prevent oxygen from being used effectively. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common cause. In medical settings, this can happen if anesthesia isn’t administered correctly during surgery.
• ‍Stagnant Anoxia (Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury or HII). A blockage or medical condition slows or stops oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain. Strokes, irregular heartbeats, and cardiac arrest can all lead to this type of injury.
• Anoxic Anoxia. A lack of oxygen causes anoxic anoxia when the air does not contain enough for the body to absorb. This can occur at high altitudes or in enclosed spaces with limited airflow.
• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). A type of brain injury that can occur at birth when medical teams fail to act in time. Babies affected by HIE may face developmental delays, motor function issues, seizures, and other lifelong challenges.

These injuries don’t just affect individuals—they impact entire families, raising difficult questions regarding how they occurred and what can be done.

What Is the Difference Between an Anoxic Brain Injury and a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A forceful impact causes TBIs, while anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain loses oxygen. Memory loss, personality shifts, dizziness, and unconsciousness often follow both types of injuries. The distinction lies in how they develop: TBIs involve external force, while anoxic brain injuries stem from oxygen deprivation.

What Causes Lack of Oxygen to the Brain?

The brain relies on a steady supply of oxygen. When that supply is interrupted—even briefly—brain cells begin to die. Several situations can cause this, many of which are preventable.

Medical Issues

• Heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, and strokes;
• Medical malpractice, including anesthesia errors or failure to monitor oxygen levels;
• Birth complications, such as delayed C-sections or untreated umbilical cord issues; and
• Severe blood loss from surgery, workplace accidents, or traumatic injuries.

Accidents and Environmental Factors

• Drowning incidents;
• Smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation;
• Choking or suffocation;
• Exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace or at home;
• Defective medical devices, such as ventilators and oxygen delivery systems; and
• Head trauma from car crashes, falls, or workplace incidents.

Negligence and preventable errors often cause anoxic brain injuries, leaving families questioning what could have prevented them. When someone else’s actions or negligence played a role, there may be ways to hold them accountable.

What Are Symptoms of an Anoxic Brain Injury?

Oxygen loss affects the brain in different ways. Some changes are immediate, while others develop over time. A person might have trouble speaking, feel unsteady when walking, or struggle to remember what they were discussing. Others may feel anxious, irritable, or withdrawn for reasons they can’t explain. 

Physical Signs

• Slurred or slow speech,
• Trouble balancing or using hands for small tasks,
• Shaking or sudden muscle movements,
• Trouble swallowing, and
• Seizures.

Cognitive and Emotional Changes

• Forgetting conversations or losing track of thoughts,
• Trouble concentrating or keeping up with daily tasks,
• Mood swings or sudden frustration, and
• Difficulty processing information or making decisions.

Not every symptom appears immediately. A person who seemed fine at first might start forgetting names, struggling with conversations, or feeling unsteady on their feet. Small changes add up, and everyday tasks—like getting dressed, cooking, or driving—may become frustrating or impossible.

Loved ones tend to notice these shifts first. Someone who was once social may seem distant. A person known for being organized might start misplacing things or missing appointments. These changes are easy to dismiss at first, but they could be signs of an anoxic brain injury.

Paying attention to these changes and getting medical care early can improve treatment and long-term care. If an anoxic brain injury resulted from medical mistakes, unsafe conditions, or another form of negligence, a San Diego anoxic brain injury attorney can walk families through what they can do next.

A San Diego anoxic brain injury attorney can review what led to the injury and identify who is responsible under the law. Call Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire at (619) 236-9363 or contact us online to learn more.

How a San Diego Anoxic Brain Injury Attorney Can Help

When oxygen deprivation leads to brain damage, families in San Diego face medical expenses, therapy, and ongoing care. Compensation from a lawsuit can cover these costs and hold those responsible accountable. While no two cases are alike, past settlements and verdicts provide insight into how similar claims have been handled.

• A newborn suffered oxygen deprivation during labor due to a delayed C-section. The military hospital was found liable for medical negligence, awarding a $2.8 million verdict.
• A doctor at a La Jolla hospital ignored fetal distress, discharged a pregnant patient, and failed to perform an emergency C-section. The case resulted in a $2.6 million settlement.
• A San Diego physician suffered brain damage after collapsing from dehydration during a marathon. The event organizers failed to provide adequate water and electrolyte stations, leading to a $3.1 million settlement.
• A misdiagnosed stroke at a San Diego ER led to permanent brain damage and a $1.2 million settlement.

Families should not have to carry the financial burden of medical mistakes or negligence. Studies indicate that working with a San Diego anoxic brain injury lawyer improves the chances of securing full compensation—for both immediate care and long-term support.

"With anoxic brain injuries, we're not dealing with 'cases.' We're dealing with families whose lives have been fundamentally altered. Our job is to pinpoint the exact failures that caused this—the missed oxygen, the delayed response—and ensure accountability, period."

—Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr. | Founding Partner at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire.

Contact Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire About Brain Injuries

For 40 years, Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire has held hospitals, corporations, and insurers accountable for anoxic brain injuries. We have secured more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts to help families in San Diego cover medical treatment, in-home assistance, and long-term needs.

Getting medical care and financial support should not be an uphill battle. Call an anoxic brain injury attorney in San Diego at (619) 236-9363 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.

Proudly Representing San Diego Residents