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Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer

Fighting for Justice for Families Affected by Birth Injuries in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we know that nothing is more devastating than discovering your child has suffered preventable harm during the birthing process. As a Chicago birth injury lawyer team with decades of experience, we represent families across the city whose newborns were injured due to medical malpractice, medical negligence, or unsafe hospital procedures. 

Our goal is to hold negligent medical professionals accountable, secure the resources needed for your child’s ongoing medical treatment, and protect your child’s future. From cerebral palsy linked to oxygen deprivation to brachial plexus injuries caused by shoulder dystocia, we have handled numerous birth injury cases involving both the mother and the child. 

We understand the complexity of the legal process in birth injury litigation, and we fight for fair compensation so families can focus on caring for their child instead of worrying about medical bills or lost income. If you believe your child’s birth injury could have been avoided with proper medical care, contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.

Birth injury lawyer handling a medical malpractice case involving a newborn.

Birth Injury Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers have recovered millions for families devastated by preventable birth injuries. These results show the range of outcomes in birth injury litigation when medical negligence causes life-altering harm.

$20,300,000 – Cerebral Palsy & Brain Injury

When baby Sophia was delivered at a major Chicago hospital, delays in recognizing reduced oxygen supply during labor resulted in CP and significant cognitive impairment. Her parents alleged that the attending OB-GYN and nursing staff ignored abnormal fetal monitoring strips. The case’s high value reflected Sophia’s need for lifelong medical care, therapy, and adaptive equipment.

$18,355,000 – Fetal Distress

Ethan’s mother arrived at a South Side hospital showing clear signs of fetal distress, yet the care team waited hours to induce labor. Ethan was born with severe neurological damage. Expert testimony showing the harm could have been prevented with timely intervention played a major role in the recovery.

$16,433,000 – Low Oxygen Levels During Delivery

At a Chicago birthing center, Olivia suffered prolonged oxygen deprivation during delivery, leading to permanent brain damage. The case focused on the failure to perform an emergency C-section despite multiple warnings from fetal monitoring devices. The award accounted for extensive future medical expenses and round-the-clock care.

$11,000,000 – Missed Genetic Testing

Noah’s parents learned too late that both carried genetic markers for a severe cognitive disorder. Their Chicago-area physician failed to recommend genetic testing despite red flags in the prenatal care records. The settlement covered Noah’s projected lifetime care costs, special education, and home modifications.

$6,140,000 – Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Born at a suburban Chicago hospital, Liam was later diagnosed with ataxic CP. The defense attempted to argue parental neglect, but expert medical reviews showed the baby’s brain injury was caused by mismanaged labor. The case value reflected the ongoing therapies and mobility aids Liam will need.

$5,000,000 – Brachial Plexus Injuries 

Ella suffered injuries to the brachial plexus when shoulder dystocia occurred during delivery at a Chicago medical center. The OB-GYN used excessive force rather than recommended maneuvers, causing permanent nerve damage that required multiple surgeries. The award considered her reduced arm function for life.

$3,000,000 – Stillbirth 

Jackson was stillborn after hospital staff failed to recognize and respond to fetal distress during an emergency room visit. The Chicago family’s recovery reflected not only the profound emotional loss but also the clear breach of standard obstetric care.

What Makes Us the Best Birth Injury Attorneys in Chicago

Families coping with the devastating effects of birth injuries deserve a legal team with the skill, resources, and proven record to secure justice. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are proud to be recognized among the best Chicago birth injury attorneys, with decades of experience handling complex medical malpractice and birth injury litigation. Our clients choose us because we offer:

  • Proven results in complex cases – We have successfully resolved numerous birth injury cases involving cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, shoulder dystocia, spinal cord injuries, and other serious complications caused by medical negligence.
  • Medical expertise – We collaborate with respected medical experts in obstetrics, neonatology, and neurology to review medical records, identify errors in the birthing process, and determine how proper medical care could have prevented harm.
  • Thorough investigations – We leave no detail overlooked, examining prenatal care, delivery procedures, and postnatal monitoring to build the strongest birth injury claim possible.
  • Client-centered representation – We know a child’s birth injury affects both the baby’s future and the family’s quality of life. We stay in close communication and fight for fair compensation that covers medical bills, therapy, assistive devices, and lifelong care.
  • Recognition for excellence – Our attorneys hold a perfect AVVO rating, have been named to the Super Lawyerslist, and are frequent contributing authors for The National Law Review, reflecting the respect we’ve earned from both peers and clients.

When you work with us, you gain a team that combines legal skill, extensive knowledge, and a relentless drive to hold negligent healthcare professionals accountable. We approach every birth injury claim as if it were our own family’s fight for justice.

Birth injuries caused by medical malpractice during labor and delivery.

Types of Birth Injury Cases We Handle

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent families in complex birth injury cases involving medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. These cases often require extensive review of medical records, collaboration with medical experts, and an in-depth understanding of both state medical malpractice laws and the long-term impact on the child’s future and the mother’s health.

Injuries to Babies

When a child suffers due to preventable mistakes in prenatal care, labor monitoring, or delivery techniques, the consequences can lead to lifelong challenges. We handle birth injury cases involving:

  • Cerebral palsy – Often caused by interrupted oxygen flow or distress during delivery, leading to motor impairments, developmental delays, and costly ongoing treatment.
  • Brachial plexus injuries – Including Erb’s palsy, resulting from excessive stretching of the shoulder during birth, often linked to shoulder dystocia.
  • Shoulder dystocia – A birth complication where the baby’s shoulders get lodged in the birth canal, risking nerve damage and fractures.
  • Brain injuries – From trauma, insufficient oxygen supply, or misuse of delivery tools, potentially causing neurological disorders and cognitive impairments.
  • Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) – Severe brain injury due to prolonged lack of oxygen, impacting speech, movement, and cognition.
  • Birth asphyxia – Failure to establish proper breathing after delivery, sometimes resulting in infant death or severe disability.
  • Birth defects – Including genetic or developmental abnormalities worsened by inadequate prenatal care or misdiagnosis.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Damage caused by excessive force, improper handling, or difficult extractions.
  • Facial paralysis – Often linked to pressure from forceps or prolonged labor.
  • Vacuum or forceps extraction injuries – Including scalp injuries, skull fractures, brain damage, and cephalohematoma.
  • Meconium aspiration syndrome – When a newborn inhales meconium-stained fluid, leading to breathing complications.
  • Fetal macrosomia complications – Injuries associated with delivering a larger-than-average baby without proper precautions.
  • Cephalopelvic disproportion – Trauma resulting from a mismatch between the baby’s head size and the mother’s pelvis.
  • Kernicterus – A rare but preventable brain condition caused by severe jaundice in newborns.
  • Neonatal hypotonia – Low muscle tone sometimes linked to birth injury or medical negligence.
  • Neonatal seizures – Often stemming from untreated infections, HIE, or trauma during delivery.
  • Hydrocephalus – Fluid buildup in the brain, which may require surgery and lifelong monitoring.
  • Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) – Brain damage in premature infants, often linked to oxygen deprivation.
  • Spina bifida – A neural tube defect sometimes worsened by inadequate prenatal screenings.
  • Group B strep infections – Caused by failure to test and treat the mother during pregnancy.
  • Meningitis – Contracted during or shortly after birth due to unsanitary delivery conditions.
  • Persistent pulmonary hypertension – A dangerous condition that can be fatal if not addressed immediately.

Injuries to Mothers

Our medical malpractice lawyers also advocate for women who suffer serious complications due to negligence in pregnancy and childbirth. Common maternal cases we handle include:

  • Preeclampsia and eclampsia – Dangerous pregnancy-related high blood pressure conditions that require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Placental abruption – Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, risking distress and maternal conditions.
  • Uterine rupture – A life-threatening emergency often linked to mismanaged labor.
  • Amniotic fluid embolism – A rare but deadly reaction requiring immediate intervention.
  • Vaginal lacerations – Severe tears that may result from improper delivery techniques.
  • Postpartum hemorrhage – Heavy bleeding after delivery, sometimes leading to maternal death if untreated.
  • Infections/sepsis – Including those caused by poor sterilization or delayed diagnosis.
  • Undiagnosed maternal heart conditions – Which can cause fatal birth complications.
  • Birth trauma – Pelvic fractures, organ damage, or other serious injuries from forceful or negligent delivery practices.
Chicago types of birth injury lawsuits

What Are Common Causes of Birth Injuries in Chicago?

While some birth injuries happen despite proper medical care, many occur because medical staff fail to meet the standard of care. As birth injury lawyers, we investigate not only what injury happened, but why it happened and whether it could have been avoided if the proper steps had been taken. We often handle birth injury cases caused by:

  • Failure to monitor fetal distress – When hospital staff miss abnormal heart rate patterns or other warning signs during labor, the baby can suffer anoxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or other injuries.
  • Delayed or missed C-section – Waiting too long to perform an emergency cesarean section can result in permanent brain damage, cerebral palsy, or even infant death.
  • Improper use of delivery tools – Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause skull fractures, spinal cord damage, facial paralysis, or brain injury.
  • Failure to diagnose maternal health conditions – Untreated preeclampsia, infections, or other maternal health conditions can harm both the mother and the baby.
  • Medication errors – Giving the wrong drug or dosage during the birthing process can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure, uterine rupture, or damage to vital organs.
  • Negligent prenatal care – Missing or misreading important prenatal screenings can result in overlooked birth defects, risk factors, or early signs of distress.
  • Mishandling shoulder dystocia – Incorrect techniques when a baby’s shoulders are stuck can lead to injuries to the brachial plexus and lifelong disability.
  • Inadequate infection control – Failing to prevent or treat infections such as Group B strep, meningitis, or sepsis can cause severe complications for a newborn.
  • Improper fetal monitoring equipment use – Incorrect placement or interpretation of fetal heart monitors can delay emergency interventions and increase the risk of harm.
Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer

What Damages Are Awarded in Birth Injury Claims in Illinois?

When we take on a birth injury case, we fight to recover every type of damage available under Illinois law. Damages in these cases often include:

  • Medical expenses – hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical treatment.
  • Therapies and long-term care – such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical rehabilitation.
  • Home and vehicle modifications – to make everyday life accessible and safe for the child.
  • Lost earning capacity – for the child’s future or for a parent who must stop working to provide care.
  • Pain and suffering – compensation for the physical and emotional toll on the child and family.
  • Loss of normal life – recognition of how the injury limits the child’s ability to live as they would have without the injury.

Each case is different, and the damages we pursue depend on the injury’s severity, the medical needs involved, and the impact on the child’s life.

What Is the Average Brain Injury Payout in Chicago?

The median payout for a birth injury in Chicago is approximately $12,500,000, while the average payout is about $22,228,004. Settlements and verdicts can range between $400,000 and exceed $100,000,000. 

The amount in any given case depends on specific circumstances, such as:

  • Type and Severity of Injury – Catastrophic conditions such as cerebral palsy, severe brain injury, or profound developmental disabilities tend to have higher payouts than temporary or fully recoverable injuries.
  • Extent of Medical Negligence – Cases involving clear violations of accepted medical standards, such as ignoring signs of distress or delaying an emergency C-section, often support higher damages.
  • Long-Term Prognosis and Care Needs – A child requiring lifelong, round-the-clock care, adaptive equipment, or ongoing therapies will typically have significantly higher future medical costs factored into the settlement.
  • Impact on Quality of Life – The effect on both the child and family, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the ability to live independently, can substantially influence the award.
  • Economic Damages – These include projected lifetime medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and other quantifiable financial losses.
  • Non-Economic Damages – Jurors and negotiators also consider intangible harm, like emotional distress, loss of companionship, and the lasting toll on family relationships.
  • Jurisdiction & Jury Tendencies – Cook County, and Chicago in particular, is known for awarding significant damages in medical malpractice cases, especially when negligence is well-documented.
Birth injuries caused by medical malpractice during labor and delivery.

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

$97 Million Recovery

Gerald was born at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park after his mother experienced complications, including preeclampsia and suspected fetal distress. Multiple providers failed to act promptly, leading to reduced oxygen supply during delivery. 

Gerald suffered hypoxic brain injury, resulting in cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, and the need for lifelong, around-the-clock care. The jury awarded over $100 million, with a post-verdict settlement bringing the total recovery to $97 million.

$7.95 Million Jury Award

Hannah was delivered at the University of Chicago Medical Center after an attempted internal podalic version caused significant trauma. She suffered brain bleeding, shoulder injuries, and hypoxia, ultimately leading to mild CP and lifelong physical and cognitive challenges. 

The jury found negligence in the delivery process and awarded nearly $8 million for her future medical care, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.

$40 Million Jury Verdict

Kiera was born at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center following prolonged labor complicated by placental abruption and fetal distress. Delayed intervention caused severe oxygen deprivation, leading to CP and cognitive impairment. 

Despite her physical stability, Kiera will require continuous support and will never be able to live independently. The jury awarded $40 million for medical care, lost earnings, and future suffering.

$3 Million Settlement

Tonisha Harvey, a teacher, died from preeclampsia complications at Ingalls Memorial Hospital along with her unborn daughter, Madison. Her care team failed to diagnose and treat her condition in time. The wrongful death settlement for her estate was $3 million.

$2.9 Million Verdict

Catrina Kelly was stillborn at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago after her mother’s uterus ruptured during labor. Allegations centered on the failure to recognize and respond to signs of uterine rupture and fetal distress. The jury awarded $2.9 million for wrongful death damages, including loss of society and mental anguish.

$2 Million Verdict

A mother undergoing an elective labor induction at Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago experienced complications during delivery. The infant, Oladosoyin Lawoyin, suffered a permanent injury to the right brachial plexus affecting her arm and shoulder function. 

The family alleged that the doctor failed to recognize and manage shoulder dystocia appropriately, using excessive traction during delivery. The jury awarded $2 million for medical expenses, future care, lost earnings capacity, and pain and suffering.

$625,000 Settlement

Sophia Montoya was born at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago after her mother experienced placental abruption. Plaintiffs alleged that delays in ordering a C-section and failure to provide a needed blood transfusion—based on an incorrect assumption about religious restrictions—caused severe lack of oxygen, leading to brain injury and eventual death eight days later. The case settled for $625,000, with contributions from both the doctor and hospital.

$400,000 Settlement 

Alexa Fiocca died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago from a brain hemorrhage following vacuum extraction during delivery. Plaintiffs claimed that excessive force was used and that delays in beginning the delivery contributed to the injury. Northwestern settled for $400,000 before trial, while claims against the delivering physician and her practice remain pending.

Why You Need a Chicago Birth Injury Attorney

Birth injury cases are among the most complex types of medical malpractice claims. Hospitals, doctors, and their insurance companies have vast resources dedicated to fighting these cases — and they rarely admit fault without a strong legal battle. That’s where we come in.

We know what it takes to build a winning claim in Cook County and throughout Illinois. Our role goes far beyond filing paperwork. We:

  • Investigate the facts – We gather medical records, delivery room notes, fetal monitoring strips, and all relevant hospital policies.
  • Work with top medical experts – Our network of pediatric neurologists, obstetric specialists, and life-care planners help prove how negligence caused the injury and what the lifelong impact will be.
  • Calculate full damages – We make sure future medical care, therapies, assistive equipment, home modifications, and lost earning potential are all included in your claim.
  • Handle negotiations and litigation – From dealing with aggressive insurance defense teams to presenting a compelling case in court, we protect your rights every step of the way.
  • Level the playing field – Without legal representation, families are at a severe disadvantage. We know the strategies hospitals and insurers use, and we know how to counter them.

When a child’s future is on the line, the stakes are too high to go it alone. We’re here to give your case the experience, resources, and relentless advocacy it deserves.

Birth injury attorney reviewing medical records for evidence of negligence.

How Common Are Birth Injuries in Chicago?

Birth injury statistics from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) show that 116 women in the city died during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth, representing a pregnancy-related mortality rate of 48.6 per 100,000 live births. 

A significant majority—78% of these deaths—happened after childbirth, with 28% occurring within the first six weeks and another 50% taking place more than 42 days postpartum.

Across Illinois in 2020, there were 737 infant deaths. Of these, 37 were linked to placental, umbilical cord, or membrane complications—conditions that are sometimes tied to missed warning signs or delayed cesarean deliveries. Bacterial sepsis caused 24 newborn deaths, highlighting possible failures in infection prevention or timely diagnosis.

Per birth trauma rate data, intrauterine hypoxia and birth asphyxia—conditions often connected to labor and delivery issues—were responsible for 14 deaths, while neonatal hemorrhage, frequently associated with premature or difficult births, led to 12 deaths.

Medical malpractice lawyers representing families in birth injury claims.

What Laws Apply to Birth Injury Claims in Chicago?

Birth injury claims in Chicago are governed by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/2‑622), which sets forth the requirements for filing a malpractice claim, including the need for a certificate of merit from a qualified healthcare professional. This sets the rules for proving negligence by healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and hospitals. 

Plaintiffs must show that the medical professionals failed to meet the accepted standard of care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postpartum treatment, and that this failure caused harm to the mother or baby.

These cases are also shaped by the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) if the injury results in the death of the child or mother, and the Illinois Survival Act for damages the injured person could have claimed if they had survived. 

In situations where more than one party shares blame—such as both a doctor and hospital—Illinois’ Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) may apply, allowing liability to be divided among defendants.

How Long Do You Have to File a Birth Injury Lawsuit in Illinois?

The Illinois medical malpractice statute of limitations allows two years from the date the injury was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered) to file a legal claim. However, there is also a statute of repose—an absolute deadline of four years from the date of the alleged malpractice—regardless of when the injury was discovered.

For cases involving minors, the birth injury statute of limitations is different. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-212, a lawsuit can be filed up until eight years after the malpractice occurred, but it cannot be filed after the child’s 22nd birthday.

Wrongful death claims related to birth injuries must be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing these deadlines almost always means losing the right to seek compensation, no matter how strong the case might be.

Medical malpractice lawyers representing families in birth injury claims.

Who Is Legally Liable for Birth Injuries in Chicago?

When a child or mother suffers harm during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, more than one party may be legally responsible. Liability in a birth injury case depends on proving that the harm was caused by negligence or wrongful actions. We investigate every angle to identify all potential defendants, which may include:

  • Doctors and Surgeons – Physicians who fail to follow accepted standards of care, such as not recognizing distress, delaying a C-section, or improperly using delivery tools.
  • Nurses and Hospital Staff – Medical staff who fail to monitor, report, or respond to signs of complications in a timely manner.
  • Hospitals and Medical Facilities – Institutions may be held responsible for inadequate protocols, understaffing, or failure to properly train and supervise staff.
  • Specialists – Obstetricians, anesthesiologists, or pediatricians who fail in their specific roles during the birthing process.
  • Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Companies – If a dangerous drug or defective medical device contributed to the injury.

Our role is to gather the evidence necessary to hold every responsible party accountable so that families can recover full compensation.

 Injury lawyer specializing in birth injuries caused by medical negligence.

Common Defenses in Birth Injury Claims

Hospitals and insurance companies often fight birth injury claims aggressively. We know the tactics they use and prepare to counter them from day one. Some common defenses include:

  • Claiming the Injury Was Unavoidable – Arguing that the harm occurred despite proper care and could not have been prevented.
  • Blaming Preexisting or Genetic Conditions – Suggesting that the injury was caused by factors outside medical control, such as birth defects or genetic disorders.
  • Minimizing the Severity of the Injury – Attempting to show that the harm will not significantly impact the baby’s future.
  • Questioning Causation – Arguing that the injury happened before medical treatment began or was due to unrelated events.
  • Challenging the Statute of Limitations – Claiming the case was filed too late under Illinois law.

We anticipate these strategies and prepare thorough medical and legal arguments to protect our clients’ rights.

Both the child and mother suffered injuries during a complicated delivery.

How to Strengthen Your Birth Injury Case in Chicago

The strength of a birth injury claim depends on how quickly and thoroughly the case is built. We take immediate action to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and set the case up for success. Steps that help strengthen a claim include:

  • Seeking Immediate Medical Evaluation – Obtaining a prompt and thorough diagnosis for both the mother and the child.
  • Collecting Complete Medical Records – Gathering every document related to prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postnatal treatment.
  • Documenting Changes in the Child’s Condition – Keeping a detailed record of symptoms, therapies, and developmental milestones.
  • Working with Medical Experts – Using independent specialists to review the care provided and identify violations of medical standards.
  • Following All Treatment Plans – Demonstrating that recommended care is being followed to improve recovery and avoid disputes about damages.

By combining medical expertise with legal strategy, we build the strongest possible foundation for our clients’ cases.

Filing a birth injury lawsuit to recover damages for a child’s injuries.

How a Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a birth injury claim on your own is overwhelming, especially when dealing with the emotional and financial stress of a serious injury. Our Chicago birth injury lawyers handle every aspect of the process so families can focus on care and healing. We can:

  • Investigate the Incident – Review all medical records, witness accounts, and hospital procedures.
  • Identify Liable Parties – Determine every person or entity responsible for the harm.
  • Work with Expert Witnesses – Collaborate with leading medical professionals to support the case.
  • Negotiate with Insurers – Push back against lowball settlement offers.
  • Prepare for Trial – Build a compelling courtroom case if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
  • Pursue Maximum Compensation – Seek damages for medical bills, ongoing care, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and more.

Our experience, resources, and commitment mean we are ready to fight for the best possible outcome in every case we take.

FAQs

Are birth injuries preventable?

Many birth injuries can be prevented with proper prenatal care, careful monitoring during labor, and quick medical intervention when complications arise. Preventability often depends on whether medical professionals followed accepted standards of care.

How common is cerebral palsy as a birth injury?

CP is one of the most frequently reported long-term conditions caused by birth injuries, often linked to being deprived of oxygen or trauma to the baby’s brain during delivery. Birth injury statistics reveal it affects thousands of children in the U.S. each year.

What are the most common causes of infant brain damage?

Being deprived of oxygen, untreated infections, head trauma during delivery, and complications such as prolonged labor are among the leading causes of brain damage in newborns.

What are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries during birth?

Spinal cord injuries during birth can affect both newborns and mothers.

For newborns, these injuries often result from excessive force during delivery, improper use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors, or complications such as breech presentation, where the baby is delivered feet-first.

For mothers, spinal cord injuries may occur due to errors in administering epidural or spinal anesthesia, prolonged or improper positioning during labor, traumatic delivery maneuvers, or surgical complications during a C-section.

Can I sue for injuries sustained due to labor induction?

Yes, if labor induction was improperly performed or unnecessary, and it directly caused harm to the mother or baby, a legal claim may be possible. This includes cases where medications like Pitocin were administered in excessive amounts, too quickly, or without proper monitoring, leading to complications such as uterine rupture, fetal distress, or being deprived of oxygen.

Can I sue for hospital understaffing?

If understaffing led to delays in care, missed warning signs, or inadequate monitoring that caused injury, the hospital may be held responsible in a birth injury lawsuit.

Can I sue for not having a neonatologist?

If the absence of a neonatologist resulted in delayed or inadequate treatment for a newborn in distress, this could be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Can I sue for failure to monitor fetal heart rate?

Failure to properly track and respond to abnormal fetal heart rate patterns is a common cause of preventable birth injuries and may support a medical malpractice case.

What kind of medical records do I need to support a birth injury claim?

Records from prenatal visits, labor and delivery notes, fetal monitoring strips, imaging results, and postnatal treatment documentation are essential for building a strong birth injury claim.

Are birth injuries considered medical malpractice in Illinois?

If the injury resulted from a deviation from accepted medical standards, it is generally considered malpractice under Illinois law.

What is the difference between a birth defect and a birth trauma?

Birth defects are typically caused by genetic or developmental factors before birth, while birth trauma results from injuries sustained during labor or delivery.

How long does a birth injury medical malpractice lawsuit take?

Birth injury lawsuits can take months to several years, depending on the complexity, the severity of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial.

Are there other birth injury compensation options?

In Illinois and across the U.S., there are several programs and resources available to help families, whether the birth injury affected the child, the mother, or both. Available resources include:

How much does a birth injury attorney cost in Chicago?

Our birth injury attorneys in Chicago work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless your case is won or settled.

Consult a Chicago Birth Injury Attorney Near You

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or your child suffered a birth injury in Chicago, the consequences can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. You do not have to navigate this alone. Our legal team is here to help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. We have the experience, resources, and determination needed to handle complex medical malpractice cases, holding negligent medical professionals and facilities accountable.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can secure critical evidence, consult with top medical experts, and protect your claim within Illinois’ statute of limitations.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer who will fight for you and your family every step of the way. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Peoria , Rockford and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.

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