Was your baby injured during childbirth as a result of medical negligence? Birth injuries can be life-altering and devastating, especially because they are often caused by avoidable mistakes, such as a lack of proper monitoring, delayed C-sections, or the misuse of delivery tools.
These incidents can leave families like yours uncertain about where to turn or what to do next. As lonely as you may feel, we hope you know that you’re not all alone in this. Instead, let a Naperville birth injury lawyer help you seek justice on behalf of your child.
For over two decades, the attorneys at Birth Injury Lawyers Group have represented personal injury victims and secured more than $750 million in compensation. We’re here to help you as your Illinois birth injury lawyer.
What Is a Birth Injury?
Birth injuries happen when something goes wrong before, during, or right after delivery. Sometimes, these injuries are unavoidable. But in many cases, they result from poor medical decisions, delayed actions, or the failure to properly monitor labor.
When doctors or hospital staff don’t meet the standard of care that they owe to their patients, both children and their families ultimately end up paying the price. If this sounds like something you or someone you know experienced, contact a Naperville birth injury attorney immediately.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Types of Birth Injuries We Handle in Naperville
Every birth injury is different—and so is every case. That said, some conditions arise from medical negligence more often than others. Let’s take a look at common examples of birth injury cases we handle.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy often results from a lack of oxygen during birth. It affects muscle control, coordination, and cognitive function. It’s a lifelong condition that often requires physical therapy and assistive devices.
In more serious circumstances, medical negligence resulting in cerebral palsy can cause the children who are affected to require around-the-clock care. In many situations, this outcome could have been avoided with proper monitoring or a timely C-section.
Erb’s Palsy
This injury affects the nerves in the baby’s shoulder and arm. It typically occurs during a difficult vaginal delivery. If the baby’s shoulder gets stuck and excessive force is used, the brachial plexus nerves can be damaged, leading to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE arises in situations where the baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen, often due to complications that arise during delivery. It can cause long-term developmental and physical challenges. Failure to respond quickly to fetal distress is a common cause of HIE.
Fractures
Clavicle fractures are a common bone injury that occurs during birth. It can happen when too much pressure is applied during delivery. Many of these injuries heal with time, but they still cause pain and stress for both the baby and the parents.
Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeds)
Brain bleeds can result from trauma during birth, especially if forceps or vacuum extractors are misused. Severe hemorrhages may lead to permanent disabilities.
Caput Succedaneum and Cephalohematoma
These are types of swelling or bleeding under the scalp caused by pressure during delivery. While they are usually temporary, they can still lead to discomfort and, in rare cases, complications.
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What Causes Birth Injuries?
A breakdown in care causes many birth injuries. This can take the form of someone missing something, waiting too long, or using poor judgment at a critical moment.
Here are specific examples of situations that commonly result in birth–related injuries.
Delayed Response to Fetal Distress
If a baby’s heart rate drops or shows signs of oxygen deprivation, swift action is a must. Even the slightest delays can lead to irreversible brain damage.
Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Forceps and vacuum extractors should only be used when absolutely necessary, and with utmost levels of care when in use. The misuse of these tools can cause nerve damage, skull fractures, or brain injuries.
Failure to Monitor Labor
A failure to track the baby’s position, the mother’s contractions, or overall labor progression can result in missed warning signs and poor outcomes.
Medication Errors
Drugs like Pitocin are powerful tools when used correctly. However, too much of these medications can overstimulate the uterus and deprive the baby of oxygen.
Errors with anesthesia can also lead to complications and cause birth injuries.
Missed or Untreated Conditions
Infections, preeclampsia, or other prenatal issues can increase risk during birth. If they are not caught and treated early, they can contribute to birth trauma.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
How Long Do You Have to File a Birth Injury Claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury or from the date the injury was discovered. However, for cases involving minors, families typically have until the child turns 18 to take legal action.
Still, the sooner you reach out, the easier it is to preserve evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact a birth injury lawyer in Naperville for more information about what an attorney can do for you.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Call Our Birth Injury Law Firm in Naperville to Speak With a Lawyer Who Can Represent You
If your baby was injured at birth as a result of a healthcare provider’s mistake, we know how frightening and confusing this time can be. You’re facing emotional, physical, and financial challenges—but you’re not alone.
Instead, let us help. At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, our Naperville birth injury attorneys are here to listen to your input, guide you through the justice system, and fight to hold those responsible for your child’s injuries accountable for their negligence.
The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can get to work on your behalf. Call now for more information about what we can do for you.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."