Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer

Trusted Chicago Birth Injury Attorneys

The birth of a child is one of the happiest days of a parent’s life.  It can also be a terrifying day if complications arise.  Emergency or premature deliveries, unplanned Caesarean sections and difficult births requiring medical practitioner assistance are all highly stressful experiences that can quickly turn tragic if the baby’s health is compromised.  Birth injuries can require lifelong medical care and even result in death.

Many birth injuries can be prevented with adequate fetal monitoring and proper procedures in place.  If you suspect that a birth injury was the result of negligent medical care, you need to contact an experienced birth injury attorney.  At Passen Law Group, we have over 30 years of experience handling sophisticated birth trauma cases in the Chicago area, as well as nationwide. 

Our expertise includes understanding the complex medical issues involved in birth injuries and we retain the most qualified medical specialists (including neuroradiologists, obstetricians, life-care planners and economists) to assist with the investigation and determination of sufficient compensation in each case.  We understand that nothing is more important than the health and well being of your child and we will support you and aggressively advocate for your child every step of the way. 

For a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call us at (312) 527-4500.

Common Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can be the result of negligence on the part of healthcare providers who are not properly trained or who act with reckless behavior.  A doctor or nurse who fails to recognize fetal distress or uses too much force when aiding the delivery of an infant can cause permanent physical and/or cognitive damage.  The most common permanent birth injuries are Erb’s Palsy and Cerebral Palsy. 

Erb’s Palsy (brachial plexus injuries) occurs during birth when undue force is placed on the infant’s neck, stretching the nerves and causing permanent nerve damage.  How do these injuries happen?  Shoulder dystocia is a natural occurrence (in up to 15% of traditional deliveries) where the infant’s shoulders get stuck in the birth canal and the attending practitioner must act quickly to help deliver the baby to avoid brain damage from a lack of oxygen.  Brachial plexus injuries result in about 30% of shoulder dystocia cases.  Studies have shown that 20-30% less force is actually required to deliver these babies, meaning that many of these injuries could be prevented with proper training.

Cerebral Palsy occurs in approximately 2 of every 1000 births, typically due to suffering a lack of oxygen during delivery that damages one or more parts of the brain.  It is a non-progressive impairment (condition will not get worse) that affects movement, balance and posture.  Cerebral Palsy may or may not include cognitive deficits.  As with brachial plexus injuries, many incidents of Cerebral Palsy could be prevented if proper procedures are in place.

Other common birth injuries infants include:

• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord damage
• Fetal distress
• Hydrocephalus
• Forceps injuries
• Jaundice
• Paralysis

Mothers can also suffer injuries due to negligence, including excessive tears, infection, internal bleeding and uterine rupture. 

Excellent Reputation and Caring Lawyers

Birth injuries are devastating and can be permanent, requiring substantial medical treatment, therapy, rehabilitation and long-term care.  This creates a host of financial and emotional stresses.  If your child has suffered a birth injury, it is imperative that you contact lawyer. 

At Passen Law Group, our attorneys recognize the enormous responsibility incumbent upon them to conduct a thorough investigation into birth injury cases.  We have achieved substantial verdicts and settlement for families by uncovering evidence of improperly trained medical care providers and proving negligence.  Our reputation and record as seasoned trial lawyers gives us leverage in negotiating settlements, but we will not hesitate to go to court for you. 

While no amount of compensation can reverse the damage, you and your family deserve justice.  Each of our lawyers is compassionate and supportive.  We will assist your family in the process and apply expertise in litigating your case.

If you have a question or concern regarding a negligent birth injury case, please call us at 312-527-4500 for a free legal consultation.