Play Video

With today’s advancements in medical care, you may think that birth injuries are a thing of the past, especially in Illinois and the rest of the United States. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Birth injuries happen every single day here in America. In fact, of every 1,000 infants born in the United States, an estimated 6 to 8 babies are injured during delivery.

When your child is injured during birth, you’re often left to pick up the pieces as the parent. You may be asking yourself, “Is my baby going to make a full recovery? What will her future look like in ten or twenty years? How are we going to pay for the medications and treatment her pediatrician prescribes? Who is going to care for her when we’re gone?”

Those are big life questions you should never face alone.

If your child has been diagnosed with a birth injury, you need to take steps as soon as possible to determine whether medical malpractice contributed to your child’s birth injury. Our Chicago birth injury lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C. can help you get the process started.

COMPASSIONATE BIRTH INJURY ATTORNEYS READY TO FIGHT FOR YOU

Start Your Free Case Review Today! We're Available 24/7/365 to Speak with You.

Contact Us
First
Last

HOW CAN OUR BIRTH INJURY ATTORNEYS HELP YOU?

Shannon Law Group Birth Injury Attorneys

WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOUR FAMILY MOVE FORWARD AFTER A BIRTH INJURY

At Shannon Law Group, our expert team will be by your family’s side during this difficult time. While we cannot undo the trauma your child needlessly suffered, we can investigate what happened to see if you and your family are eligible for compensation.

Ultimately, our expert team will determine whether the doctors, nurses or healthcare professionals in charge of your child’s delivery made an error that resulted in your baby’s birth injury.

Doctors and medical professionals are human beings capable of making preventable mistakes before, during, and after a child’s delivery.  Sometimes, their mistakes cause devastating and permanent birth injuries, such as brain injuries or nerve damage. Oftentimes, these birth injuries will require ongoing medication and medical care for the rest of your child’s life.

If a mistake was made, we will file a birth injury medical malpractice case on your behalf. We won’t stop fighting until you and your family are fairly compensated so that your child can live their best life.

Child with Birth InjuryWhen you hire our expert team of birth injury lawyers, we will take the stress of handling day-to-day legal matters off your shoulders. Our goal is to shoulder this burden so you can focus on your child’s recovery and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your case, you can call us 24/7. If you leave a message, we will always return your call within 24 hours.

Our birth injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not pay any costs or legal fees unless we can reach a settlement or verdict in your favor.

At the start of your case, our birth injury team will act immediately by doing the following:

Step 1: Request your medical records and investigate your case.

Every birth injury case begins at this stage. We will review any medical records from your prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. We may also contact any witnesses who can explain how the birth injury happened.

Step 2: Consult with a birth injury expert.

Next, we will send your case information and medical records to an independent medical expert. The expert will determine whether your doctor, nurse, midwife, or other medical personnel failed to comply with the recognized standard of care.

We will also consult with other experts to assess how much economic and noneconomic damages should be pursued in your case

Step 3: Send a settlement demand.

If the birth injury expert agrees that a medical professional deviated from the standard of care, we will make a settlement demand to the medical professional’s malpractice insurance company. If they do not contest the liability and damages, your case may resolve at this stage.

Step 4: File your case.

If we are unsuccessful in settling your case, we will file a complaint on your behalf in the proper venue. By filing the lawsuit, we are starting the discovery process, where we request and gather evidence directly from the medical professional.

During the discovery process, we will also take depositions of the doctor, witnesses, and experts to further uncover what happened. Your case may settle at any point in discovery as we continue to make settlement demands.

Step 5: Try your case in front of a jury.

If the defense counsel continues to contest the liability and/or damages in your case, we will proceed to trial. Our experienced trial lawyers will be ready to tell your story to the jury so they can understand what happened and why you and your family deserve to be compensated. We may settle during the trial or after a verdict is announced.

Step 6: Collect and distribute awards.

If a settlement is reached or a verdict is returned in your favor, we will collect and distribute funds as soon as possible. We will also reduce and resolve any liens.

Contact Shannon Law Group Today for a Free Case Review

 

For over a decade, our expert team of lawyers has helped Illinois birth injury victims and their families get the compensation they deserve. We will personally evaluate your case and medical records at no expense to you. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (312) 578-9501 or fill out our contact form here. We have offices in Woodridge and Chicago. However, if you are unable to visit us, we would be happy to travel to you.

BIRTH INJURY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT CAUSES BIRTH INJURIES?

Newborn baby in hospital

Birth injuries happen when damage and trauma are inflicted on the baby during the birthing process. Typically, this damage happens because of physical pressure during birth, usually as the baby travels through the birth canal.

Many birth injuries also happen when the baby moves into an abnormal position and presentation as they enter the birth canal. Additionally, birth injuries often become more severe if the doctor or nurse fails to recognize symptoms of fetal distress.

Here are a few examples of medical errors that often cause birth injuries:

  • Premature delivery complications
  • Failing to diagnose and treat pregnancy issues such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or gestational diabetes
  • Delaying emergency delivery via Cesarean section (c-section) when problems come up
  • Failing to respond quickly to complications such as fetal distress, bleeding, or umbilical cord entanglement
  • Improperly using vacuum extractors or forceps during vaginal birth
  • Issuing the wrong type or dosage of medication
  • Failing to monitor the mother’s or baby’s health properly after the delivery

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS A BIRTH INJURY?

Mother holding child's hand

There are some birth injuries you will notice the moment your child comes into this world, such as birth asphyxia. Other severe birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy or facial palsy, may not be noticeable immediately.

In general, if your child has a birth injury, they will begin showing symptoms within the first few years of their life. However, you and your child’s physician may not connect the dots right away. That’s why we highly recommend that you request your pregnancy and delivery records and have an experienced birth injury law firm like Shannon Law Group, P.C. review them for you. We will review your medical records and potential case at no cost to you. By reviewing your medical records, we will be able to determine whether medical malpractice contributed to your child’s condition.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE AN ILLINOIS BIRTH INJURY LAWSUIT?

Birth Injury Statute of LimitationsAccording to Illinois law, you have eight years to file a birth injury lawsuit from the date of the injury. However, it is not wise to wait until the last minute to contact a birth injury lawyer. Ideally, you should contact an attorney right away if you suspect a birth injury caused by medical negligence.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BIRTH INJURY AND A BIRTH DEFECT?

Baby with Birth Injury Lying on Table

In the United States, birth defects happen more frequently than birth injuries. According to the CDC, 1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year. Birth defects can develop anytime in utero, structurally changing how parts of the body function. Birth defects are caused by many factors, from smoking while pregnant to genetic inheritance. Like birth injuries, these medical conditions can vary in severity and may not be observable right after birth.

On the other hand, a birth injury is a trauma to the baby that happens before, during, or after the birthing process. Typically, birth injuries happen when a medical professional makes a mistake that results in unnecessary harm to the baby. Some birth injuries may heal on their own, while others require a lifetime of treatment and 24-hour care. In situations where your child suffers a permanent birth injury like cerebral palsy, we recommend that you contact an experienced birth injury lawyer to investigate your potential case and review the medical records to determine whether medical negligence played a role.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BIRTH INJURIES CAUSED BY MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?  

Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyers Many different types of birth injuries can be caused by medical malpractice. Here are the most common injuries we've witnessed from our experience while helping birth injury victims and their families:

CEREBRAL PALSY

More often than not, brain damage during birth causes a condition called cerebral palsy. The most common causes of cerebral palsy are failing to identify fetal distress, using abnormal birthing techniques, and monitoring the mother improperly during labor. Children with cerebral palsy may show different symptoms depending on the severity of their brain damage. Generally, they will experience difficulty with motor skills, muscle spasms, and floppiness or rigidity of their limbs and torso. Epilepsy, deafness, or blindness are cerebral palsy symptoms as well.

ERB’S PALSY (BRACHIAL PALSY)

When an infant suffers damage to their brachial plexus nerves during birth, Erb’s Palsy may set in. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves located near the neck. These nerves are responsible for the movement and feeling in your shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. Erb’s palsy is a nerve injury caused by trauma to these nerves in the brachial plexus. Your baby may show these symptoms if they have Erb’s Palsy: weakness in one arm; their arm is bent at the elbow and rests against their body, or they can barely grip objects like your finger with their affected hand.

INFANT SPINAL CORD INJURIES

During the birthing process, the spinal cord may sustain a bruise, partial tear, or complete tear. If your child suffers a spinal cord injury during birth, they may experience symptoms from muscle weakness to paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are separated into two categories: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means that your child has no feeling or movement below the injury site. If they have an incomplete spinal cord injury, your child will still have some degree of feeling or movement below the injury site.

PERINATAL ASPHYXIA (BIRTH ASPHYXIA)

Perinatal asphyxia occurs when your baby doesn’t receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth. There are several ways your child may stop breathing or receiving oxygen during birth. If your child is limp, blue, silent, or has trouble breathing when they’re born, they likely have birth asphyxia. When their oxygen supply is suddenly cut off, your baby becomes at-risk for traumatic brain damage. If they were deprived of oxygen for several minutes before they were resuscitated, your child's brain damage may result in intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and seizures.

FACIAL NERVE PALSY

When your child suffers from facial nerve palsy (or paralysis), they experience a loss of control of their facial muscles. Most of the time, this birth injury is caused by trauma, not by a genetic disorder.  This trauma typically happens because a medical professional improperly used forceps during delivery. An infant with facial nerve palsy may be unable to close their eyelids or move one side of their face. In most cases, facial nerve palsy heals on its own. However, if the paralysis is permanent, they may experience speech problems, difficulty with chewing, and more.

CEPHALOHEMATOMA

If your infant’s head suffers minor trauma during labor, small blood vessels between the skull and the periosteum (the thick layer of connective tissue surrounding the skull) may rupture. When this rupture happens, a cephalohematoma may develop as blood accumulates underneath your baby’s scalp. You won’t be able to know if your child has this type of birth injury immediately after birth. Over the next few days, if your child has a cephalohematoma, there will be a bump on their head where the blood has gathered. Typically, this birth injury heals on its own within three months under medical supervision. However, a cephalohematoma does put an infant at risk for neonatal jaundice. Keep an eye out for yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclera, or mucous membranes.

CAPUT SUCCEDANEUM

Similar to a cephalohematoma, a caput succedaneum birth injury occurs when your baby’s head experiences trauma during birth. Symptoms associated with a caput succedaneum include swelling around the skull and a “conehead” appearance immediately after delivery. As with cephalohematomas, caput succedaneum injury will typically go away on its own. However, if there is bruising, your baby may develop neonatal jaundice.

INFANT SUBCONJUNCTIVAL HEMORRHAGE

During a stressful delivery, your baby may suffer birth trauma to their head. As a result, your infant may experience a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which happens when the small blood vessels located just under the eye ruptures. The most common symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red or dark patch in the white areas of your baby’s affected eye. Most of the time, this type of birth injury resolves on its own. However, a subconjunctival hemorrhage can appear alongside other severe birth injuries, such as facial paralysis. As always, consult with your child’s physician for further treatment.

BROKEN BONES AND FRACTURES

As a parent, the last thing you want is for your child to arrive in this world with serious injuries like broken bones and fractures. However, it happens more often than you would suspect. Because a baby's bones are fragile, they can break or fracture easily if they undergo too much pressure during delivery. Additionally, broken and fractured bones can be a sign that something avoidable happened during the delivery process. If your baby has a broken or fractured bone, they may show the following symptoms: swelling around the injured bone; signs of pain and discomfort (such as crying); and inability to move the injured limb. Clavicle fractures are one of the most common birth injuries.

In rare cases, the child will need surgery to correct the injury. If a fracture happens at the end of a bone, it may impede the growth of the bone. Fortunately, most babies with neonatal broken or fractured bones make a full recovery with the right medical treatment.

If your child sustained an injury during birth, we want you to know you are not alone. Our expert team of birth injury attorneys is here to fight for you, your child, and your family. Our number one goal is to make sure you and your family are substantially compensated for the unnecessary pain and suffering you've endured because a medical professional made an error in the delivery room.

Call us right now at (312) 578-9501 to start your free birth injury case review. We are available to take your call 24/7, even on the weekends and holidays. Alternatively, you can fill out this contact form here.

wHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SHANNON LAW GROUP

I was in an automobile accident. The attorneys and staff at Shannon Law Group, PC were really great. They communicated with me on a regular basis, they explained in detail what could and would happen, and they made sure I was their first priority. I could not have asked for better guidance. I would recommend this firm to any and all who need a personal injury attorney.
Lynne Passarella
Lynne Passarella
21:45 01 Mar 21
The Shannon Law Group has been an absolute pleasure to work with. They are always quick to respond to any question I might have and explain the process every step of the way. Highly recommend!
John McFarland
John McFarland
01:56 18 Jan 21
Always fair always looking out for their clients, I will trust anyone at this firm with any issues I had that they could handle. I feel they are the best of the best!
John Wagner
John Wagner
02:42 14 Jan 21
If anyone needs a Professional Lawyer, please call Shannon Law Group, PC. These guys get the job done. They are all very nice and are always there for you. They work hard for you , and explain everything to your understanding. They treat me like I am part of there family. So all my fb friends and their families should you need help with anything, I advise you to call or email them. He will also give you his cellphone number/ you will be able to text them also. You won't be disappointed.
patricia richardson
patricia richardson
20:16 13 Jan 21
Shannon law group is an extremely professional and amazing team of people! They are always genuine kind and generous. They always give 100% and my personal experiences have been nothing but the best. If ever in need of a law team Shannon Law group is the way to go!
Aidan WW
Aidan WW
20:07 13 Jan 21
I’ve had great experiences working with Brittany at Shannon Law Group. Her compassion, communication, and professionalism are just what you would expect from a great law firm. If you’re hurt in the Chicago area, I highly recommend you call Shannon Law Group.
Dan Reo
Dan Reo
21:45 28 May 20
I used Shannon Law Group to help me with a legal name change. I worked with attorney Pat Cummings who represented me in DuPage County courthouse for the procedure. I am very pleased that they filed my case very quickly, and we got in front of the judge and the case went flawlessly, and my request was granted (just before the courthouse shut down). I can't say enough that the whole process went very well and very fast and was handled most professionally by everyone I spoke to in the law firm staff. Great work, thank you!
michael krzywosz
michael krzywosz
01:09 25 Apr 20
My wife is represented by Shannon Law Group. In my opinion, Jack Cannon is one of the best attorneys in the business. He is very knowledgeable, communicates well and extremely helpful. Jack cares about his clients. He completely explains the situation with relevancy and clarity in this challenging time. Jack stays in contact with updates even on weekends. I feel the Shannon Law Group puts their clients first and fights hard with their best interest in mind. I have recommended Jack to several people who are also very pleased. Jack Cannon and Shannon Law Group get the job done.
Rodney Mikesell
Rodney Mikesell
00:26 19 Mar 20
I have had the good fortune of getting to know Joe Shannon through our involvement in a law firm owner group. In short, with Joe, what you see is what you get. Joe's word is his bond. He has an unwavering commitment to his faith, his family and his friends. Why is that relevant to someone looking for the right attorney? Because, at the end of the day, the attorney-client relationship is about trust and commitment. With Joe and his firm, you get both, in spades.
Paul Odegaard
Paul Odegaard
15:56 16 Mar 20
After doing many phone interviews to decide on an attorney to represent me, Jack Cannon was by far an easy choice. Easy to talk to, professional, respectful, knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions. He promptly returns my phone calls. I'm very thankful to have him representing me.
vickie clark
vickie clark
17:10 04 Mar 20
Joseph Shannon is not only an amazing attorney, but a kind and caring person as well. He took the time to explain everything related to my case and was always willing to answer questions or provide clarification. From our very first meeting, it was clear my interests were his first priority, and he established a great working relationship based on security and trust. I highly recommend Joseph Shannon and Shannon Law Group to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer.
India Gordon
India Gordon
20:11 20 Feb 20
Joe is a superb attorney but even better person. In my opinion, the most important considerations in an attorney-client relationship are trust and reliability. There is no attorney I trust more to provide a careful, thorough analysis of a legal matter and then offer thoughtful recommendations that consider the “big picture” and focus on my best interests. He is a pillar of the local community as a lawyer, philanthropist and father and is widely respected as a straight shooter who vigorously represents his clients while maintaining his civility.
Jeff Mote
Jeff Mote
15:22 19 Feb 20
I worked with Joe Shannon for 15 years and we have maintained the friendship for another 15 years since then and I can unequivocally say he is a man of the highest integrity. He is "real", easy to talk to and sincerely interested in what you have to say. The phrase I think of most often when I remember him is that he feels "he is living the dream". This humble expression applies not only to his passion for his law firm and clients, but also his passion and loyalty to his family and his faith. He is the real deal.
Barbara Gyarmathy
Barbara Gyarmathy
13:24 18 Feb 20
Very friendly, and helpful! Even though you're not in my state, you answered my questions quickly and were honest. Then you followed up with an e-mail and gave me some help and referrals which was very helpful. May GOD continue to BLESS you and ALL of your staff.
Kim Harvey
Kim Harvey
13:14 18 Feb 20
Joe will always give your case an honest and through review. He tells it like it is and is one the greatest advocates I have ever worked with. As a practicing attorney for over 25 years that does not take on personal injury matters, I refer all my friends to Joe without hesitation!
Charles Rego
Charles Rego
13:06 18 Feb 20
Honesty, integrity, tenacity. These professionals responded to my needs in a prompt and compassionate matter. I am fortunate to have yoked up with these down-to-earth people who strive to make their clients feel like they are valued and heard. I recommend them highly.
Patsy Shannon
Patsy Shannon
00:27 18 Feb 20
Joe Shannon's firm is of the highest professional stature. Joe and his firm have endured the test of time as an elite Chicago personal injury law firm. Probably Shannon Law Group's biggest strength is their dedicated commitment to their clients' causes and pursuit of the best possible results.Daniel W. Sherman, Attorney At LawDaniel W Sherman PCValparaiso, IN 46385 (licensed in IL and IN)
Dan Sherman
Dan Sherman
20:52 17 Feb 20
Joe Shannon’s firm worked hard to help our family. Everyone is genuine and sincere with our concerns and questions. I HIGHLY recommend!
Erin Koenig
Erin Koenig
15:52 25 Nov 19
Compassionate listeners Joe Shannon and Patrick Cummings helped our family out when my daughter was injured in a car accident. They understand the the long term health consequences that your child may face and they seek fair and maximum compensation. They handled the insurance company for us and in return we are truly GRATEFUL for everything they did on our behalf!
Susan Jennings
Susan Jennings
19:02 18 Nov 19
Patrick Cummings and Shannon Law Group represented our daughter in an employment contract dispute. Our daughter was so frustrated, and Patrick immediately reassured her that the law was on her side despite what her employer told her. Patrick was able to get her back pay that added up to more than 10% of her annual salary. He did this professionally, respectfully and quickly. In a way that allowed her to continue in a job she loves with out creating unnecessary tension. It is fortunate that Patrick can practice in Wisconsin. We are very grateful Pat was able to help our daughter.
Regina Cummings
Regina Cummings
19:16 20 Oct 19
The whole team of Shannon Law Group were great throughout my entire case. Each member diligently did their part and kept me thoroughly informed with what was going on. Each member was always willing to answer my questions anytime of the day. At the end, the Shannon Law Group helped me come out on top. Thank you Shannon Law Group for all of your hard work.
Michael Heatherly Ii
Michael Heatherly Ii
21:40 10 Oct 19
I was involved in a car accident earlier this year and Shannon Law Group assisted me through every step of the process. This team educated me on my options and offered me agency after a stressful life event. I really appreciate the urgency in which these lawyers handled my case. I felt my case was prioritized by Shannon Law Group from the start to the resolution. I would highly recommend their services to anyone!
Maureen Cummings
Maureen Cummings
20:56 10 Oct 19
They never stopped fighting for me until they won my case! My family is so grateful!
Erin Huls
Erin Huls
18:22 16 Jul 19
I have worked with the Shannon Law Group for years. The firm is based on integrity and being available. They will give you honest and expert feedback and always take calls or get back to you right away. They are super friendly to work with and do a great job.
Robert Nell
Robert Nell
14:35 30 May 18
I've known Joe Shannon personally and professionally for 20 years and have referred friends and family members to him. He is intelligent, strategic, personable and a person of great integrity. I highly recommend Joe Shannon and his team.
Julie Carballo
Julie Carballo
15:36 24 Feb 18
I was involved in a head on collision with a wrong way driver. My car was totaled and my life was saved by safety restraints. Much to my surprise, my insurance company failed to properly represent me and I engaged Joe Shannon's services to recover my losses. Joe resolved the matter in a quick and cost effective manner. I have since referred a number of other individuals to the practice and they have all had very positive experiences and outcomes with Joe's firm. Joe is also very active in supporting the local community. I would recommend him without hesitation.
Daniel McMullen
Daniel McMullen
21:18 22 Feb 18
I had an excellent experience with the Shannon Law Group. Joe Shannon is a man of high integrity and compassion. When I contacted Joe, he quickly got back to me. He provided great legal advice and support during the case. I highly recommend the Shannon Law Group!
Laura Freeman
Laura Freeman
20:28 18 Feb 18
The Shannon Law Group should be your 1st choice for an attorney to represent you.They have the resources to help you in your dispute with Insurance CompaniesThe Shannon Group will even the playing field.They get Results ! Take it from meA very satisfied client Highly Recommended
Anthony Aceto
Anthony Aceto
15:34 17 Feb 18
Joe Shannon is an incredible lawyer backed by an amazing team. I referred a family to him and have been amazed at how his team has helped them when no other lawyers would. He isn't afraid of the tough cases - he knows how to win them. He works more than hard for his clients. He and his team build innovative strategies and execute with integrity and courage. Their approach brings results for their clients that most firms could never get. They care. They will fight for you. They are the people you want in your corner during what may be one of the most difficult challenges you face.
Sarah-Eva Marchese
Sarah-Eva Marchese
04:34 25 Jan 18