When a child suffers a birth injury due to medical negligence, the emotional and financial burden can be devastating for the entire family. You can recover compensation in a Chicago birth injury case for medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, pain and suffering, and more. At Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois, we help families secure justice and financial support after tragic birth injuries. We understand that no amount of money can erase the trauma, but compensation can ensure your child receives the lifelong care they deserve.
Understanding Birth Injury Compensation in Chicago
A birth injury claim allows parents to hold medical professionals accountable for preventable errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. The compensation awarded depends on the severity of the injury, the medical expenses involved, and the impact on the child’s future. In Chicago, Illinois, victims may pursue both economic and non-economic damages, which cover measurable financial losses and the emotional suffering that accompanies them.
At Phillips Law Offices, we have decades of experience representing families whose children have suffered due to mistakes by doctors, nurses, or hospitals. Our team examines medical records, consults experts, and builds a strong case to prove that your child’s injury could—and should—have been prevented.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Birth Injury Case
1. Medical Expenses
The most immediate and often the largest category of compensation involves medical costs. These include current and future expenses related to your child’s treatment. Birth injuries often require long-term care, including surgeries, medications, therapy, and specialized equipment.
If your child’s injury results in a condition such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage, medical expenses can continue for a lifetime. Compensation should account for hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even home modifications. At Phillips Law Offices, we work with medical experts to calculate an accurate value that reflects both present and future costs so you are not left struggling years down the road.
2. Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional distress caused by a birth injury can be immense—for both the child and the parents. Pain and suffering compensation seeks to acknowledge this harm. Although no dollar amount can replace your child’s health, this compensation helps families regain a sense of justice and peace.
Illinois law recognizes the profound emotional impact that medical negligence can cause. We work diligently to show how the injury has affected your family’s daily life, your child’s quality of life, and your ability to find normalcy after the event. Emotional trauma, stress, and depression are all factored into this type of compensation.
3. Future Care and Special Needs Costs
Children who suffer severe birth injuries may need lifelong support. Compensation for future care ensures that your child can live as independently and comfortably as possible. This may include costs for in-home nursing, mobility aids, medical devices, and adaptive education programs.
Phillips Law Offices collaborates with financial and medical planners to project your child’s future needs accurately. This allows us to seek an award that truly secures your child’s financial and medical future. These calculations are critical, as once a settlement is finalized, it must cover all foreseeable needs for decades.
4. Lost Income and Earning Potential
A serious birth injury affects not just your child but your family’s financial stability. Parents often miss work or leave jobs entirely to care for their child. Compensation can include lost wages for time missed and loss of future earning capacity if your child’s condition prevents them from ever working as an adult.
Illinois courts recognize that these indirect losses are significant. Our attorneys ensure that your claim reflects every financial impact, including lost promotions, early retirement, or reduced household income due to caregiving responsibilities.
5. Punitive Damages
In cases where a medical provider’s conduct was reckless or grossly negligent, Illinois law may allow punitive damages. These are not tied to your actual losses but are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. While not awarded in every case, punitive damages can substantially increase the total compensation if medical negligence was especially severe.
Factors That Determine the Value of a Birth Injury Claim
The value of your claim depends on several factors. The extent of the injury, the child’s long-term prognosis, and the degree of negligence all play crucial roles. Courts also consider whether medical professionals failed to meet the accepted standard of care expected in Illinois hospitals.
A case involving mild nerve damage may result in smaller compensation compared to one involving permanent brain injury or paralysis. Phillips Law Offices in Chicago thoroughly investigates each element of your case to determine the full scope of damages. We ensure that your family receives every dollar you are entitled to, holding negligent parties accountable for their mistakes.
Common Birth Injuries That May Lead to Compensation
Certain injuries often indicate medical negligence. Common examples include:
- Cerebral palsy caused by lack of oxygen during birth
- Erb’s palsy or brachial plexus injuries from improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Brain damage resulting from delayed C-section or fetal distress
- Fractures and nerve injuries caused by improper handling
- Shoulder dystocia complications during delivery
Each of these conditions can lead to long-term disabilities requiring specialized care. Compensation is designed to cover both the emotional and financial toll these injuries impose on families.
How Phillips Law Offices Helps You Recover Maximum Compensation
At Phillips Law Offices, Chicago, our experienced attorneys have successfully represented families across Illinois in complex medical malpractice and birth injury cases. We take a compassionate yet aggressive approach to hold negligent doctors, nurses, and hospitals accountable.
Our team conducts a comprehensive investigation that includes reviewing medical charts, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with independent medical experts. We build strong, evidence-backed claims to ensure that your case stands firm in negotiations or at trial. Our goal is simple: to recover the maximum compensation possible so your child can have a secure and dignified future.
Time Limits for Filing a Birth Injury Claim in Illinois
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for birth injury cases can vary depending on the circumstances. Generally, parents have two years from the date of discovering the injury to file a claim. However, because birth injuries may not become apparent until later, the law often extends the deadline until the child’s eighth birthday in certain cases.
Despite these exceptions, it is critical to act quickly. Medical evidence and witness statements can fade over time. By contacting Phillips Law Offices as soon as possible, you ensure your attorney has the best chance to preserve evidence and build a solid case before deadlines expire.
Why Choose Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois
Families across Illinois trust Phillips Law Offices because of our proven track record in birth injury litigation. We combine legal excellence with a personal approach, keeping families informed and supported at every step. Our attorneys are known for fighting tirelessly for the rights of injured children, ensuring that justice and financial recovery go hand in hand.
We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for your family. That’s why we offer a Free Consultation and operate on a No Fee Unless You Win basis. You do not pay us unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Phillips Law Offices Today
If your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, you deserve answers, justice, and financial relief. Contact Phillips Law Offices at (312) 598-1829 or visit us at 161 N Clark St, Suite 4925, Chicago, IL. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless You Win
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