Can Not Having a Neonatologist Cause a Birth Injury?

 Posted on July 22, 2025 in Birth Injury

Timing is critical during labor and delivery, especially when there are complications. Neonatologists are doctors who specialize in newborn care, and they are often needed immediately after delivery for high-risk births. When a hospital delays calling this specialist, a baby can suffer serious and lifelong harm. If your child was injured and you suspect a delay in care contributed to or caused this injury, you might have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Illinois law protects families harmed by medical negligence. If your baby suffered a birth injury due to a delay in involving a neonatologist, speak with a qualified Chicago, IL personal injury lawyer about your options for seeking accountability and financial compensation.

How Can a Delay in Calling a Neonatologist Harm a Newborn?

A neonatologist is often called when a baby is premature, shows signs of distress, or is at risk for birth complications such as low oxygen levels. If hospital staff wait too long to involve this specialist, it can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions including neonatal hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain), brain bleeds, infection or sepsis, or cerebral palsy.

The sooner a neonatologist can intervene, the better the chances of preventing permanent injury. Hospitals are responsible for making sure the right specialists are available and consulted promptly when needed.

Is a Delay or Failure of Neonatal Care Considered Medical Malpractice in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, including 735 ILCS 5/2-622, a hospital or medical provider can be held liable for failing to meet the accepted standard of care. In birth injury cases, this standard includes involving a neonatologist in a timely manner when the situation calls for it.

If the delay led to your baby suffering preventable harm, you may have a valid claim. These cases often require expert medical testimony to show that earlier intervention could have made a difference.

What Should I Do if I Suspect My Baby Was Harmed by a Delay in Care?

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and unable to handle a legal case after a traumatic birth experience. Unfortunately, if you believe a delay in care caused your child’s injury, you have no time to waste. Illinois birth injury lawsuits must typically be filed within eight years of the injury under 735 ILCS 5/13-212(b), but starting the legal process early improves your chances of success.

An experienced Chicago birth injury attorney can help you by:

• Reviewing medical records and timelines

• Consulting with neonatal and obstetric experts

• Identifying signs of negligence, such as staff miscommunication or protocol failures

• Calculating the full extent of your child’s current and future needs

Contact a Cook County, IL Birth Injury Lawyer

If you believe your baby was harmed because a hospital did not call a neonatologist in time, contact a Chicago, IL birth injury attorney at Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd.. Our team will handle your case with care and determination while guiding you through your legal options. We pride ourselves on our ability to help you navigate this process with compassion while aggressively seeking the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 312-462-4200.