Did Medical Negligence Cause My Baby’s Stroke?

 Posted on May 23, 2025 in Birth Injury

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Many people think that only older people experience strokes. However, even a fetus still in its mother’s womb can have a stroke. Perinatal strokes are those that occur during gestation or up to 28 days after birth. It is estimated that approximately 2,500 U.S. children suffer a perinatal stroke each year. This figure may be low, as perinatal strokes may go undiagnosed.

Damage to a baby’s brain from a stroke can have lifelong, severe effects. When medical negligence contributes to this form of birth injury, parents may be able to obtain compensation. These cases are challenging, but our skilled Chicago, IL birth injuries attorneys are highly effective advocates.

What Can Cause a Fetal or Neonatal Stroke?

Fetal strokes happen in the womb during pregnancy, while neonatal strokes occur in the infant’s first 28 days after birth. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of these strokes. Placental problems, such as placental abruption and placenta previa, can lead to the fetus not getting enough oxygen. Birth asphyxia also limits oxygen flow to the baby’s brain.

Maternal conditions, like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, along with maternal or infant infections, increase stroke risks. Trauma to the baby’s head during delivery can also lead to a stroke. Medical professionals should know the warning signs for perinatal strokes and be prepared to take immediate action.

What Long-Term Effects Can Result From a Perinatal Stroke?

In many cases, the damage a stroke causes to an infant’s brain is permanent. Developmental problems, language and speech difficulties, and cognitive impairments are common. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizure disorders, and cerebral palsy are also possible.

Your child may require various forms of therapy and medical treatments. He or she may need adaptive equipment and special education. Caring for a child who suffered serious complications from a stroke can adversely affect your family’s overall well-being. If medical negligence contributed to your child’s stroke or condition, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.

What Kinds of Medical Negligence Can Contribute to a Perinatal Stroke?

To be eligible for compensation, you must prove that the harm your child suffered could have been prevented with appropriate medical treatment. Medical negligence in fetal and neonatal stroke cases could include:

• Failing to diagnose or treat infections
• Inadequate maternal and fetal monitoring
• Failing to order appropriate diagnostic tests
• Failing to investigate the causes of a low Apgar score properly
• Failing to recognize the symptoms of a stroke
• Delaying or failing to perform a C-section
• Improper use of delivery instruments
• Failing to treat a perinatal stroke promptly and correctly
• Misdiagnosing a fetal or neonatal stroke

To secure full compensation in cases of medical negligence, you need evidence. Not everyone, including other attorneys, is familiar with birth injury cases or knows the kinds of evidence to look for.

Working with one of our knowledgeable lawyers gives you several advantages. Because we focus on birth injuries, we are intimately familiar with medical causes and effects. We know how to calculate your damages correctly and can present a compelling case on your behalf, whether in settlement negotiations or court.

Speak to Our Dedicated Chicago, IL Fetal Stroke Attorneys

Fetal and neonatal strokes can cause severe brain damage that could have lifelong effects on your child. When you choose Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., our goal is to help you collect every penny of compensation you deserve. Request your free consultation with one of our determined Cook County, IL birth injuries lawyers today by calling 312-462-4200 or contacting us online.