Birth injuries in Chicago could result in a wrongful death suit

healyscanlonveugelergannon • September 25, 2015

Many expectant parents in Chicago assume that childbirth is much safer now than it has been in years past. Unfortunately, this does not erase any possibility of mistakes. In fact, infants in Chicago do pass away due to injuries sustained during the childbirth process, injuries that in some cases can be directly attributed to physician negligence.

What are some examples of birth injuries that could result in death? One such injury is oxygen deprivation. This can be especially deadly if the infant has yet to leave the womb. It is important for physicians and medical staff to monitor the infant, to ensure the infant is receiving an adequate amount of oxygen. For example, the umbilical cord could become entangled around the neck of the infant, causing oxygen deprivation. In addition, issues with the mother’s placenta or the stress of the delivery process could also result in oxygen deprivation. Oxygen deprivation is a deadly scenario.

Also, it is important for the infant to receive an adequate amount of blood flow so that the infant’s organs, including the infant’s brain, function properly. If the infant’s blood flow is obstructed or cut off, these vital organs may cease working, leading to death. Again, proper management is essential; reduced blood flow could result from negligence on the part of the medical staff.

A problematic delivery could result in traumatic injuries that cause an infant’s death. While the use of a vacuum extractor or forceps is sometimes needed, it is possible to wield these instruments negligently, resulting in the infant’s death. Poor decision making in an emergency situation can also result in the infant’s death.

These are only some types of birth injuries that could result in the wrongful death of the infant–unfortunately there are many others. In the end, patients should be able to rely on medical staff to react appropriately to any type of situation. Sometimes proper monitoring is necessary, while other times decisive action needs to be taken. Nevertheless, otherwise preventable mistakes do occur. When they do and result in a fatality, the victim’s family needs to be aware that they may be able in some circumstances to seek compensation for the losses they suffered. A  Chicago medical malpractice  attorney may be a good source of information for birth injuries resulting in a wrongful death.

Source:  Birth Injury Guide, “ Infant Wrongful Death ,” Accessed Sept. 20, 2015

$1,000,000.00 Verdict

April 13, 2026
Attorneys Michael P. Scanlon and Timothy J. Ganshirt secured a $1,000,000.00 Verdict for their client, Jane Doe. Jane Doe was sexually assaulted by her acupuncturist when she went to his office for treatment. Prior to trial, the Defendant did not make a settlement offer. At trial, the Defendant's attorneys argued that Plaintiff consented and recommended that the jury award a maximum of $7,000 to $8,000 to the Plaintiff, if the jury were to award anything. Instead, the jury returned a verdict for $1,000,000.00. Michael and Tim are filing a motion to add interest, fees, and costs to the verdict. If granted, thetotal judgment could reach up to $1,234,333.06.  This case highlights the importance of making sure that you choose attorneys who are willing to go to trial to ensure your case gets the full value it deserves.

$40 Million Settlement

March 25, 2026
Matthew M. Gannon and Michael P. Scanlon secured $40,000,000 for an operating engineer who suffered from third degree burns following a blast at an industrial facility.