Maternal Brain Injuries
Pregnancy and childbirth should be a time of joy. However, when something goes wrong, it shatters your world. No one ever expects to face a brain injury during childbirth, but it can happen when doctors fail to monitor or treat warning signs. A missed diagnosis, untreated infection, or failure to control blood pressure can cause lifelong harm.
No mother should suffer because of mistreated maternal medical conditions, yet medical negligence is often the root cause of these injuries. A maternal stroke or brain trauma can leave a mother fighting for her life while her family struggles to understand what went wrong.
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we want to help you get the answers and compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your options regarding your case.
How Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys Can Help If You Are Injured During Childbirth
Maternal injuries steal the joy from childbirth. Now, instead of enjoying the first few weeks of your baby’s life, you’re facing a long road to recovery. Legal paperwork and insurance adjusters are the last things you need to deal with. Let us handle them for you.
Our team of experienced attorneys has fought for the rights of expectant mothers and their families in a wide range of medical malpractice cases. We have taken many cases to trial and secured life-changing results, including:
- A $50.3 million jury verdict for a child with severe birth injuries at an Evanston hospital
- A $13.3 million jury award for a child injured at birth in Cook County
One client, Rachel C., shared: “I can’t say enough positive things about my legal team of John, Mandy, and Heidi! Their responsiveness and communication kept me well informed throughout the process and put me at bay as things can be very frustrating and daunting as you go through the litigation process. … Their hard work ultimately led me to a successful settlement. I highly recommend them!”
Our team of over 20 litigators and dozens of support staff is ready to fight for families facing maternal brain injuries caused by medical negligence, including by:
- Obtaining medical records and expert opinions
- Gathering evidence to prove negligence
- Pursuing maximum compensation for your losses
- Negotiating for the total compensation you deserve
- Taking your case to trial if negotiations produce unsatisfactory results
How Can a Mother Suffer a Brain Injury During Pregnancy or Labor?
A woman’s body goes through considerable change before, during, and after delivery. While some changes are normal and not a cause for concern, a mother’s health can shift rapidly in response to:
- High blood pressure, which raises the risk of a maternal stroke
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are conditions characterized by sharply elevated blood pressure and seizures
- Hemorrhage, including internal bleeding that may not be immediately detected
- Blood clot formation, particularly when a patient is immobilized or has a history of circulatory problems
- Untreated infections that spread and damage tissues, including brain tissue
Not all of these risks will lead to a maternal brain injury, but doctors need to stay alert and act quickly when warning signs appear. When medical teams fail to monitor a mother’s health or delay critical treatment, a postpartum brain injury can happen — one that may require long-term care and change a family’s future forever.
Doctors are still uncovering the link between pregnancy and brain injuries, but early screening and treatment can prevent serious complications. Monitoring heart health and addressing risks gives expectant mothers the care they need to stay safe. Every mother deserves that attention.
How Can Medical Malpractice Cause Maternal Brain Injuries?
Medical malpractice happens when doctors, nurses, or other providers fail to give mothers the care they deserve. This can mean a missed diagnosis, lack of follow-up, or poor communication between the medical team.
Even one mistake during pregnancy or delivery can have serious consequences, such as the following:
- Delayed Detection of Maternal Blood Pressure Problems – When doctors do not monitor or properly respond to high blood pressure, serious complications like preeclampsia, eclampsia, or a maternal stroke can develop.
- Failure to Order Necessary Imaging or Tests – If important scans or lab work are missed, it can prevent early detection of a brain injury, delaying critical treatment.
- Mismanaged Medications – Incorrect doses for pain, infection, or blood pressure can push a mother into a dangerous condition during labor.
- Lack of Surgical Readiness – If a hospital is unprepared for an emergency C-section or unexpected bleeding, delays can cut off oxygen to the brain.
When maternal brain injuries happen because of negligent medical care, families are left facing ever-growing medical bills while the mother struggles through physical and cognitive recovery. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our maternal brain injuries lawyers can fight to hold every responsible party accountable and seek the financial support your family needs.
Damages Recoverable in Illinois Medical Malpractice Cases
When you file a malpractice claim in Illinois, you may be able to receive compensation for the following:
- Hospital and doctor bills for emergency care or extended inpatient stays
- Physical therapy or speech therapy if the maternal brain injury affected motor skills or cognitive function
- Home modifications to accommodate changes in mobility
- Lost wages if the injured mother cannot return to work for an extended period
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress linked to the malpractice
Every case is different, and we will work to prove the full impact of your losses. If mistreated maternal medical conditions led to your injuries, our attorneys will fight for compensation that reflects the full toll the malpractice has taken on your life.
Contact Our Experienced Medical Malpractice and Birth Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you believe a brain injury during childbirth or postpartum brain injury was caused by medical negligence, we’re in your corner to fight for you. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we want to hear your story, review every detail, and explain your legal options. Our free consultation is a chance to get answers without pressure or obligation. Further, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your case.
It’s heartbreaking to watch a joyous moment turn into uncertainty, but our attorneys are here for you. We’ll move quickly to preserve evidence and build the strongest case possible. All the legalities and insurance battles are for us to take care of, not you. You need to rest, heal, and be with your family. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today.