Chicago Infant Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers With 80 Years Of Experience
Last updated on October 27, 2025
A spinal cord injury at birth is one of the most devastating injuries a newborn can face. These injuries can cause lifelong paralysis, loss of movement or serious developmental challenges, leaving parents overwhelmed and unsure of the future.
Some spinal cord injuries result from natural complications that doctors fail to recognize in time, while others occur because of medical negligence during delivery. At Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, we know the lasting impact these injuries create, and we fight to secure the resources your child will need for ongoing care and a better quality of life.
Types Of Infant Spinal Cord Injuries And Their Complications
An infant spinal cord injury happens when damage to the spinal cord blocks signals between the brain and the body. Since the spinal cord controls both movement and feeling, even a small injury can cause lifelong problems. The effects depend on where the injury occurs and its severity.
Common types of spinal cord injuries in newborns include:
- Paraplegia: Paralysis in the lower body and legs. Children often need wheelchairs or other mobility support.
- Quadriplegia: Paralysis in both arms and legs. In severe cases, it can also affect breathing and require lifelong care.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: Partial loss of movement or feeling below the injury site. Some functions may return with therapy, but challenges often remain.
Because these conditions usually require ongoing care, an experienced baby spinal cord injury lawyer can explain your legal options and help you seek compensation.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen During Birth
Spinal cord injuries in newborns can occur for different reasons. Sometimes natural complications create risks that doctors fail to recognize or treat in time. In other cases, mistakes in the delivery room directly cause harm.
Examples include:
- Natural complications: Breech position, a large baby or prolonged labor can strain the baby’s neck and spine. If doctors fail to act quickly. Such as ordering a C-section, the injury may worsen.
- Excessive force: Pulling too hard on the baby’s head, neck or spine during delivery can damage delicate nerves and tissue.
- Improper use of tools: Forceps or vacuum extractors, when used incorrectly, may cause severe trauma to the spinal cord.
These injuries often result in lifelong challenges, which makes it critical to understand your rights. An experienced Chicago spinal cord injury attorney can investigate what happened and guide you through your options for seeking compensation.
We Can Help You Take Legal Action And Seek Compensation
An infant spinal cord injury often requires lifelong care. For instance, parents may need to remodel their home for wheelchair access, install ramps or stair lifts and add vehicle lifts. Children may also need ongoing therapy, medical devices and in-home nursing.
Compensation from a birth injury claim can help cover these costs. When you work with Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, a skilled baby spinal cord injury lawyer investigates what happened, identifies negligence and pursues fair financial recovery.
Illinois law sets strict deadlines. In most cases, parents have two years to file after discovering the injury, and all claims must be filed before the child’s 22nd birthday. Acting quickly with an experienced baby spinal cord injury lawyer protects your right to seek justice.
Common Questions About Infant Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Birth injuries leave many parents with urgent questions. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns:
How does an infant’s spinal cord injury even occur?
They may result from delivery complications, excessive force or improper use of tools like forceps or vacuums.
What is the statute of limitations for a spinal injury claim in Illinois?
Parents generally have two years from discovery, and claims must be filed before the child turns 22.
Why should I use a lawyer to help with filing a birth injury claim?
An attorney investigates, proves negligence and fights for the compensation your child needs. They also handle deadlines and complex paperwork so you can focus on your child’s care.
If you have more questions about your case, don’t hesitate to contact our Illinois law office. Our team is here to help.
Talk To A Skilled Legal Advocate Today
At our firm, every case stays in-house – we never refer birth injury cases out. When you work with an experienced baby spinal cord injury lawyer, you get direct access to trial attorneys with decades of experience. Call 872-270-3625 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.