Compassionate Chicago Stillbirth Injury Lawyer You Can Trust
Last updated on October 27, 2025
Losing a child to stillbirth is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can face. While some stillbirths occur despite proper medical care, others happen because warning signs were missed or providers failed to act. In those situations, families deserve answers and accountability.
At Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, our attorneys carefully investigate whether medical negligence played a role and work to hold doctors, hospitals and other providers responsible when they fail to meet the standard of care. A dedicated Chicago stillbirth injury lawyer from our team can guide you through your options and fight for the justice your family deserves.
How Often Do Stillbirths Occur?
Stillbirth is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in every 175 births in the United States ends in stillbirth. Each year, that means around 21,000 babies are stillborn nationwide.
In Illinois, the stillbirth rate is 5.82 per 1,000 live births, a number that represents hundreds of families across the state facing this heartbreaking outcome each year.
What Causes Stillbirths And Who Is At Risk?
Stillbirth can occur for many reasons, but far too often it happens because medical providers fail to recognize warning signs or act quickly enough during pregnancy and delivery. A skilled Chicago birth injury lawyer can help determine whether negligence played a role in your case.
Common causes of stillbirth include:
- Placental problems, such as placental abruption or reduced blood flow
- Umbilical cord complications, including knots or cord prolapse
- Untreated maternal infections during pregnancy
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Poorly managed gestational diabetes
- Birth defects or genetic abnormalities
- Fetal growth restriction (baby not growing as expected)
- Lack of oxygen during labor and delivery
Some factors can also increase the risk of stillbirth. These include, but are not limited to:
- Advanced maternal age
- Obesity
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets or more)
- A prior history of pregnancy loss
- Limited access to prenatal care
Doctors and nurses know these risks and receive training to respond to them. They must order extra tests, monitor the pregnancy closely and act quickly when complications appear. When they fail to provide this level of care, the consequences can be tragic.
How Medical Negligence Leads To Stillbirth
Not every stillbirth can be prevented, but many happen because medical staff or hospitals fail to provide proper care. When providers ignore warning signs or delay treatment, their mistakes can cost a child’s life. In these cases, a Chicago stillbirth injury lawyer can help families hold them accountable.
Negligence often occurs when medical staff:
- Fail to monitor fetal distress during pregnancy or labor
- Overlook risk factors like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or infection
- Misread ultrasounds, lab results or other tests
- Delay a needed C-section
- Use unsafe practices during labor and delivery
To prove negligence, we show four key elements:
- Duty of care: The health care provider had a responsibility to provide care that met accepted medical standards.
- Breach of duty: The provider failed to meet those standards by ignoring risk factors, misreading test results or delaying treatment.
- Causation: The provider’s mistake directly caused or contributed to the stillbirth.
- Damages: The family suffered measurable harm, including emotional, financial and sometimes physical consequences.
At Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, our medical negligence attorneys build strong cases by reviewing records, working with experts and identifying exactly where care fell short. We focus on giving families answers and fighting for the justice they deserve.
The Deadline For Filing Stillbirth Injury Cases In Illinois
In Illinois, we must file medical malpractice lawsuits within a strict statute of limitations, often two years from when the negligence was discovered. Even if compensation does not feel urgent right now, we encourage you to contact us promptly so we can protect your rights and ensure your case can move forward.
Providing Immediate Answers To Common Stillbirth Questions
Losing a child to stillbirth leaves many parents searching for answers. These FAQs can help you take the first steps toward clarity.
What are the causes of stillbirth injuries?
Stillbirth can happen for different reasons. Some causes include problems with the placenta or umbilical cord, untreated infections, preeclampsia or a delayed C-section. When doctors or nurses miss these warning signs or fail to act, their mistakes can lead to a preventable tragedy.
How can hiring a stillbirth injury lawyer make things right with what I’ve gone through?
A Chicago stillbirth injury lawyer can’t undo your loss, but they can hold negligent providers accountable. By reviewing medical records, working with experts and showing where care failed, your lawyer can help you recover compensation for expenses like medical bills, funeral costs and counseling. This process can give you answers and a sense of justice.
What is the usual timeline to receive compensation after filing a wrongful death lawsuit for my stillbirth?
Every case is different. Some resolve in a few months through settlement, while others may take a year or longer if they go to trial. A Chicago stillbirth injury lawyer will keep your case moving and fight to get you fair results in a timely manner.
Talk To A Chicago Stillbirth Injury Lawyer Today
Losing a child to stillbirth is heartbreaking, and no family should face it alone. Contact 872-270-3625 today to speak with an experienced Chicago stillbirth injury lawyer. We offer free consultations and are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.