Chicago Birth Infections Lawyer
Last updated on February 25, 2026
An infection in a newborn can become life-threatening within hours. While some infections develop despite appropriate care, others result from missed warning signs, delayed treatment or improper precautions during pregnancy or delivery.
At Morrissey Legal Group, LLC, attorney Frank Morrissey represents Chicago families facing the consequences of preventable birth-related infections and birth injuries. Drawing on his experience handling complex malpractice cases, attorney Morrisey evaluates whether doctors and nurses followed accepted standards of care during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
What Birth Infections Can Harm A Newborn?
Certain newborn infections are known risks in obstetrics, and providers are trained to screen for and manage them. Common birth infections include:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS), which requires screening and antibiotics during labor
- E. coli, sometimes linked to unsanitary delivery practices
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which may require cesarean delivery if active lesions are present
- Chorioamnionitis, a uterine infection requiring immediate treatment
- Listeria, which can cross the placenta and threaten the fetus
With appropriate monitoring and intervention, many of these infections can be reduced or prevented.
How Do Infections Occur During Birth And What Are The Long-Term Effects?
Infections may arise during pregnancy, throughout labor or shortly after birth. Medical professionals must carefully track maternal symptoms, lab findings and fetal monitoring results. Negligence may involve:
- Failure to perform the required prenatal screening
- Delayed response to maternal fever or abnormal test results
- Improper sterile technique during delivery
- Failure to administer timely antibiotics
When infections progress, newborns may suffer sepsis, meningitis or developmental delays. These complications can require long-term medical care and therapy.
Was Your Baby’s Infection Caused By Medical Negligence?
Determining liability requires a detailed review of medical documentation. As your birth infections lawyer, attorney Frank Morrisey examines prenatal records, labor and delivery notes, fetal heart tracings, laboratory reports and neonatal intensive care records to identify deviations from accepted medical standards.
In Illinois, the time to file a birth injury claim depends on the circumstances and the child’s age.
Speak With Attorney Frank Morrissey
If you believe your child’s infection resulted from substandard medical care in Illinois, contact attorney Frank Morrissey at 312-815-5856 or complete the online contact form to schedule a free consultation.