Chicago Attorney For Birth Injuries And Developmental Delays
Last updated on March 26, 2026
Developmental delays may affect a child’s ability to reach milestones in areas such as speech, motor skills, cognition and social interactions. In some cases, delays may result from preventable birth injuries.
Morrissey Legal Group, LLC, has built a solid reputation advocating on behalf of families facing these challenges in Chicago and the surrounding area. Since 1993, firm founder, attorney Frank Morrissey, has zealously asserted his clients’ interests in Chicago courtrooms and around negotiation tables. He understands the medical, legal and emotional complexities involved in cases involving developmental delays.
What Are Child Developmental Delays?
Developmental delays occur when a child does not reach typical milestones at the expected times. These delays can manifest in several ways:
- Cognitive delays: Difficulty with thinking, learning or problem-solving
- Motor delays: Challenges with fine motor skills, like grasping objects or gross motor skills such as crawling and walking
- Speech and language delays: Limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences or challenges understanding spoken language
- Social-emotional delays: Trouble interacting with peers, expressing emotions appropriately or forming attachments
Attorney Frank Morrissey understands the types of delays, as they are critical to both medical treatment and legal claims in the Chicago area.
What Birth Injuries Are Linked To Developmental Delays?
Certain birth injuries have been linked to long-term developmental delays:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): Reduced oxygen to the brain during birth
- Cerebral palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone
- Erb’s palsy: Nerve injury in the shoulder, sometimes causing lasting physical limitations
- Brain bleeds or hemorrhages: Intracranial bleeding that can impact brain development
A detailed review of medical records, birth history and pediatric assessments by a qualified attorney and medical experts can help determine causation.
What Is The Timeline Of Developmental Delays?
Developmental delays can be noticed at different stages:
- Infancy (zero to 12 months): Delays in lifting the head, rolling over or grasping objects
- Toddler years (one to three years): Delays in walking, speaking first words or engaging socially
- Preschool years (three to five years): Difficulty with sentence formation, understanding instructions or performing fine motor tasks like drawing
Early identification can impact treatment plans and the strength of a birth injury case in Chicago.
Diagnostic Process And Early Intervention
Detecting developmental delays usually involves:
- Pediatric evaluations and milestone screenings
- Neurological or genetic assessments to rule out other causes
- Speech, occupational or physical therapy assessments for targeted interventions
Families should carefully document medical records, as this information is essential when working with an attorney to pursue a legal claim.
What Kind Of Medical Negligence During Labor/Delivery Can Cause Developmental Delays?
Some preventable factors that may contribute to birth injuries include:
- Improper monitoring of fetal heart rates
- Excessive force during delivery
- Failure to respond to signs of oxygen deprivation
A Chicago birth injury lawyer can help determine whether medical negligence contributed to a child’s developmental delay.
What Long-Term Care Considerations And Costs Are Involved With Developmental Delays?
Families can face lifelong medical, educational and therapeutic needs. Long-term care may involve:
- Regular therapy sessions, including physical, occupational and speech
- Special education programs
- Medical equipment or adaptive technologies
- Future surgeries or medical procedures
Attorney Frank Morrissey assists families in seeking compensation to help cover these ongoing costs in the Chicago region.
What Is The Illinois Statute Of Limitations Specific To Minors With Birth Injuries?
Illinois law allows children who have suffered birth injuries to file a claim before reaching a certain age.
Usually, a minor has until their 20th birthday to pursue legal action, though exceptions may apply. For example, if the injury or its connection to medical negligence was not discovered until later in life, the statute of limitations can sometimes be extended.
How Can You Tell If A Developmental Delay Is Genetic Or Unavoidable Versus Preventable?
Not every developmental delay is a birth injury. Some delays are caused by genetic conditions, chromosomal abnormalities or other factors. For example, certain neurological disorders, metabolic conditions or inherited syndromes may affect a child’s development regardless of the care received during labor and delivery.
Preventable birth injuries are those that could have been avoided with proper medical care. These include injuries from:
- Oxygen deprivation
- Failure to perform timely interventions
- Mismanagement of complications
In many cases, these injuries lead directly to cognitive, motor, speech or social-emotional delays.
At What Age Should I Be Concerned About Developmental Delays After A Difficult Birth?
Delays may be noticeable in infancy, toddler years or preschool. Any missed milestones should prompt consultation with a pediatrician and a birth injury lawyer in Chicago.
Can I Still Pursue A Birth Injury Case If My Child Was Not Diagnosed Until Age Three Or Tour?
Yes. Illinois law allows claims for minors diagnosed later, but prompt consultation with an attorney is crucial to help ensure the deadlines are met.
Protect Your Child’s Future: Contact A Developmental Delays Birth Injury Attorney Now
Attorney Frank Morrissey will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Call the firm at 312-815-5856 or complete the online form to discuss your child’s situation and explore your legal options here in Chicago. Consultations are always free.