How Oxygen Deprivation and Medical Errors Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy

 Posted on October 30, 2025 in Birth Injuries

Cerebral palsy happens when a baby’s brain is damaged before, during, or soon after birth. It affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. Some cases cannot be prevented. However, some are the result of medical mistakes made during labor or delivery. If your child suffered a birth injury, Schaumburg, IL medical malpractice lawyers can help. We will find out if a doctor or hospital error caused it and what legal steps you can take to protect your family.

What Happens When a Baby Loses Oxygen During Birth?

Oxygen is vital for every organ in a baby’s body, especially the brain. When the oxygen level drops too low, brain cells start to die in minutes. Doctors call this hypoxia when there is not enough oxygen and anoxia when there is no oxygen at all. One serious result of oxygen loss is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This condition happens when the brain does not get enough blood or oxygen, and it can lead to cerebral palsy.

During labor, doctors and nurses must monitor the baby’s heart rate and the mother’s vital signs closely. These readings show how the baby is handling labor. When there are signs of distress, such as a slow or irregular heartbeat, medical staff have to act right away. Delays or mistakes in responding can cause brain damage that lasts a lifetime.

Common Medical Errors That Can Lead to Oxygen Deprivation

Several preventable mistakes can cut off a baby’s oxygen supply before or during birth. Examples include:

• Failing to monitor the baby’s heart rate for distress

• Waiting too long to perform an emergency C-section

• Using delivery tools such as forceps or a vacuum extractor incorrectly

• Ignoring umbilical cord problems or a placental abruption

• Giving too much Pitocin or using it without proper monitoring

• Not recognizing or treating infections in the mother that affect oxygen flow

Each of these mistakes can cause permanent harm. Hospitals and doctors are required to follow accepted medical standards to keep mothers and babies safe. When they fail to uphold those standards, they can be held financially liable.

Illinois Laws About Birth Injury Cases

Illinois law gives families several protections when medical negligence causes harm. However, there are strict rules that must be followed when seeking accountability and compensation. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-212, the deadline for filing a malpractice claim is typically within two years of discovering the injury. Statute 735 ILCS 5/2-622 requires a written report from a qualified medical expert to support your claim.

These rules help make sure that only valid cases move forward and that medical experts support the claims. Families should act quickly to collect medical records, find witnesses, and talk with an attorney. Taking early steps helps protect important evidence and keeps the case on track with Illinois court requirements.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Palatine, IL Birth Injury Attorney Today

If your child developed cerebral palsy because of oxygen deprivation or medical errors, you deserve justice. The Schaumburg, IL medical malpractice lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP have many decades of combined experience. In that time, we have helped many families navigate complex birth injury cases. Our attorneys have earned millions of dollars in successful verdicts, but have also stayed deeply connected to our local communities and clients. Call 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation today with a team that values honesty, compassion, and strong advocacy.