What Mistakes Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy in a Newborn?
- Delayed C-Section or Ignored Fetal Distress – Prolonged oxygen deprivation during labor often injures the infant brain.
- Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum – Excessive traction can cause skull fractures or intracranial bleeding.
- Umbilical Cord Emergencies – Untreated cord prolapse or placental abruption cuts off vital oxygen.
- Failure to Prevent or Treat Infection – Maternal chorioamnionitis or neonatal meningitis can produce permanent brain damage.
Each lapse violates accepted standards of obstetric care. Our attorneys secure complete medical records and consult leading neonatologists to map exactly how the harm occurred.
Could Uncommon Errors Also Result in Cerebral Palsy?
Yes, rare mistakes can be just as devastating.
- Untreated Newborn Jaundice (Kernicterus) may allow toxic bilirubin to scar brain tissue.
- Medication or Anesthesia Overdose such as excessive Pitocin can trigger dangerous uterine contractions and fetal hypoxia.
- Improper Neonatal Handling, like dropping or shaking an infant, creates traumatic brain injury.
- Undiagnosed Maternal Preeclampsia can produce abrupt fetal distress during delivery.
Our Ellicott City CP lawyers scrutinize every unusual angle so families never wonder “what if.”
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Birth Injury Causing Cerebral Palsy?
- Delivering Obstetrician or Nurses who missed signs of danger.
- Hospital or Birthing Center that lacked staffing, training, or safe equipment.
- Anesthesiologist or Pediatric Specialist whose negligence compounded the injury.
We routinely name all responsible parties to ensure full compensation.
How Do I Know if My Child’s Cerebral Palsy Was Caused by Negligence?
Several red flags suggest malpractice:
- A chaotic delivery with last-minute emergencies that could have been anticipated.
- Very low Apgar scores, seizures, or NICU ventilation right after birth.
- Medical records noting “birth asphyxia,” “brain bleed,” or “trauma” without clear explanation.
Only a legal-medical investigation confirms fault. Our Ellicott City cerebral palsy attorneys offer free reviews and arrange expert chart analysis within days.
What Should I Do if I Suspect Medical Negligence?
- Obtain Complete Records from labor, delivery, NICU, and follow-up visits.
- Document Your Child’s Development such as therapy notes, milestones, adaptive equipment.
- Consult a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Quickly; we front all expert fees.
- Decline Early Settlement Offers until independent counsel values lifetime needs.
These steps protect evidence and build a stronger claim.
How Can an Ellicott City Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Help My Family?
- We investigate the cause with leading obstetric, neurology, and life-care experts.
- We manage every legal detail including deadlines, filings, and depositions so you focus on your child.
- We fight for comprehensive funding including therapy, home modifications, and future nursing care.
- We provide steady, compassionate guidance in meetings, court, or at your kitchen table.
“I am so glad I chose this firm! They make the process appear easy. Jim Cardea and his team were very receptive to my feedback as a client, responsive and quick to provide updates, and accommodating. I highly recommend contracting with them for your needs. They were present during difficult times which made me feel at ease.” – LA J.
What Compensation Can We Recover in a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit?
- Medical Expenses – surgeries, hospital stays, medications.
- Therapy & Assistive Equipment – PT, OT, speech, wheelchairs, communication devices.
- Long-Term Care & Education – special-education aides, in-home nursing, trust planning.
- Pain and Suffering – diminished quality of life for child and parents.
- Loss of Future Earnings – where disability prevents independent employment.
Our economists project total lifetime costs, often millions, and attorney Kerry Staton presents those figures to insurers or juries.
When Should I Contact a Cerebral Palsy Attorney in Maryland?
Act as soon as CP is suspected. Early action preserves electronic fetal monitoring strips and fresh witness memories. Even if your child is still an infant, an initial assessment can unlock therapy funds sooner.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Cerebral Palsy Malpractice Case?
Yes. Maryland generally allows parents to file until the child’s 21st birthday, but a separate “certificate of qualified expert” must be submitted within 90 days of suit. Waiting risks lost evidence. We file well ahead of every deadline.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?
You pay no upfront fees. We operate on a contingency-fee basis: we advance all litigation costs and collect a percentage only if we recover compensation. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Will We Have to Go to Court or Do Most Cases Settle?
Most CP claims settle after rigorous negotiation, sparing families a trial. Still, attorney Jonathan Schochor prepares every case for court and has won significant verdicts when insurers refused fair offers. You choose whether to accept a settlement; we supply clear guidance.
Do You Handle Cerebral Palsy Cases in Columbia, Catonsville, and Howard County?
Absolutely. Our team serves families throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Catonsville, and Elkridge. Familiarity with Howard County General Hospital and area specialists speeds investigations and expert recruitment.
How Do I Contact an Ellicott City Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?
If you suspect medical negligence caused your child’s CP, reach out today:
- Free Consultation: (410) 234-1000, we answer 24/7.
- Visit Our Office: 1211 St Paul St, Baltimore MD, or request a home/virtual meeting.
- Online Form: Send details any time and we’ll respond promptly.
Our Ellicott City cerebral palsy attorneys are ready to support your family and fight for the resources your child deserves. Contact us now to begin your path toward justice and healing.
