Wheaton Fetal Acidosis Lawyers

Parents in Wheaton turn to experienced counsel when a newborn is harmed by oxygen deprivation. Jonathan Schochor, a leading Wheaton fetal acidosis lawyer, and Kerry Staton, a trusted fetal acidosis attorney serving Wheaton families, guide every case with nearly four decades of birth-injury experience. Our attorneys combine rigorous investigation with genuine compassion. We understand the shock of hearing your baby’s blood turned “acidic,” and we fight so you can focus on healing.

From Wheaton and Glenmont to Aspen Hill, Kensington, and Silver Spring, families across Montgomery County rely on our team. We work closely with local facilities such as Holy Cross Hospital, which delivers over 10,000 babies each year, to secure all records quickly. Call (410) 234-1000 anytime for a free consultation. We charge nothing unless we win.

What Is Fetal Acidosis and How Does It Harm Newborns?

Fetal acidosis occurs when a baby’s blood pH drops below roughly 7.35 because oxygen is cut off. During hypoxia, cells switch to anaerobic metabolism and produce lactic acid, allowing dangerous acid levels to build within minutes.

Excess acid injures fragile brain tissue, triggering seizures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy. National data show about 1 in 33 infants sustains a birth injury, and acidosis is among the most devastating.

Prompt recognition and intervention such as maternal oxygen, position changes, or emergency cesarean can prevent lasting harm. When those steps do not happen, negligence may be to blame.

How Does Medical Negligence Cause Fetal Acidosis?

Medical teams must constantly monitor fetal heart rate tracings during labor. Ignoring persistent late decelerations, failing to adjust oxytocin, or delaying a needed C-section allows acid to build.

Ignoring fetal distress: Nurses who misread ominous strips may leave a baby hypoxic too long.

Misuse of Pitocin: Over-stimulation (tachysystole) squeezes the placenta until oxygen stops flowing.

Delayed C-section: Even a 20-minute wait can mean permanent brain damage.

When caregivers violate the standard of care, our Wheaton fetal acidosis attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea prove every failure and seek accountability.

What Delivery Errors Commonly Lead to Fetal Acidosis?

Several predictable complications deprive a fetus of oxygen:

Placental Problems – Abruption or Insufficiency
A prematurely detached or aging placenta cannot feed the baby, causing rapid acid buildup.
Umbilical Cord Issues – Compression or Prolapse
A pinched, knotted, or prolapsed cord can strangle oxygen within seconds.
Prolonged or Obstructed Labor – Shoulder Dystocia, Macrosomia, Malposition
Long, difficult deliveries exhaust the baby and raise acid levels.

Each scenario is manageable with vigilant care. Fetal acidosis usually happens only when providers fail to act.

Can Rare Complications Also Cause Fetal Acidosis?

Yes. Our Wheaton fetal acidosis lawyers have litigated uncommon emergencies:

Uterine Rupture – A torn uterus suddenly halts placental blood flow.
Excessive Contractions (Tachysystole) – Over-administered Pitocin leaves no oxygen recovery time between contractions.
Severe Maternal Crises – Eclampsia, Hemorrhage, Amniotic Fluid Embolism – Maternal collapse starves the fetus within moments.
True Knot in the Cord – A tightening knot during descent unexpectedly cuts circulation.

Even in rare events, doctors must act instantly. When they do not, we hold them responsible.

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What Are the Signs of Fetal Acidosis in a Newborn?

Warning signs often appear at delivery. A low Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, weak cry, limp tone, or breathing trouble can signal acidosis. Doctors may document meconium-stained fluid or order an umbilical cord blood-gas test confirming low pH. In the NICU, seizures, poor feeding, or abnormal EEG activity may surface within hours. Parents who saw their baby rushed to intensive care should ask whether fetal acidosis was missed.

What Long-Term Disabilities Can Result from Fetal Acidosis?

Unresolved acidosis can cause permanent injury. Common outcomes include cerebral palsy, developmental delays, seizure disorders, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Some children also face paralysis, vision or hearing loss, or death.

Lifetime therapy, medical devices, and special education may cost millions. While no amount of money erases harm, compensation secures critical care and stability.

How Do I File a Fetal Acidosis Malpractice Claim in Maryland?

Maryland law allows a suit when substandard care causes injury. A claimant must prove duty, breach, causation, and damages. The general deadline is five years from injury or three years from discovery, but filing on behalf of a minor should not wait past the child’s 11th birthday.

First, we obtain prenatal, labor, and NICU records, plus monitor strips. We consult board-certified OB/GYN and neonatology experts to show exactly how a delay, such as failing to order a C-section, breached the standard of care.

We file a Certificate of Qualified Expert, navigate Maryland’s pre-suit process, and move quickly to preserve evidence. Jonathan Schochor, a Wheaton fetal acidosis lawyer, and Kerry Staton, a respected Wheaton birth-injury attorney, advance every case on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.

What Compensation Can You Recover for a Fetal Acidosis Injury?

A successful claim can cover:

Medical Expenses – Past and future hospital bills, surgeries, and medications.

Therapy & Rehabilitation – Ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Assistive Care & Equipment – Wheelchairs, communication devices, and home modifications.

Education & Developmental Services – Special schooling and early-intervention programs.

Lost Earning Capacity – Income your child may never earn.

Pain & Suffering – Non-economic damages for diminished quality of life.

Family Losses – Parents’ lost wages or emotional distress when allowed.

Our Wheaton fetal acidosis attorneys build detailed Life Care Plans with experts to secure every dollar the law permits.

What Wheaton Families Say About Our Birth Injury Lawyers

“Kerry Staton and Josh Kahn handled my case extremely well. From the first contact up to the outcome, along with team (sic), they were very professional and provided great counsel.” – Laetitia March-Nulton

“SSGC provided exceptional service with a perfect balance of professionalism and personable care. Their knowledgeable team explained every detail clearly, leaving no question unanswered. Their attention to detail and commitment to client success set them apart. Highly recommended for anyone seeking expert, legal guidance. Unmatched representation!” – David V.