The Pikesville Erb’s Palsy lawyer Jonathan Schochor has spent decades turning medical mistakes into meaningful recoveries. Our partner Kerry Staton, a respected Pikesville birth-injury attorney, shares that mission. Together, we at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea, P.A. have tried or settled more than a hundred brachial-plexus and related claims, recovering life-changing funds for families across Baltimore County.
Our goal is simple: ensure every child harmed by negligent delivery practices receives the therapy, surgeries, and assistive technology they will need for a lifetime. We listen first, explain options in plain language, and shoulder the legal burden so parents can focus on their child’s health. If you are worried about bills, long-term care, or whether a hospital’s early offer is fair, call (443) 909-2792 for a free, confidential consultation, day or night.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is a brachial-plexus nerve injury that weakens or paralyzes a newborn’s shoulder and arm. Roughly one to two of every 1,000 U.S. births end in this condition, meaning several Pikesville families may face it each year. Early signs include a limp arm, limited range of motion, and decreased grip strength. While many infants regain movement with therapy, some require nerve-graft surgery and still experience lifelong functional limits. Understanding the injury helps parents recognize when medical negligence may have played a role.
How Does Erb’s Palsy Happen?
Most cases arise during difficult vaginal deliveries involving shoulder dystocia, excessive traction, or improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors. Risk factors include macrosomia, breech position, maternal diabetes, and prolonged labor. Local hospitals such as Sinai, Northwest, and GBMC follow clear obstetric guidelines. McRoberts maneuver, suprapubic pressure, or timely Caesarean section—to manage these dangers. When providers ignore or delay these safeguards, Maryland law calls that breach of duty medical malpractice.
Maryland Legal Process for Erb’s Palsy Claims
Maryland treats Erb’s palsy lawsuits as medical malpractice actions that begin in the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office. Parents must first file a claim and an expert-witness certificate before the case can move to circuit court. The statute of limitations is generally five years from the date of injury or three years from discovery, whichever is earlier, so acting quickly preserves evidence and options.
Non-economic damages are capped by statute, but economic losses such as lifelong therapy, adaptive equipment, and lost earning capacity are uncapped. Our Pikesville medical malpractice lawyers guide families through each procedural step, hire leading obstetric experts, and front all litigation costs so no client pays out of pocket while the case is pending.
Real-World Case Scenarios
- Shoulder Dystocia Ignored
A 10-pound baby at a Pikesville facility became stuck at the shoulders. The obstetrician applied downward force instead of repositioning or ordering a C-section. Erb’s palsy attorney Jonathan Schochor proved the deviation from standard care and secured funds for lifelong occupational therapy and a college-savings trust. - Vacuum Extraction Error
During a routine delivery, a resident used a vacuum extractor for convenience, causing traction on the infant’s brachial plexus. Pikesville Erb’s palsy lawyer Kerry Staton demonstrated that expectant management would have avoided injury, leading to a seven-figure settlement that covers future surgeries. - Breech Birth Without Surgical Backup
A clinic attempted a foot-first delivery without an anesthesiologist on standby. The child now needs adaptive devices to dress and feed independently. The Pikesville birth-injury attorneys at our firm recovered damages earmarked for adaptive-technology upgrades every decade. - Repeat Negligence
Parents who previously experienced a safe birth were not warned of shoulder dystocia risk with a larger second baby. After injury, the hospital offered a modest sum. Our Pikesville Erb’s palsy legal advocates renegotiated for full lifetime care costs, showing early offers seldom reflect true value. - Language-Barrier Breakdown
Delivery instructions were given only in English to a Tagalog-speaking mother. Miscommunication delayed urgent maneuvers, causing nerve damage. Pikesville birth-injury lawyer Jonathan Schochor highlighted the hospital’s duty to provide interpreters and financed an in-community therapy program as part of the award.
Each scenario underscores why immediate legal review matters: deadlines run, memories fade, and low initial offers can forfeit vital resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still sue if the hospital already offered money?
Yes. Early payouts often cover only short-term needs. A thorough legal evaluation calculates lifelong therapy, surgery, and lost-income costs. Our Pikesville Erb’s palsy lawyers routinely renegotiate or reject inadequate offers to obtain full compensation.
Will a lawsuit affect my child’s ongoing medical care?
No. Providers cannot reduce or refuse treatment because a claim is filed. Records remain confidential, and malpractice insurers, not individual doctors, fund settlements. Families receive care without retaliation.
Who can be held responsible?
Obstetricians, nurses, midwives, anesthesiologists, and the hospital itself may share liability. Pikesville medical malpractice attorney Kerry Staton names every negligent party to maximize recovery and encourage safer future practices.
What if my child’s Erb’s palsy seems mild?
Even mild cases require years of physical therapy and may limit sports or employment options. Maryland law allows claims for future medical costs, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering, regardless of severity.
How much time do I have to file?
Parents generally have five years from birth or three from discovering the injury, whichever comes first. Evidence collection and expert reviews take time, so contacting counsel early safeguards the claim.
Is Erb’s palsy preventable?
In many deliveries, yes. Proper maneuvers, timely C-sections, and accurate risk assessments avoid excessive traction on the brachial plexus. A malpractice investigation determines whether those standards were breached.
Client Voices
“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.
“With Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea you receive exactly what’s needed…expert representation with integrity and professionalism at a time when you need it most.” – Stephanie
Why Choose Us for Your Pikesville Erb’s Palsy Claim
The Pikesville Erb’s palsy attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea combine medical knowledge, courtroom tenacity, and genuine compassion. Our Pikesville birth-injury legal team advances all case costs, works on contingency, and keeps families informed with plain-language updates. By focusing on both present and future expenses, we pursue results that safeguard a child’s independence and dignity.
Next Steps: Free, Confidential Consultation
Every day without action risks fading memories and lost evidence. Speak directly with Pikesville Erb’s palsy attorney Jonathan Schochor or Kerry Staton today. Call (443) 909-2792 or complete our brief intake form. We respond within hours, arrange hospital or home visits when needed, and charge nothing unless we secure compensation.