When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, parents often feel shock, grief, and urgent concern about the future. Jonathan Schochor, an experienced Annapolis cerebral palsy lawyer at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A., has devoted his career to helping families navigate this difficult road. Together with Kerry Staton, a seasoned Annapolis birth-injury attorney, we combine medical-malpractice insight with steadfast compassion.
Our goal is simple: secure the answers, accountability, and resources your child needs for a fulfilling life. Call (410) 234-1000 or request your free consultation now. Let us start fighting today for the resources and justice your child deserves.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Its Causes
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. The disorder stems from damage to a developing brain, often before, during, or shortly after birth. Roughly 10,000 U.S. infants receive a CP diagnosis each year, and many cases trace back to preventable medical mistakes. By grasping what CP is and why it occurs, families can better advocate for their children and pursue justice when negligence plays a role.
Recognizing Early Signs in Your Child
Early identification opens the door to vital therapies. Watch for these warning signs:
- Developmental delays – Not sitting by 9 months or walking by 18-24 months
- Abnormal muscle tone – Stiff, scissored legs or unusually floppy limbs
- Poor coordination – Clumsy reach, asymmetrical crawling, exaggerated reflexes
- Feeding or speech difficulties – Trouble sucking, swallowing, or forming words
- Seizures or vision/hearing issues – Episodes of staring, shaking, or sensory loss
Most children show symptoms in the first two years. If you notice any, seek a pediatric evaluation promptly. The Annapolis cerebral palsy attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea can begin preserving medical evidence at the earliest hint of malpractice.
How Medical Negligence Can Cause Cerebral Palsy
Medical professionals must meet strict standards during pregnancy and delivery. When they fall short, infants can suffer permanent brain injury. Common errors include:
- Failure to address fetal distress – Ignoring abnormal heart-rate patterns that signal oxygen deprivation
- Delayed emergency C-section – Allowing prolonged labor to cut off blood flow to the brain
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors – Causing cranial bleeding or trauma
- Unmanaged umbilical-cord problems – Not acting when the cord is prolapsed or wrapped around the neck
- Untreated maternal conditions – Overlooking infections, high blood pressure, or diabetes that endanger the fetus
Our Annapolis birth-injury lawyers partner with obstetric, neonatal, and neurological experts to pinpoint precisely when and how malpractice occurred.
Uncommon Yet Serious Medical Errors
- Severe newborn jaundice (kernicterus) left untreated
- Group B Strep infection not prevented with antibiotics
- Mishandled VBAC leading to uterine rupture
- Delayed newborn resuscitation after shoulder dystocia
- Medication or anesthesia complications reducing fetal oxygen
Because hospitals rarely admit to these mistakes outright, the investigative skills of Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton are critical to uncovering the truth.
How Our Annapolis Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Build Your Case
- Comprehensive record review – We secure prenatal, labor, delivery, and NICU charts, then analyze them with independent specialists.
- Liability identification – Doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and hospitals may all share fault. We name each responsible party.
- Damages calculation – Life-care planners forecast lifetime costs for therapy, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.
- Aggressive negotiation and litigation – We press insurers for full compensation and, if necessary, present a compelling case to a Maryland jury.
- Contingency-fee representation – You pay nothing up front and no attorney’s fee unless we secure a recovery.
By handling every legal burden, our Annapolis cerebral palsy attorney team lets you stay focused on your child’s day-to-day care.
Maryland’s Strict Deadlines for Birth-Injury Lawsuits
Maryland law generally requires filing a medical-malpractice claim within three years of discovering the injury or five years from the negligent act, whichever is sooner. For birth injuries, that clock often starts when parents first learn their child’s diagnosis. Delay can bar even meritorious claims, so contact Kerry Staton, Annapolis cerebral palsy lawyer, as soon as negligence is suspected. We act fast to protect evidence and preserve your rights.
