Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton have devoted more than 40 years to protecting Maryland children injured by medical negligence. We have earned millions in verdicts and settlements for birth-injury clients, supported by a seasoned legal team and respected medical experts. Our Baltimore office, just 15 minutes from Catonsville via I-695, makes first-class representation convenient for local families.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong movement disorder affecting roughly 10,000 U.S. babies each year. While some cases are unavoidable, many result from preventable mistakes during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or newborn care. As Catonsville cerebral palsy lawyers, we are committed to proving when malpractice occurred and securing the resources your child will need.
Call (410) 234-1000 now for a free, compassionate case review and let our Catonsville cerebral palsy lawyers handle the legal burden while you focus on your child.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Birth Injuries
Cerebral palsy is permanent brain damage that disrupts muscle control and motor development. Symptoms range from stiff limbs and coordination problems to seizures or speech delays and typically appear by age 2.
Four main types exist: Spastic CP (70-80 percent of cases, marked by tight muscles), Athetoid/Dyskinetic CP (uncontrolled movements), Ataxic CP (balance issues), and Mixed CP (a combination). Recognizing the differences helps parents anticipate treatment needs and legal claims.
The emotional burden is heavy, and lifetime care often costs $1 million – $3 million or more. A successful claim can fund therapy, adaptive equipment, and quality-of-life improvements, easing stress so parents can focus on their child rather than mounting bills.
Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy Due to Medical Negligence
Many Catonsville CP cases trace back to avoidable delivery errors:
- Oxygen Deprivation: Failure to act on fetal distress or perform a timely C-section starves the brain of oxygen.
- Delayed C-Section: Prolonged labor despite warning signs causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
- Improper Forceps or Vacuum Use: Excessive pressure can trigger brain bleeding.
- Umbilical Cord Complications: Unaddressed cord prolapse or nuchal cords quickly reduce oxygen supply.
- Untreated Maternal Infection: Conditions like chorioamnionitis inflame fetal brain tissue.
- Severe Jaundice: Neglecting high bilirubin levels can lead to kernicterus and athetoid CP.
- NICU Errors: Incorrect intubation or missed neonatal seizures compound brain injury.
Not every CP diagnosis stems from negligence, but our Catonsville birth injury attorneys meticulously examine records and consult neonatologists to reveal whether your child’s harm was preventable.
Types of CP Cases We Handle
Common Scenarios
- Birth asphyxia leading to spastic CP
- Ignored fetal heart-rate alarms
- Forceps or vacuum trauma
Uncommon Scenarios
- Infection-induced CP from untreated Group B strep
- Medication errors such as excessive Pitocin causing uterine hyperstimulation
- Post-natal negligence – untreated jaundice, meningitis, or respiratory distress
- Mismanaged high-risk pregnancies involving preeclampsia or placental abruption
- Athetoid or ataxic CP arising from kernicterus
Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton have successfully navigated each of these complexities, proving our readiness for any birth-injury challenge.
Signs and Diagnosis: Recognizing Cerebral Palsy in Your Child
Early red flags include missed milestones, abnormal muscle tone, feeding difficulties, seizures, or favoring one side of the body. Physicians confirm CP through exams and imaging, often between 18 months and 2 years. If your child was recently diagnosed, our Catonsville cerebral palsy attorneys can review the birth records to determine whether malpractice is to blame.
How a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Can Help Your Family
We begin with a thorough investigation, securing fetal monitoring strips, delivery notes, and hospital policies. Top specialists in obstetrics, neonatology, and neurology help pinpoint every departure from the standard of care. We identify all liable parties—OB-GYNs, nurses, anesthesiologists, or the hospital itself—and build a case ready for trial while pursuing fair settlements.
While you manage therapy appointments and daily care, our firm handles filings, hearings, and negotiations. We work on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we win compensation.
“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
Compensation for Cerebral Palsy Malpractice Cases
Successful claims can recover:
- Past and Future Medical Costs – surgeries, medication, therapy
- Life-Care Plan Expenses – wheelchairs, home modifications, adaptive tech
- Lost Parental Income – wages sacrificed for caregiving
- Non-Economic Damages – pain, suffering, diminished quality of life (subject to Maryland caps)
- Special Education Funding – private schooling or in-home aides
These funds cannot undo the injury but they do secure the therapies and assistance every child deserves.
