Types of Cerebral Palsy and Why They Matter
- Spastic CP (≈ 75 %). Tight, jerky muscles; sub-forms include hemiplegia, diplegia, and quadriplegia.
- Dyskinetic/Athetoid CP. Fluctuating tone and involuntary movements.
- Ataxic CP. Shaky balance and depth-perception problems.
- Mixed or Hypotonic CP. Symptoms of two or more subtypes.
Knowing the exact type lets doctors design targeted therapy and lets our economists calculate realistic lifetime costs for settlement negotiations.
Early Red Flags Parents Should Watch
- Missed milestones such as sitting or crawling
- Stiff or floppy muscle tone that feels different from peers
- Persistent infant reflexes or involuntary movements
- Favoring one side of the body or an awkward gait
- Seizures, feeding problems, or vision/hearing deficits
If you notice any combination of these signs, schedule a medical evaluation quickly. The Gaithersburg CP attorneys at our firm can connect you with respected pediatric neurologists and therapists while we investigate the legal side.
Damages We Pursue in a CP Malpractice Lawsuit
A single CP case can exceed $1 million in lifetime care. Our job is to recover every category of compensation:
- Past and future medical bills (hospitalizations, surgeries, medications)
- Therapies like physical, occupational, speech, often required for decades
- Special education and adaptive equipment to foster independence
- Home and vehicle modifications such as ramps or lifts
- Full-time or part-time caregiving costs when a parent must stop working
- Non-economic harms like pain, frustration, and lost childhood opportunities
- Projected loss of future earnings for severe disabilities
Maryland’s Filing Deadline
Maryland generally allows five years from injury or three years from discovery, whichever is earlier, but children injured at birth get additional protection: they may sue until age 21. Even so, evidence fades, so acting now gives us the strongest position.
How Our Gaithersburg Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Help
- Free case review. We read prenatal, labor, delivery, and NICU charts to spot red flags.
- Certificate of merit. State law requires an independent specialist to certify negligence; we secure that opinion.
- Full litigation management. We draft the complaint, handle discovery, and battle aggressive defense counsel.
- Life-care planning. Economists and rehabilitation experts quantify future expenses so no cost is overlooked.
- Negotiation first, trial when necessary. Many hospitals settle once they see our preparation; if not, we have the courtroom record to win.
- Contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we obtain compensation.
When to Call Us
Time matters. Fetal-monitor strips can vanish, and witnesses may relocate. Contact (410) 234-1000 day or night for a free consultation. We can meet virtually, visit your Gaithersburg home, or welcome you to our Baltimore headquarters, whatever reduces your stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is cerebral palsy a birth injury?
Yes when the brain damage occurs during labor, delivery, or immediate postnatal care. In those circumstances, CP is classified as a birth injury that may be legally compensable.
What medical mistakes most often trigger CP lawsuits?
Late C-sections, ignored fetal distress, misguided forceps, missed infections, uncontrolled jaundice, and unaddressed cord problems top the list.
Can I sue the hospital instead of the doctor?
Absolutely. Under Maryland’s vicarious-liability rules, a hospital is responsible for its employees’ negligence. We usually name every liable party to reach the full pool of insurance coverage.
How do I know malpractice occurred?
Parents rarely know on their own. Our attorneys obtain the medical records, recruit OB/GYN and neonatal experts, and identify any breach of the standard of care.
What will the case cost me?
Nothing up front. We advance all expenses and collect a percentage only if we win or settle.
What is a cerebral palsy lawsuit worth?
Severe cases involving 24-hour care can reach multiple millions because economic damages alone can exceed $10 million over a lifetime. Moderate cases often settle in the high six to seven figures.
How long will the process take?
Simple cases may resolve within a year; contested cases that reach trial commonly take two to three years. We keep the pressure on throughout.
Will my child have to appear in court?
Nearly always no. We present medical experts, life-care planners, and day-in-the-life videos so your child can stay home.
Are there local support resources?
Yes. United Cerebral Palsy of DC/MD, Early Intervention services through Montgomery County Public Schools, and therapy centers in Rockville and Germantown all provide vital assistance. We can supply detailed referrals.
Client Stories
“Thank you for your very skilled, legal advice along with your positivity, honesty, kindness, compassion, and support with my case during an incredibly stressful time. I am beyond grateful to you and your team of experts for bringing much-needed closure. I hope I should not have to, but in the future, I will recommend your professional services to anyone requiring legal expertise. I highly recommend Jim and his team!” – Ryan
“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
Take the Next Step Today
A diagnosis of CP may feel overwhelming, but legal action can secure the resources your child requires. Call (410) 234-1000 or complete our secure online form for a free, no-risk consultation. Our Gaithersburg birth-injury lawyer team is ready to investigate, advocate, and deliver justice so your child can thrive.
