Cerebral palsy changes a child’s future and a family’s daily life forever. Randallstown cerebral palsy lawyer Jonathan Schochor and veteran birth-injury attorney Kerry Staton lead our team at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. We have spent decades holding negligent medical providers accountable and guiding parents through the toughest moments of their lives.
About 10,000 babies are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year. Experienced legal help can make the difference between lifelong struggle and long-term security. If your child’s diagnosis followed a difficult pregnancy, delivery, or newborn stay, we are here to stand beside you.
Our Baltimore office is minutes from Randallstown, and we never charge a fee unless we recover compensation. Let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on your child’s needs. Contact us 24/7 at (410) 234-1000.You pay nothing unless we win, so there’s no risk in learning how we can help.
Jonathan Schochor – Founding Partner & Chairman
Acclaimed multi-million-dollar trial lawyer recognized by Maryland Super Lawyers and Lawdragon 500 for exceptional advocacy in birth injury litigation.
Kerry D. Staton – Founding Partner
Renowned trial attorney recognized by Maryland Super Lawyers and Lawdragon 500 for exceptional advocacy in birth injury cases.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive neurological disorders that affect muscle tone, movement, and posture. The condition results from brain damage or abnormal brain development before, during, or shortly after birth. Children with CP may exhibit stiff or floppy muscles, poor coordination, or developmental delays, yet the underlying brain injury does not worsen over time. Because CP requires lifelong therapy and medical care, understanding its cause is essential for planning, and for pursuing justice when negligence is involved.
What Are the Signs of Cerebral Palsy in a Newborn?
Early clues can appear within the first year. Parents often notice missed milestones such as rolling over, sitting, or crawling, abnormally stiff or soft muscle tone, weak suck or swallowing problems, and involuntary movements or seizures. Symptoms typically become clearer as the child approaches two years old. Prompt medical evaluation is critical, and if the timing or circumstances raise questions about a birth injury, consulting a Randallstown birth-injury lawyer quickly protects your rights.
Is Cerebral Palsy Always Caused by Medical Negligence?
No. Some cases arise from unavoidable complications or rare genetic disorders. Yet many diagnoses trace directly to preventable medical errors, often oxygen deprivation or trauma during labor and delivery. A thorough legal and medical review determines whether substandard care is to blame. Our Randallstown cerebral palsy attorneys work with leading experts to separate unavoidable outcomes from actionable malpractice.
What Medical Mistakes Can Cause Cerebral Palsy?
- Oxygen Deprivation (Birth Asphyxia) – Ignoring fetal distress or delaying a C-section can starve a baby’s brain of oxygen.
- Delayed C-Section – Prolonged, stressful labor may injure the brain when doctors fail to intervene promptly.
- Umbilical-Cord Complications – A prolapsed or wrapped cord requires immediate action to restore oxygen flow and prevent brain damage.
- Improper Instrument Use – Misapplied forceps or vacuum extractors can fracture the skull or cause intracranial bleeding.
- Untreated Newborn Conditions – Severe jaundice, seizures, or infection demand fast treatment. Delays can lead to CP.
- Unmanaged Maternal Infection – Failing to diagnose maternal fever or uterine infection can expose a fetus to brain-injuring toxins.
Each scenario shares one theme: a health-care team missed, ignored, or mishandled warning signs. When that happens, our Randallstown CP lawyers pursue accountability.
Uncommon Cerebral Palsy Cases and Scenarios
Can a Delayed Postnatal Diagnosis Lead to a Claim?
Yes. Brain hemorrhage, hypoxia, or sepsis in the hours after birth can cause CP if nurses or physicians overlook symptoms. We review neonatal charts to see whether timely treatment could have avoided permanent injury.
What If Genetics Played a Role?
True genetic or metabolic disorders sometimes mimic CP. We enlist specialists to confirm or rule out hereditary causes. If doctors hid negligence behind a “genetic” label, we expose the truth and seek justice.
How Are Claims Against Military Hospitals Different?
Birth injuries at military facilities fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Shorter notice deadlines and unique procedural rules apply. Our Randallstown malpractice lawyers navigate FTCA requirements to protect service families.
Could Negligent Newborn Care After Delivery Cause CP?
Absolutely. Poor monitoring in the NICU, failure to treat low blood sugar, or delayed ventilation can injure an infant’s brain. We analyze care from delivery through discharge to pinpoint every negligent act.
