Birth injury lawsuits are medically complex and emotionally draining. Our Ellicott City birth injury attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea, P.A. have handled these cases for decades.
Jonathan Schochor, Maryland fetal acidosis lawyer, and Kerry Staton, respected birth injury advocate, combine deep medical knowledge with proven courtroom skill. We know the local hospitals, the experts who testify here, and the procedural rules that shape Maryland malpractice claims.
Families from Historic Ellicott City to Dunloggin trust our team because we treat every parent with empathy while fighting relentlessly for justice. Working with us lets you focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal battle. Call Jonathan Schochor and our Ellicott City fetal acidosis legal team at (443) 909-2792 for a free, compassionate case review today.
What is fetal acidosis in a newborn?
Fetal acidosis is an unsafe drop in a baby’s blood pH caused by oxygen deprivation before or during birth. When cells run low on oxygen, acid builds up and becomes toxic. Doctors usually confirm acidosis with umbilical cord blood gas testing right after delivery.
Left unchecked, the condition can damage vital organs, especially the brain. Severe acidosis is a major warning sign for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and can lead to lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy.
What causes fetal acidosis during labor and delivery?
Many delivery problems can choke off a baby’s oxygen supply:
- Umbilical cord problems – Compression, prolapse, true knots, or a tight nuchal cord cut off blood flow.
- Abnormal fetal position – Breech presentation or shoulder dystocia strains the cord and prolongs labor.
- Prolonged or hyper-stimulated labor – Excessive contractions from drugs like Pitocin exhaust the fetus.
- Placental issues – Abruption or placental insufficiency starve the baby of oxygen.
- Multiple births – Twins or triplets place extra demand on the placenta.
- Maternal health emergencies – Sudden low blood pressure or cardiac arrest reduces oxygen transfer.
Uncommon but serious triggers include uterine rupture, vasa previa, fetal stroke, severe fetal anemia, and tight true knots in the cord.
Skilled providers can spot these dangers early with continuous fetal heart monitoring and intervene before acidosis develops.
Could my doctor have prevented my baby’s fetal acidosis?
Yes, most fetal acidosis injuries are preventable with timely care. Continuous electronic monitoring reveals distress within seconds; a prompt change in the mother’s position, supplemental oxygen, or an emergency C-section often restores oxygen before permanent harm occurs.
When providers fail to act on clear warning signs, they fall below the accepted standard of care. Our investigation frequently uncovers delays that change a child’s life forever.
What injuries or long-term effects can fetal acidosis cause in a baby?
Oxygen deprivation endangers every organ, but the brain is most vulnerable:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) – Ranges from temporary feeding issues to global brain injury.
- Cerebral palsy – Lifelong motor impairment, often spastic quadriplegia when damage is widespread.
- Seizure disorders – Neonatal or chronic epilepsy triggered by brain scarring.
- Developmental delays – Speech, cognition, and social milestones may lag.
- Physical disabilities – Weakness, paralysis, or poor coordination can require adaptive equipment.
Therapies, surgeries, and assistive devices create staggering lifelong costs. In the worst cases, severe acidosis can be fatal, turning a joyous event into a wrongful death claim.
How do I know if my baby’s fetal acidosis was caused by medical negligence?
Negligence exists when caregivers deviate from what competent OB-GYN teams would do:
- Ignored fetal-heart tracings that showed late decelerations.
- Delayed C-section despite clear distress.
- Misuse of Pitocin or forceps that worsened oxygen loss.
- Failure to treat maternal crises like pre-eclampsia or hemorrhage.
- Poor shift hand-offs or charting errors that let critical data slip through the cracks.
Our birth injury lawyer, Jonathan Schochor, leads a meticulous review of medical records and fetal monitoring strips, partnering with neonatologists and obstetric experts to pinpoint where the standard of care broke down.
What compensation can we recover for a birth injury caused by fetal acidosis?
A successful lawsuit secures funds your child will need for a lifetime:
- Economic damages – Past and future medical bills, therapies, home modifications, adaptive equipment, and lost future earnings. Maryland leaves these uncapped.
- Non-economic damages – Pain, suffering, and loss of life’s pleasures (capped statewide but still significant).
- Life-care plan funding – Expert projections ensure no future expense is overlooked.
Maryland juries recognize the stakes; recent birth-injury verdicts have exceeded eight figures. Financial recovery eases daily burdens and provides vital treatments that insurance rarely covers.
How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland generally allows five years from the injury or three years from discovery, whichever comes first. Because the victim is an infant, special rules can extend the deadline but waiting is risky. Evidence fades and witnesses move. If a newborn dies, a separate wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the death.
How can a lawyer help with an OB-GYN malpractice case for fetal acidosis?
Our Ellicott City fetal acidosis attorney, Kerry Staton, manages every phase of the case:
- Investigation – Secure records, monitor strips, and expert opinions.
- Case building – File mandated certificates of merit, quantify damages, and develop life-care plans.
- Advocacy – Negotiate with insurers and, when necessary, present compelling evidence to a Howard County jury.
- Support – Guide your family with compassion, answering questions 24/7.
We “speak doctor” fluently, translating complex medicine into plain terms a jury understands.
What should I do if I suspect my baby’s birth injury was caused by malpractice?
- Call us now. Consultations are free and confidential—dial (443) 909-2792 or complete our contact form.
- Gather documents. Save discharge papers, test results, and a written timeline of events.
- Focus on your child. Let our legal team handle insurers and paperwork while you concentrate on care.
We meet clients at our Baltimore office, just fifteen minutes from Ellicott City via I-70, or virtually, at your convenience. You don’t have to face this alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is fetal acidosis the same as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy?
No. Fetal acidosis is the chemical imbalance from oxygen loss, while HIE is the brain injury that often follows. Acidosis is a red flag; HIE is the diagnosis.
Can fetal acidosis be detected during labor?
Yes. Fetal heart monitors show concerning patterns, and scalp or cord blood tests reveal low pH levels. Quick action prevents harm.
Will my child recover?
Outcomes vary. Mild HIE may resolve, while severe oxygen loss can cause lifelong disabilities. Early therapy helps, and compensation funds those therapies.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. Our fetal acidosis attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea work on contingency. We only get paid if we win.
Can we sue the hospital as well as the doctor?
Usually yes. Hospitals, OB-GYNs, nurses, and anesthesiologists can all share liability. We identify every responsible party.
Client Testimonials
“Kerry Staton and Josh Kahn handled my case extremely well. From the first contact up to the outcome, along with team (sic), they were very professional and provided great counsel.” –Laetitia March-Nulton
“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.