Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton have built careers standing up for children injured by medical negligence. Our Frederick fetal acidosis lawyer team pairs more than 80 years of combined courtroom experience with a deep bench of medical experts.
Parents choose us because we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for babies harmed by oxygen deprivation injuries, including fetal acidosis. We approach every claim with empathy, recognizing how isolating and frightening a neonatal diagnosis feels.
Call our Frederick fetal acidosis attorney team at (443) 909-2792 for a free, no-obligation case review. From the first call, we explain the law in clear language, outline next steps, and assign a dedicated medical investigator so you never feel alone.
“I had a great experience with Mr. Jim Cardea and his team. They were very knowledgeable of my situation and provided great service to me and my family from beginning to end. I highly recommend them for any medical malpractice lawsuit. Satisfaction guaranteed!” – Kiantay P.
What is fetal acidosis and how does it happen?
Fetal acidosis is a dangerous drop in a newborn’s blood pH caused by a lack of oxygen during labor or delivery.
When the fetus cannot get enough oxygen, its cells switch to anaerobic metabolism and create lactic acid, driving the pH below 7.35.
This condition is a form of birth asphyxia. Prolonged acidosis can injure brain tissue and trigger hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or cerebral palsy. Prompt detection through cord-blood gas testing, fetal heart monitoring, and immediate neonatal resuscitation prevents permanent damage. Sadly, many cases arise when providers ignore clear warning signs.
What are the common causes of fetal acidosis?
Medical teams must safeguard the baby’s oxygen supply. Breakdowns usually involve:
- Umbilical cord compression or prolapse that pinches blood flow.
- Abnormal presentations or multiple births—a breech or twin delivery can delay descent.
- Obstructed labor, such as shoulder dystocia or cephalopelvic disproportion.
- Placental failure, including abruptio placentae or chronic insufficiency.
- Maternal complications, like untreated infection or massive bleeding, that reduce fetal oxygen.
Each scenario is predictable and manageable with vigilant monitoring and timely intervention, which is why negligence is often at play.
What are some uncommon causes of fetal acidosis?
Occasionally, rarer events deprive a fetus of oxygen:
- Severe maternal hypotension after an excessive epidural dose.
- Sudden uterine rupture or catastrophic placental abruption.
- True knots or undiagnosed prolapsed umbilical cords.
- Advanced preeclampsia or maternal heart-lung disease restricting oxygen.
- Fetal blood disorders or critical congenital heart defects.
Although infrequent, skilled obstetric teams are trained to anticipate and respond to these crises.
What are the signs of fetal acidosis in a newborn?
New parents often sense something is wrong before doctors confirm it.
- Immediately after birth: limp muscle tone, weak breathing, low Apgar scores, or seizures.
- Labor indications: late decelerations or absent variability on fetal heart tracings, or markedly reduced fetal movement in late pregnancy.
- Laboratory evidence: cord-blood pH below 7.0 or a base deficit greater than 12 mmol/L.
- Early infancy clues: feeding difficulty, abnormal reflexes, or missed motor milestones.
Swift neonatal care, including cooling therapy, can lessen brain injury, underscoring the need for rapid diagnosis.
How can fetal acidosis be prevented or detected?
Consistent monitoring saves lives.
- Continuous electronic fetal monitoring alerts staff to distress patterns in real time.
- Timely obstetric action—maternal repositioning, oxygen administration, or an emergency C-section—restores oxygen.
- Prudent medication use prevents overly strong contractions that compress the placenta.
- Robust prenatal care identifies growth restriction, oligohydramnios, or maternal disease that increases risk.
Most fetal acidosis injuries are preventable when hospitals follow these standard-of-care steps.
Do I have a medical malpractice case for fetal acidosis?
Parents may have a claim when substandard obstetric care directly harms their child.
Proving malpractice requires four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. An example breach is ignoring abnormal heart-rate strips and delaying a necessary C-section, leading to acidotic injury.
Maryland law demands a Certificate of Qualified Expert within 90 days of filing and initial submission to the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office. The statute of limitations is generally five years from injury but claims for minors remain open until the child turns 11. Evidence fades quickly, so early legal review is crucial.
We walk families through every step, translate medical jargon, and coordinate respected specialists to support the case.
How can Schochor & Staton help me with a fetal acidosis case?
Our Frederick fetal acidosis attorney team brings focused birth-injury experience and local insight.
- Comprehensive investigation: We secure prenatal, labor-and-delivery, and NICU records; interview witnesses; and preserve electronic monitor strips.
- Elite experts: Our network of neonatologists, placental pathologists, and life-care planners pinpoints negligence and future costs.
- Procedural mastery: We draft the Certificate of Qualified Expert and handle HCADRO mediation, freeing you to focus on your child.
- Relentless advocacy: When insurers refuse fair compensation, we present persuasive narratives in court—often resulting in record recoveries.
What compensation is available for fetal acidosis injuries?
Families pursue damages to secure lifelong care:
- Medical expenses: past NICU bills and future surgeries.
- Therapy and rehabilitation: physical, speech, and occupational services.
- Assistive technology: wheelchairs, communication devices, adaptive vehicles.
- Home and nursing care: in-home attendants, home modifications.
- Lost earnings: wages parents sacrifice and the child’s diminished future income.
- Pain, suffering, and loss of life’s pleasures: capped under Maryland law for non-economic damages but still substantial.
Accurate projections often climb into the eight-figure range because cerebral palsy and HIE demand decades of support.
Client Voices
“Remarkable group of attorneys. I would highly recommend SSGC. This firm goes above and beyond to provide exemplary service to victims of medical malpractice. They are very professional, authentic people who genuinely care about their clients.” – Jaime H.
“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.
Next Steps for Concerned Parents
Filing early preserves vital heart-rate data and allows neonatal experts to examine your child promptly. Call (443) 909-2792 for a no-cost consultation with a Frederick fetal acidosis lawyer. We charge no fees unless we win, giving every family equal access to justice.