The joy of welcoming a new baby is immeasurable, but that joy can turn to confusion, anger, and fear for the future when you learn your child has cerebral palsy. If preventable medical errors caused your child’s condition, you want answers. How did this happen? What does a cerebral palsy diagnosis mean for my child's life? And what can I do to ensure my child has access to the medical care, therapy, and support they need?
At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, our experienced Maryland birth injury attorneys can help your family find answers and secure the financial resources to give your child the best possible future. We understand the challenges you face and are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and skill.
The Link Between Medical Negligence and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, balance, and posture. It's caused by abnormal brain development or damage, often occurring before or during birth. While some cases have unavoidable causes, others result from preventable medical mistakes, such as:
-
Failure to monitor fetal distress signs
-
Delayed emergency C-section
-
Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
-
Mismanaged maternal infections
-
Medication errors during pregnancy or labor
When healthcare providers fail to follow accepted standards of care and an infant suffers harm as a result, it constitutes medical malpractice. Evidence of negligence may be found after a careful review of medical records with the assistance of experienced Maryland birth injury attorneys and medical experts.
In some cases, the negligent actions or inactions are glaringly obvious, such as failing to perform an emergency C-section despite clear signs of fetal distress on the fetal heart rate monitor. At other times, negligence is more subtle and requires a thorough understanding of complex medical issues.
For example, a physician may fail to properly manage a mother's infection during pregnancy, allowing it to spread to the developing fetus and cause brain damage. Or a nurse may administer the wrong dosage of a labor-inducing drug, leading to severe contractions that deprive the baby of oxygen.
Identifying negligence is a critical step in seeking justice for your child. Our Maryland birth injury attorneys work closely with medical experts to identify deviations from the standard of care and build strong cases for compensation.
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms in Infants and Toddlers
Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy. Parents must recognize potential signs, such as:
-
Delayed milestones like rolling over, sitting up, or crawling
-
Abnormal muscle tone (too stiff or too floppy)
-
Unusual posture or favoring one side of the body
-
Difficulty with fine motor skills
-
Speech delays and swallowing issues
Your child's pediatrician should screen for cerebral palsy at regular check-ups. However, don't hesitate to express any concerns you may have about your child's development. Early intervention services can make a tremendous difference.
These early intervention services may include:
-
Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and motor skills
-
Occupational therapy to develop self-care and play skills
-
Speech therapy to address communication and swallowing issues
-
Assistive technology like braces, walkers, or communication devices
-
Counseling and support for parents and siblings
Maryland's Infants and Toddlers Program provides these services for children from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities. Access these services as early as possible to help your child gain essential skills and lay the foundation for future progress.
Protecting Your Child's Future with a Birth Injury Claim
Children with cerebral palsy face a lifetime of challenges. They may need ongoing medical care, multiple therapies, special education services, mobility equipment, and home modifications. The costs can be overwhelming.
When medical negligence causes cerebral palsy, Maryland law allows families to pursue compensation through a birth injury claim. A successful claim can cover expenses such as:
-
Past and future medical bills
-
Therapy and rehabilitation costs
-
Special education services
-
Assistive technology and equipment
-
Home and vehicle modifications
-
Pain and suffering
-
Reduced earning capacity over a lifetime
No amount of money can erase the harm done to your child. But securing fair compensation can provide peace of mind, ensuring your child will have access to the services and support they need for years to come. It can also hold negligent medical providers accountable and drive safety improvements that help prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
How a Birth Injury Attorney Can Help
Choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child's future. At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we bring decades of experience to every birth injury case, along with a network of trusted medical experts.
When you work with our Maryland cerebral palsy attorneys, here's what you can expect:
-
A free, no-obligation case review to discuss your situation
-
Careful analysis of medical records to identify negligence
-
Collaboration with specialists to calculate the lifetime costs of care
-
Dedicated advocacy in settlement negotiations
-
Skilled courtroom representation if a trial is necessary
-
Contingency fee structure, so you only pay if we recover for your family
Most of all, you can expect a legal team that treats you with respect, keeps you informed at every step, and fights tirelessly to secure the best possible future for your child.
Your family has already been through so much, and the path forward may feel daunting, but you don't have to go it alone. The Maryland birth injury attorneys at Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum are here to provide the legal guidance, emotional support, and tireless advocacy your family needs during this difficult time.