Baltimore Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

Supporting Families Through Cerebral Palsy Cases in Baltimore, MD

Cerebral palsy is the most common type of birth injury. It describes a group of chronic “palsies” or disorders that impair muscle control because of brain damage occurring during childbirth.

In the United States, 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 births result in cerebral palsy, which totals roughly 10,000 new cases each year. CP is a non-progressive brain disorder, meaning the initial brain injury does not worsen, but symptoms may shift or change as a person ages. Most children are born with cerebral palsy, while for others, it develops because of trauma at birth, such as hypoxia or a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Economic Statistics for Cerebral Palsy Patients

• Medical costs are 10 times higher for children with cerebral palsy.
• Medical costs are 26 times higher for children with cerebral palsy who have an intellectual disability.
• The total lifetime care cost to take care of a child with cerebral palsy currently exceeds $1 million.

Call 410-LAW-FIRM to speak to a cerebral palsy attorney in Baltimore, MD, and get help with your potential birth injury claim.

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy & Legal Help

Several birth injuries may result in cerebral palsy, including:

• Misuse of assisted delivery tools: Such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
• Deprivation of oxygen: Negligently allowing the baby to be deprived of oxygen.
• Prolonged labor: Which can put stress on the baby.
• Delayed C-section: Failing to perform a timely C-section or to schedule one when necessary.
• Infections: Failure to diagnose maternal infections, such as meningitis.

Baltimore and Maryland offer access to a number of birthing centers and children’s hospitals, including Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center, so families often have many resources for care and support. When medical errors or negligence cause a birth injury, partnering with a local cerebral palsy attorney in Baltimore who understands these legal requirements benefits families seeking qualified representation in Baltimore and throughout the state.

Cerebral Palsy & Birth Injuries

Although any type of birth injury can be devastating, cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most severe health conditions that may arise from birth injuries. CP often causes life-long medical challenges and disabilities. Because there is no cure, children with CP require ongoing medical care and support, which can cost more than what most families can manage alone.

Cerebral palsy varies in severity, from mild uncontrolled movements to complete loss of movement. 

Multiple types of birth injury can contribute to CP, especially when doctors or hospitals fail to:

• Detect, diagnose, and treat maternal infections: Leading to complications.
• Monitor fetal heartbeat: Properly during labor.
• Detect umbilical cord problems: Such as a prolapsed umbilical cord.
• Respond to maternal and fetal distress: Including failure to schedule and carry out an emergency cesarean surgery.
• Correctly use birth-assisting tools: Such as applying too much force during delivery.

Types of Cerebral Palsy: Spastic, Athetoid & Ataxic

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, accounting for 80 percent of CP cases. Children with spastic CP may have jerky movements, muscle tightness, and stiff joints, which can make walking or picking up small objects difficult. Some children with spastic CP may also have other conditions, including ADHD or epilepsy.

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid, also called dyskinetic cerebral palsy, involves involuntary movements. Children may alternate between high muscle tone, which brings stiffness and joint pain, and low muscle tone, resulting in floppy limbs.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxic cerebral palsy, the least common type, appears in about 5-10 percent of cases. Ataxia means lack of coordination, so these children often have difficulties with balance, tremors, and speech.

How Can An Attorney Help Families Facing Cerebral Palsy?

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are not birth defects. Cerebral palsy develops when a child suffers an injury in utero or during birth, leading to developmental challenges that can last a lifetime. Families do not have to face the challenges from this birth injury on their own.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help you in several ways:

• Identify liable parties: Determine if medical negligence or malpractice occurred.
• Secure just compensation: Recover funds to cover the long-term care and medical needs for cerebral palsy.
• Assess pain and suffering damages: For the injuries that led to a CP diagnosis.
• Set up trust funds: Use Social Security benefits and alternative resources for ongoing living expenses.
• Negotiate settlements: Work on behalf of children and families affected by cerebral palsy.
• File lawsuits: Initiate cases against accountable hospitals, doctors, or healthcare providers.
• Investigate records: Examine medical care provided at birth or during pregnancy.
• Pursue financial compensation: Identify state or federal program support.
• Explain legal rights: Guide families through the entire process.

Why Choose Miller Stern Lawyers LLC for Your Cerebral Palsy Case in Baltimore?

At Miller Stern Lawyers LLC, we stand apart through our dedication, personalized approach, and commitment to helping families during challenging times. Unlike larger law offices, every team member actively participates in each case, so you receive ongoing support and clear answers whenever you need them. 

We provide our services in English, Hebrew, and Spanish to make sure every client feels heard, understood, and empowered. Our “No Fee Unless We Win” policy means you do not take on additional financial risk. We value honest, transparent communication and take care to explain every stage of the process. Lastly, we treat every case as more than just a file, because for us, each family is part of our extended community.

Common Questions About Cerebral Palsy in Baltimore

What Are the Legal Rights of a Child With Cerebral Palsy in Maryland?

Children with cerebral palsy in Maryland are protected by federal and state laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These laws require public schools to provide Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that support each child’s specific needs.

Parents can work with legal professionals to make sure schools meet these obligations and provide appropriate educational accommodations.

Maryland also offers financial and medical support programs, including health insurance, Social Security benefits, and other state-funded services. Navigating these resources can be complex, but legal guidance helps families secure the support their child needs.

How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, developmental assessments, and imaging studies. Pediatric specialists look for early signs such as delayed milestones, abnormal muscle tone, or poor coordination. Imaging tools like MRIs or CT scans may be used to identify brain injuries or abnormalities linked to the condition. 

Alongside imaging, doctors monitor motor skills, reflexes, posture, and movement over time. Early diagnosis is important, as it allows families to access early intervention services, such as therapies, which can greatly improve a child’s development and long-term outcomes.

Can Cerebral Palsy Be Prevented?

While not all cases of cerebral palsy can be prevented, certain steps can lower the risk. Proper prenatal care, including regular health checkups, managing maternal conditions, and avoiding harmful substances, is essential. Vaccinations, such as those for rubella, also reduce the chance of CP. During labor and delivery, healthcare providers can reduce risk by closely monitoring the baby’s condition, making timely decisions about interventions like C-sections, and using delivery tools only when medically necessary. In Maryland, hospitals follow strict safety protocols and invest in ongoing medical training to help reduce preventable cases of cerebral palsy.

Contact us online or by calling (410) 529-3476 today! Our cerebral palsy lawyer in Baltimore, MD, can support you and your loved ones.