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Maryland Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

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Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive, congenital disorder caused by severe brain trauma, usually inflicted during pregnancy or child labor, but is sometimes diagnosed during a child's first three years of life. The disorder affects the signals between the body and the brain which, in turn, makes muscle control, speech, and movement very difficult. Other symptoms include complete loss of mobility, radical, involuntary movements, loss of balance and coordination, lack of depth perception, other visual impairments, and seizures. CP is usually accompanied by learning disabilities and cognitive delays that are discovered once a child begins attending school. Because the disorder is non-progressive and can improve with therapy over time, it is usually not life-threatening. CP also varies greatly in severity, which directly relates to how the disease was first contracted.

While there is no known cure for CP, therapy at a young age is crucial to enable your child to have a relatively normal adult life. Physical therapy, beginning at a young age, has been known to have positive effects. With time, the individual with the disability can develop improved control over limbs. Individuals with this disorder learn to use adaptive equipment and communication technology to assist them with everyday tasks. Other treatments include drug therapy for the control of seizures, occupational therapy for the development of fine motor skills, and surgery.

Another common reason for the development of CP after birth is abuse. If your child has suffered from abuse at the hands of a babysitter or caretaker and has contracted cerebral palsy, you need to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.

One of the most common causes of CP is medical malpractice. If you think that a doctor or nurse's negligence has caused your child to become affected by CP, you should consult with a birth injury or CP attorney as soon as possible.

You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical malpractice if:
your doctor or any other medical professionals involved failed to recognize fetal distress
If your baby was not carefully monitored after being born.
If you were not properly attended to during your labor, or if you did not receive correct dosages of medications required for a healthy delivery.
Your doctor waited too long to perform an emergency c-section, and your baby suffered as a result.
Insufficient prenatal care was provided, backed up with expert testimonials

Making a claim that a birthing injury is related to medical malpractice can be very challenging. To prove medical malpractice, an attorney must prove that there was a breach in the standard of care. He or she must also prove that this negligence was directly related to the onset of the disorder. Similarly, attorneys must abide by strict time constraints, gathering evidence needed to convict suspects in a timely manner. Statutes of limitations laws are enforced to limit the number of false accusations and lawsuits physicians face. While many lawsuits are conducted under false pretenses, you have a right to file claims if you suspect foul play. However, in accordance with Maryland state laws, claims must be filed within five years of the alleged action. Many found these laws to be unconstitutional because CP cases often go undiagnosed until three years of age. Therefore, Maryland upholds the discovery clause, stating that an individual must make the medical malpractice claim within three years of the initial diagnosis of the disease. If your claims are feasible, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure settlements can be established within these time constraints.

Using the Web, locate prospective lawyers in Maryland who are willing to take on your case. Set up consultation meetings with attorneys, but be sure to gather all documentation needed to file your claim. Relevant documents include medical records, which can be legally acquired through the hospital, medical bills, and any other papers summoned by the attorney. He or she can then walk you through litigation processes, taking on the responsibilities as your legal representation. One should never have to suffer from the life-long consequences of a debilitating disorder simply because a doctor lacked experience and professionalism. Let a Maryland attorney uphold your rights.