Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain, typically before or shortly after birth.

CP can lead to a variety of physical challenges, including difficulties with coordination, muscle stiffness, and involuntary movements. 

As a parent, discovering that your child has cerebral palsy and is experiencing developmental challenges can be overwhelming and heart-wrenching.

Remember, you are not alone. At Frank Spector Law, I understand the difficulties you face and am here to support you.

As an experienced attorney, I can help you navigate the legal complexities surrounding medical care, educational rights, and financial assistance for your child.

What Can Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, typically occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. Here are some common causes:

Prenatal Factors

• Infections: Maternal infections like rubella, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis.
• Genetic Mutations: Rare gene mutations affecting brain development.
• Brain Malformations: Abnormal brain development during pregnancy.

Perinatal Factors

• Birth Complications: Lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during a difficult delivery.
• Premature Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks are at higher risk.

Postnatal Factors

• Infections: Severe jaundice, meningitis, or encephalitis after birth.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries due to accidents or abuse.

Can Cerebral Palsy Be Related to Medical Malpractice?

Cerebral palsy can sometimes happen because of medical mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.

This can include not properly monitoring the baby, delaying a necessary C-section, using delivery tools incorrectly, or not treating maternal infections.

When doctors or nurses do not follow the right procedures, and it leads to a preventable birth injury, it may be considered medical malpractice. 

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is categorized into different types based on the movement disorders it causes:

• Spastic CP: The most common type, characterized by stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes. It can affect one side of the body (hemiplegia), both legs (diplegia), or all four limbs (quadriplegia).
• Dyskinetic CP: Involves involuntary movements, including dystonia (twisting and repetitive movements) and choreoathetosis (irregular, unpredictable movements).
• Ataxic CP: Impacts balance and depth perception, leading to unsteady movements and difficulty with precise actions.
• Mixed CP: Combines symptoms of the above types, often presenting a unique set of challenges for each individual.

How to Know if You Have a Cerebral Palsy Case in Baltimore

Determining if you have a cerebral palsy case involves several key factors:

• Medical Records Review: Examine prenatal, birth, and postnatal medical records for signs of negligence or malpractice.
• Expert Consultation: Consult with medical experts to identify potential causes linked to medical errors.
• Legal Assessment: Seek legal advice to evaluate the viability of your case, considering Maryland's statutes of limitations and specific legal requirements.
• Evidence Collection: Gather all relevant evidence, including medical documents and expert testimonies.

At Frank Spector Law, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate these steps to determine if you have a valid cerebral palsy case. 

Understanding Developmental Delays in Cerebral Palsy

Developmental challenges in children with cerebral palsy refer to difficulties in reaching expected milestones in motor skills, cognitive abilities, speech, and social interactions.

These challenges arise due to the brain's impaired ability to control muscles and coordination, impacting the child's capacity to learn and perform everyday activities.

Types of Developmental Delays

• Motor Delays: Difficulties with movement and coordination, affecting both fine and gross motor skills.
• Cognitive Delays: Challenges with thinking, learning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Speech Delays: Issues with articulation, understanding, and using language.
• Social Delays: Difficulties in interacting with others and forming relationships.

Early Signs and Diagnosis

Early signs of developmental delays include missed milestones, abnormal muscle tone, and difficulty with movement. Diagnosis is typically done through physical exams, developmental screenings, and imaging tests.

Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial for managing developmental challenges. It includes therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which can significantly improve a child's abilities and quality of life. Early support helps maximize potential and improve long-term outcomes.

Assessing Developmental Delays Due To Cerebral Palsy

Accurately assessing developmental challenges in children with cerebral palsy is crucial for timely intervention and support. Here are the key tools and methods used in the process:

• Developmental Screenings: Initial evaluations using standardized tools to identify delays in developmental milestones.
• Diagnostic Tests: Comprehensive assessments such as MRI, CT scans, and EEG to diagnose the extent of brain damage.
• Behavioral Evaluations: Observations of signs and symptoms related to developmental disabilities.

Role of Healthcare Professionals

A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is essential for a thorough assessment and effective management of developmental delays:

• Pediatricians: Conduct initial screenings and monitor overall health and developmental milestones.
• Neurologists: Diagnose and manage neurological aspects of cerebral palsy and associated disabilities.
• Therapists: Provide therapies to address motor, cognitive, speech, and social delays. Together, they create a comprehensive care plan tailored to the child's needs.

Treatment and Management for Children with CP

Effective treatment and management of cerebral palsy in children involve medical interventions, various therapies, and assistive technologies to improve quality of life and support development.

Medical Treatments

• Medications: Medications such as muscle relaxants, anticholinergics, and anticonvulsants are used to manage symptoms like muscle spasticity, pain, and seizures.
• Surgeries: Surgical procedures, such as selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and orthopedic surgeries, help reduce spasticity and correct deformities to improve mobility and function.

Therapies

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving movement, strength, and coordination through exercises and stretching, helping children enhance their motor skills and overall physical abilities.
• Occupational Therapy: Aims to develop fine motor skills and daily living activities, enabling children to perform tasks more independently and effectively use adaptive equipment.
• Speech Therapy: Enhances communication skills by addressing speech and language development, as well as feeding and swallowing issues, to improve overall communication and nutritional intake.

How Long Do I Have To File A Baltimore Cerebral Palsy Or Developmental Delay Case?

In Maryland and DC, a lawsuit can be filed for a child up to age 21. This is known as the statute of limitations. So even if your child is a teenager, you can still pursue the case.  The statute of limitations for cerebral palsy cases is set by Maryland law. Each state has different statutes of limitations. Fortunately, Maryland and DC allow a very generous statute of limitations to bring a cerebral palsy lawsuit.

What Hospitals in Baltimore Can Cause Cerebral Palsy Or Developmental Delay Malpractice?

• Johns Hopkins Hospital
• MedStar University of Maryland Medical Center
• Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
• Medstar Harbor Hospital
• Sinai Hospital
• Mercy Hospital
• St. Agnes Hospital
• Union Memorial Hospital
• Northwest Hospital
• GBMC
• Franklin Square
• Upper Chesapeake
• St Joe's
• Howard County General

Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits.

In Maryland, cerebral palsy lawsuits are filed to get compensation for your child. If a case is successful, your child may be entitled to millions of dollars for past medical expenses, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering. While each case is different and past results are no guarantee of future success, I have recovered millions of dollars for injured babies in cases of cerebral palsy.

• $3,400,00 for a child injury in Montgomery County, Maryland
• $2,500,000 for a birth injury in DC
• $1,100,000 for a child injury in Baltimore

Many of these cases are resolved by settlement before trial. Cerebral palsy lawsuits typically settle before going to a jury trial.

Comprehensive Legal Support for Families in Baltimore

I understand the challenges families in Baltimore face when dealing with cerebral palsy and developmental challenges.

That's why I provide comprehensive legal assistance to ensure you receive the support and resources needed for your child's care and help navigate the complexities of medical care, educational rights, and financial aid, offering expert guidance every step of the way.

For more information on how I can support your family, please call 443-845-1456 to speak with me, Frank Spector. You can also email me at [email protected], or fill out the contact form on any page of this website.