Brain Injury Lawyer in Maryland for Birth-Related Malpractice
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We rely on healthcare professionals to provide quality care. Medical professionals are legally obligated to deliver care based on their training and tools. They must also refer patients if they can't diagnose or treat a specific condition. Failure to follow these standards can lead to severe outcomes. It is crucial for patients to understand their rights and the standards of care they should expect from medical providers.
When doctors, anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, or other healthcare workers do not uphold this duty, severe injuries like brain damage can occur. Brain injuries may result from medical malpractice, birth trauma, anesthesia mistakes, medication errors, and more.
Our team at The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc. recognizes the pain that families often go through when a loved one suffers a birth-related brain injury. That is why we are dedicated to pursuing justice on your behalf.
Concerned about a birth-related brain injury? Contact Maryland lawyer Michael Bereston for a confidential consultation at (410) 220-6581. Offering nationwide services.
Early Signs of Newborn Brain Injuries
When a newborn suffers a brain injury, there are a number of signs to watch for.
Infants may show immediate signs of brain injury, such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Low heart rate
- Unusual pupil size
- Irritability
- Seizures
Symptoms can evolve over time, including:
- Difficulty feeding and maintaining a normal temperature
- Abnormal head growth if there is brain bleeding
- Delayed developmental milestones
Parents should monitor these symptoms closely and seek medical advice promptly. Early intervention can significantly impact the child's recovery and quality of life.
Comprehensive Representation for Brain Injuries in Maryland
Based in Annapolis, The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc. handles brain injury malpractice cases in Maryland and nationwide, including:
- Obstetric issues causing infant brain damage:
- Delayed C-section
- Failure to respond to fetal distress
- Mismanaged childbirth complications
- Kernicterus (jaundice misdiagnosis/failure to treat)
- Surgical errors:
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Intubation or airway problems
- Post-surgery infections
- Bacterial meningitis (misdiagnosis/delayed treatment)
- Stroke (failure to treat correctly).
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhages in Infants in Maryland
An intracranial hemorrhage is a "brain bleed." Most bleeds happen to newborns hurt during labor. Bleeding can occur inside or outside the skull. Brain bleeds may result from excessive force during delivery. Healthcare providers must exercise caution and proper techniques to avoid such injuries, and parents should be informed of the risks during childbirth.
Infant brain bleeds can be caused by:
- Birth asphyxia: A severe lack of oxygen during labor or delivery can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.
- Birth trauma: Improper use of forceps, vacuum extractors, or other delivery complications may cause head injuries that lead to brain bleeding.
- Prematurity: Typically, intraventricular hemorrhages occur in preterm deliveries, but these can also occur in babies with significant head trauma during labor or birth.
- Maternal infections: Certain infections during pregnancy or delivery can increase the risk of brain injuries and bleeding in newborns.
- Genetic or vascular malformations: Inherited conditions, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), and other blood vessel abnormalities can cause weakened or fragile vessels that are more prone to bleeding.
Extracranial hemorrhages involve bleeding between the scalp and skull but do not directly affect the brain. These should still be addressed quickly by medical professionals to prevent further complications and ensure the baby's health and well-being.
How to Choose the Right Maryland Brain Injury Lawyer
Selecting the right attorney can make a significant difference when pursuing a claim involving an infant brain injury. Families should look for a Maryland brain injury lawyer with relevant experience, strong communication skills, and the resources needed to investigate complex medical issues.
When comparing your options, consider the following qualities:
- Experience with birth-related claims: Ask about prior cases involving infant brain injuries, birth trauma, and other complex medical issues.
- Knowledge of Maryland law: Look for a lawyer who regularly handles cases in Maryland courts and understands local procedures.
- Clear communication: Choose a firm that answers your questions, explains the process clearly, and keeps you informed.
- Access to medical professionals: Determine whether the firm works with qualified medical experts to evaluate potential malpractice claims.
- Manageable caseload: Consider whether the firm limits its caseload to provide families with more individualized attention.
The right Maryland brain injury lawyer should have the experience, resources, and commitment necessary to help your family understand its legal options and pursue the compensation needed for your child's future care The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc. strives to meet these standards by providing dedicated and knowledgeable legal support.
Don't wait to speak with a brain injury lawyer in Maryland who is well-versed in birth injury and medical malpractice claims. Call (410) 220-6581 or contact us online to request a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birth-Related Brain Injury
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for Birth Injuries in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for birth injuries typically allows for claims to be filed within three years from the date the injury was discovered. For minors, claims are sometimes allowed until the child reaches eleven years old. This can vary depending on the specifics, making it essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to ensure timely filing and prevent missing critical deadlines. Whether you are considering filing a claim in this state or another, our brain injury lawyer in Maryland can help you determine what deadlines you need to meet.
- What Types of Birth Injuries Might Indicate Medical Mistakes?
Several birth injuries might suggest medical errors during delivery, including cerebral palsy and brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. Such birth-related brain injuries can result from mismanaged labor, improper use of delivery tools, or delays in necessary interventions. Consulting with a birth-related brain injury attorney in Maryland can help you in understanding the cause of the injury.
- What Should I Expect During a Legal Consultation About a Birth-Related Brain Injury?
During a legal consultation, the brain injury attorney will review the specifics of the injury, evaluate potential legal options, and discuss the likely process for pursuing a birth-related brain injury claim. This meeting is an opportunity to ask questions, understand the legal landscape, and determine the suitability of the attorney for your needs. It provides insight into the strengths and challenges of the claim.
Our goal in each case we handle is to obtain the maximum compensation for our clients, which is why we only take on a limited number of cases each year.