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A birth injury diagnosis changes everything for a family. What should be a moment of hope and new beginning becomes, instead, the start of an exhausting search for answers and for accountability. If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or another birth-related condition in or around Baltimore, the question of whether a medical error contributed to that outcome is one you deserve a clear answer to.
The birth injury attorneys at Shelsby & Leoni draw upon their experience in medical malpractice cases to bring a fierce commitment to families whose lives have been changed due to a birth injury diagnosis. We help you hold the liable parties accountable and will fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Every Parent Deserves an Answer
When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another birth-related condition, families are often told the injury was unavoidable, but an independent medical review frequently tells a different story. Birth injury cases involving oxygen deprivation, delayed C-sections, or mismanaged deliveries at Baltimore hospitals require qualified experts in obstetrics and neonatology to evaluate whether the standard of care was met. These are among the most complex cases in Maryland medical malpractice law, and building them takes attorneys with established expert networks and the resources to pursue hospitals and their defense teams. Families who pursue an independent legal evaluation early are far better positioned to secure the long-term support their child will need.
Birth Injuries We Investigate in Baltimore Cases
Birth injuries can result from errors at any stage of pregnancy, labor, or delivery. The medical teams at Baltimore’s major hospital systems, including Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Maryland Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and MedStar Harbor Hospital, are generally highly skilled. But errors occur even at respected institutions, and when they do, the consequences for a child and family can be permanent. These mistakes can leave lasting consequences for both mother and child, from temporary trauma to lifelong disabilities like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
Cerebral palsy linked to oxygen deprivation. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (brain damage caused by insufficient oxygen during or around the time of birth) is a documented cause of cerebral palsy. When fetal monitoring is inadequate, a delayed C-section decision allows hypoxia to progress, or neonatal care following delivery fails to address oxygen-deprivation injury, a family may have a valid malpractice claim. Cerebral palsy cases in particular often require a detailed investigation into labor-and-delivery procedures and neonatal care. Our team has successfully represented families dealing with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), perinatal asphyxia, and other preventable birth complications that can lead to CP. Our attorneys work with neonatologists and pediatric neurologists to evaluate these cases independently.
Erb’s palsy and brachial plexus injuries. When a delivery involving shoulder dystocia is mismanaged — particularly when a physician applies excessive traction to deliver a baby whose shoulder is lodged — the brachial plexus nerve network can be damaged, sometimes permanently. These injuries produce weakness, partial paralysis, or loss of sensation in the affected arm.
Delayed response to fetal distress. Electronic fetal monitoring exists precisely to alert the delivery team to signs of distress. When those signals are missed, ignored, or acted upon too late, the window to prevent permanent injury can close. Our attorneys investigate how monitoring was conducted and what the medical record shows about the team’s response.
Medication and anesthesia errors during labor. Errors in medication dosage or anesthesia administration during labor can cause serious harm to both mother and child. Our attorneys review pharmacy records and anesthesia documentation as part of every birth injury investigation.
Why Baltimore Families Choose Shelsby & Leoni
Our attorneys have represented families in birth injury cases throughout Maryland for decades. We understand how defense-side experts build their arguments and how to counter them effectively. We are trial-ready in Maryland courts, including the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
We also understand that behind every case file is a family navigating something devastating. Our approach is direct and personal: we tell you honestly what we see in the medical evidence, explain realistic outcomes, and fight hard for the best possible result.
Baltimore Birth Injury Attorneys: FAQs
How do I know if my child's condition was caused by a medical error?
That’s exactly what an independent investigation is designed to determine. Medical records from the delivery and neonatal period contain the information needed to evaluate whether the standard of care was met. Our attorneys obtain and review those records with qualified medical experts before drawing any conclusions.
The hospital says the injury was unavoidable. Should I take that at face value?
No. Medical providers and their institutions have a natural interest in characterizing outcomes as unavoidable. An independent review by experts with no stake in the outcome frequently tells a different story. That’s why independent review is always our first step.
How long do birth injury cases take?
These cases are complex and typically take longer than motor vehicle or premises liability claims. Expert review, discovery, and court scheduling all require time. However, the duration of a case doesn’t change the fact that filing it is often the only path to securing the long-term resources your child will need.
Can I bring a claim if years have passed since the birth?
Deadlines apply to birth injury claims in Maryland, and they differ from those in other injury cases. In some circumstances, additional time may be available when the injury wasn’t immediately apparent or when the victim is a minor. Contact our attorneys as soon as possible so we can evaluate whether a claim remains viable.
Our family can't afford to fight a major hospital system. Is there really any chance we can win?
Yes. Birth injury cases against major hospital systems are genuinely challenging, but they are also cases our attorneys handle regularly. We advance all investigation and litigation costs and collect fees only if we win. You don’t need financial resources to pursue this — you need the right attorneys.
Why Choose the Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Shelsby & Leoni
- Extensive experience in medical malpractice litigation. We have decades of hands-on experience handling complex birth injury cases.
- Proven track record. Our team has recovered significant results for families affected by medical malpractice.
- Relentless advocacy. We negotiate aggressively for fair settlements and will take your birth injury claim to trial if necessary.
- No upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for your family.
Call Our Baltimore Birth Injury Attorneys for Help with Your Birth Injury Case
We know this isn’t just about a lawsuit for your family; it’s about answers, accountability, and your child’s future. The law firm of Shelsby & Leoni represents families across Maryland with compassion, focus, and determination. When you hire us, you get a dedicated team fighting to make sure your child’s voice is heard and their needs are met for years to come.
If medical negligence caused your child’s diagnosis, you have the right to pursue justice and financial recovery via a personal injury claim. If you suspect a medical mistake caused your child’s birth injury, contact our Baltimore birth injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
