Maryland Craniofacial Birth Defects Attorney

Craniofacial birth defects refer to deformities that affect an infant’s head and facial bones. The effects are usually present at birth. Such defects can produce numerous harmful symptoms.

Craniofacial birth defects can occur because of a mother’s prenatal exposure to harmful substances. Furthermore, such exposures may be caused by medication errors. Victims of craniofacial birth defects caused by medication errors may be entitled to financial compensation.

If your child suffered craniofacial birth defects because of medical negligence in Maryland, get help recovering the monetary damages available to you. Contact our experienced Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case review.

Potential Symptoms of Craniofacial Birth Defects

There are numerous harmful symptoms that can be associated with craniofacial birth defects. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Our Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers can help victims fight for compensation related to any of the following injuries:

  • Apert syndrome
  • Crouzon syndrome
  • Kleeblattschadel syndrome (cloverleaf deformity)
  • Brachycephaly
  • Encephalocele
  • Oxycephaly
  • Pfeiffer syndrome
  • Torticollis
  • Trigonocephaly
  • Saethre-Chotzen syndrome
  • Plagiocephaly

All of the aforementioned symptoms can produce immense physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship for victims and their families.

Damages Available in Craniofacial Birth Defect Lawsuits in Maryland

Craniofacial birth defects can produce multiple types of harm. Accordingly, victims of such injuries may recover several categories of damages in craniofacial birth defects lawsuits. Our experienced Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers can help potential plaintiffs determine which of the following types of damages may be available in their case:

Medical Expenses

First, plaintiffs may recover damages for medical expenses related to the treatment of craniofacial birth defects. The effects of such injuries are often permanent. Accordingly, victims and their families may recover for the cost of past, current, and future medical treatment. Damages for medical expenses are typically proven through medical records and bills.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Furthermore, parents of infants with craniofacial birth defects may recover damages for out-of-pocket expenses related to their child’s injury. For example, parents may recover damages for the cost of travelling to and from medical appointments. Accordingly, victims’ parents should keep receipts and any other financial documents proving out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of their child’s injury.

Damages for Pain and Suffering

Lastly, parents and their children may also recover damages for the immense physical pain and emotional suffering caused by craniofacial birth defects. Such defects can permanently affect an infant’s quality of life going forward. Further, such injuries can cause parents to endure intense emotional anguish. Accordingly, victims of craniofacial birth defects may also recover damages related to physical pain and emotional suffering.

However, quantifying such injuries can be difficult. The assistance of our experienced Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers can be highly beneficial when seeking damages for physical pain and emotional suffering.

How Our Maryland Craniofacial Birth Defects Lawyers Can Help

The process for recovering compensation in a Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawsuit can be long and complicated. Defendants and their insurers may use various tactics to dispute aspects of your claim. Our lawyers can help victims navigate their road to recovery by offering support in the following ways:

Free Case Review

First, our lawyers can help victims assess the value of their case during a free case review. The legal analyses that apply to you case may be complex. However, in each lawsuit, the following elements must be satisfied:

  • The defendant was under a duty of care to act a certain way under specific circumstances
  • The defendant breached their duty of care
  • Your child suffered craniofacial birth defects because of the defendant’s breach of duty
  • You and your child suffered damages as a result of your child’s injuries

During a free case review, our Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers can help determine if the aforementioned elements have been satisfied in your case.

Gathering Evidence

The next step will involve gathering evidence to support your claim. Plaintiffs in craniofacial birth defects lawsuits must be able to show that the defects at issue were caused by a defendant’s negligent actions. The following are common examples of evidence used to establish fault on behalf of a negligent defendant in a craniofacial birth defects lawsuit:

  • Expert witness testimony
  • Photographic evidence
  • Physical evidence
  • Personal recollections
  • Medical records
  • Surveillance footage

There are many other types of evidence that can be used to establish fault. However, gathering all of the required evidence can be difficult. Our experienced Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers can help collect the evidence required for your case to succeed.

Filing Your Lawsuit

Parents may file lawsuits on behalf of their children at any point until the child turns 18. However, there are many requirements that must be complied with when filing a craniofacial birth defects lawsuit in Maryland. Failure to comply with any requirement could force plaintiffs to re-file their case. Fortunately, our Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers can offer guidance and support to plaintiffs when filing their lawsuit.

Negotiating for Fair Compensation

Insurance companies and their defense attorneys may employ various tactics to entice low settlement agreements from plaintiffs. Our lawyers can help ease victims’ stress by communicating with insurers on their behalf.

Furthermore, our experienced Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers can accurately assess the value of your case. Accordingly, plaintiffs may avoid settling their case for less than it is worth.

Settling a Craniofacial Birth Defects Case vs. Taking a Craniofacial Birth Defects Case to Trial in Maryland

Plaintiffs in craniofacial birth defects cases may face the difficult choice of either settling their case or going to trial. By settling a case early, both sides can save on the costs that accompany going to trial. Additionally, plaintiffs who settle early will receive compensation more quickly.

However, not all settlement offers are satisfactory. Plaintiffs who take their case to trial will have the opportunity to recover additional monetary damages. Our Maryland craniofacial birth defects attorneys can help plaintiffs decide if going to trial is the right decision in their case.

If Your Child Suffered Craniofacial Birth Defects in Maryland, Our Lawyers May Be Able to Help

If your child suffered craniofacial birth defects because of medical negligence in Maryland, seek assistance from our experienced Maryland craniofacial birth defects lawyers by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case review.