A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect could profoundly alter the way your family lives. You need to act quickly when a medical professional committed a mistake during your pregnancy which resulted in your child's illness.

An experienced lawyer for birth injuries can assist you in filing an action against those who are responsible. In the meantime, you can begin gathering bills, receipts and credit card statements.

Birth Defects and Causes

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. Some birth problems result from genetic problems. Genes that aren't functioning properly or are absent completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) are a cause for these. They can also be caused by chromosomal problems, where one or more chromosomes contain extra or too few cells.

These kinds of issues are usually detected during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. In both cases, amniotic fluid samples is taken and examined for chromosomal variations and genetic abnormalities. In some cases doctors are unable to identify the birth defect before the child is born with symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.

Birth problems can also be caused by problems in the nervous system, brain or musculoskeletal system. These problems affect the bones, muscles and joint. They can range from mild to severe, and affect how a person behaves or looks, as well as physical strength, ability to learn and mobility.

While some birth defects can't be prevented, some can be prevented. Couples that have an ancestor with certain genetic conditions should think about screening for genetics prior to trying for the birth of a child. In addition, avoiding exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of developing certain birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in treatment of pregnant women could also cause birth defects. It is important to speak with a birth defect attorney when you suspect that the medical error could have caused your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases that involve medical negligence are usually complex and require expert testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and skilled will help you and your family obtain the amount of compensation you need to ensure your child's normal life.

To determine whether you're in a medical malpractice case, your attorney will start by identifying your child's birth defect, and then linking it to the medical professionals involved in the delivery. The lawyer will also be required to identify the date when the birth defect was first identified. This is essential since it will tell you how long you've got until the statute of limitation expires to file your claim.

Your attorney should also have access to any documents that you may have concerning the birth defect of your child, such as receipts, bills, as well as credit card payments. This information will enable your attorney to demonstrate the extent of the injuries the child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled.

Birth defects can result in a variety of ways, including the effects of medications or genetic conditions exposure to illnesses and infections, as well as exposure to chemicals or medication. The majority of birth defects are not caused by negligence or medical malpractice. A medical malpractice claim is only valid when a doctor fails in his or her duty of care and that negligence causes a birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed development in some part of the body of a baby that is present at birth or develops during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these defects may affect any part of the baby's body and vary from mild to life threatening.

Often, these issues are the result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. In certain cases medical malpractice may be the reason for the child's illness. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents determine the root of their child's health issue, and pursue legal action.

Drugs can cause serious birth defects in the foetus. These substances, also referred to as teratogens, comprise both prescription drugs as well illegal street drugs. Thalidomide was previously widely utilized as an anti-nausea drug and sleep aid pregnancy medicine but it was found to be the cause of some of the most severe birth defects ever recorded. It caused limb reduction problems as well as other mental and physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional duty to take into consideration the risks that come with certain drugs they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do this they may be guilty of malpractice. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical firms have a duty to warn women of the dangers of taking their products.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

While many birth defects are the result of a genetic condition that cannot be prevented, some of these are due to exposure to toxic chemicals while in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medications that pregnant mothers are prescribed, in environmental contaminants at home or work or in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They can cause severe birth defects, including spina bifida, developmental delays and skeletal deformities and brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight, deformities of the limbs and heart issues.

Certain toxins, like arsenic and cadmium, can be found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a common contamination that can be found on the walls of your home, paint, art materials and plastics, as well as cosmetics, and many other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown to increase birth defects.

A lawyer with expertise in birth defect cases can assist parents in determining whether chemicals or drugs were the main cause of the birth injury suffered by their child. In these cases, our lawyers can bring a product-liability claim against the chemical or drug manufacturer that developed and manufactured a dangerous drug. We can also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to have adverse side effects on pregnant women.