Birth Defect Law

Birth defects and injuries are caused by a number of causes. These conditions can be prevented in many instances.

Most often, they are due to medical malpractice during pregnancy. Chemical exposure is a different cause. Beauty salon workers and paint factories as well as cleaning operations for metal are at a higher chance of developing these deformities.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that affect one or more of the parts. They can vary in severity, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Every year, one out of 33 babies is born with a birth deformity.

If a child is born with a birth defect, it can be a heartbreaking experience for parents and family members. Some birth defects are passed down from the genetic makeup of parents and others are caused by a variety of factors, including obstetrical complications and medication side effects, contaminations, or toxins.

Birth defect lawyers and studies have found that a number of the causes of birth defects are due to environmental causes, including drugs that are not prescribed by doctors as well as toxic chemicals found in the workplace and at home, and toxic substances that can contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War mothers were exposed the herbicide Agent Orange which caused birth defects in their children. Sadly, many of these birth defects could be avoided by the proper care.

Signs and symptoms

A birth defect can affect how the body appears or performs. It could be structural like a cleft lip or palate, or it could be caused by changes in genes. Down syndrome, for example, is caused by an extra chromosome. Environmental factors and medications may be the cause of this condition.

Some birth defects are noticeable, such as lips or palates that are cleft some are more subtle. Some of them include a delayed response to sound, or an inability to reach developmental goals like crawling and sitting up.

A birth injury could be caused by an abnormality in the birth or it could happen during labor and delivery or during labor, for example, the caput succedaneum (a swelling on a newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first delivery). Sometimes, these injuries can be difficult to recognize, especially when they show up as lowered heart rate, poor oxygen levels, and the drooling.

Treatment

If your child is suffering from a birth defect, there are a variety of treatment options available to correct the issue. These include surgery, medication and specialized therapies.

Birth defects can affect any part or function of the body, as per the CDC. They can also impact the lifespan of your child.

A baby born with a birth deformity can be treated by a variety of health professionals, including pediatricians and family practice physicians. If your baby is suffering from a severe birth defect like club foot, you might require an orthopedic or limb specialist surgeon.

If your doctor breached the duty of care to you during your pregnancy and that breach led to your child's birth defect lawsuits defect You could file a medical malpractice claim. It is the obligation of pharmaceutical companies and doctors prescribing certain medicines to inform women who are expecting or planning to become pregnant about the risk of birth defects. This includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs have been linked to a range of health issues that include birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all necessary precautions to ensure that infants aren't suffering from birth defects and injuries. If doctors fail to take the necessary precautions parents could be entitled to compensation to compensate their expenses.

There are many types of damages based upon the severity of an injury or birth defect. A lawyer can help you determine the damages you should seek.

The CDC says that each year, one in 33 infants is born with an anomaly in the birth. The defects can vary from cleft lips to missing limbs. They may be serious and have long-lasting effects.

You must act quickly to start a claim in the event that your child suffers from a birth defect as a result of medical malpractice. The time limit for filing a claim will expire soon. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A consultation with a lawyer will help you determine the value of your case.

Statute of limitations

You may be able to bring a lawsuit if your child has a birth defect, or an injury that could have been easily avoided by negligence on the part of medical professionals. There are strict deadlines, also known as statutes or limits, that you must comply with in order to avoid having your case being dismissed.

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that affect babies. They can cause mental or physical disabilities and even death. These cases fall into different areas of law, such as medical negligence, products liability, and employment law. For instance Thalidomide, a prescription drug, caused fetal problems decades ago and led to mass actions against its manufacturer.

While birth defects are a tragic aspect of life, they're often prevented. This is the reason medical malpractice claims against doctors are important to protect patients.

Find an Attorney

While advances in technology and advancements in the medical field have greatly reduced the risks associated with pregnancy and birth, some birth defects are still possible. Parents who are shocked discover that their child has suffered birth defect or injury are entitled to compensation.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any aspect of an infant's anatomy and have a profound effect on their appearance and performance. Some of these diseases are not evident until the child is born or even later in life. Many of these diseases are connected to medical negligence.

A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist your family get the damages you're owed. These damages include emergency surgeries and long-term care and treatment. They also cover medication as well as physical therapy and education costs.