A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can drastically alter the life of your family. If a medical professional has committed mistakes during your pregnancy resulting in your child's condition you should act fast.

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

Birth Defects and Causes

Birth defects can have many causes. However, some are due to genetic problems, where genes aren't working properly or aren't functioning properly (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They could also be caused by chromosomal issues, where one or several chromosomes have too many or there are too few cells.

These issues are typically diagnosed in utero using ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid from the uterus is collected and tested to find genetic and chromosomal variations. In some instances doctors are unable to identify the birth defect until the child is born with symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.

Aside from genetic and chromosomal issues birth defects can also be caused by problems with the nervous system or brain and musculoskeletal issues that affect joints, muscles and bones. They can vary from mild to severe and affect an individual's appearance or function, such as their learning capabilities mobility, strength and strength.

Some birth defects are unavoidable however, others can be avoided. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain disorders should think about genetic testing before attempting to have children. Additionally being aware of the potential dangers of certain chemicals, drugs, infections and other environmental factors can lower the chance of certain birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in care of pregnant women can cause birth defects. It is important to speak with an attorney for birth defects if you suspect an error in your medical treatment has caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are usually complex and require expert medical evidence. A skilled and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer will help your family obtain justice and obtain the money you need to ensure that your child is able to live a normal existence.

To determine whether you have a medical malpractice claim, your attorney will start by carefully identifying your child's birth defect, and then linking it to the medical professionals who were involved in the delivery. They will also be required to identify the date when the birth defect was first identified. This information is crucial because it will let you know how long you have before the statute of limitation expires and you can file your claim.

It is also crucial that your attorney has access to your medical records as well as any other documents that you have related to the birth defect of your child, including bills, receipts, and credit card payments. This can help your attorney establish the severity of your child's injuries and determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors that include genetic conditions and medications, or exposure to illnesses and infections. However, the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or other form of negligence. Only when a doctor does not fulfill his or his duty of care, and the result is an injury to the baby will medical malpractice claims be justified.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed development of a part of the body of a baby that occurs at birth or occurs during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these birth defects can affect any part of the body of the baby and vary from mild to life threatening.

Often, these disorders are a result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in other cases, medical negligence may be the cause of the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defects lawyer can assist parents in determining the cause of their child's condition and then take legal action.

Drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. These substances, often referred to as teratogens include prescription drugs as well illegal street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, was a time when it was a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea pregnancy medication, but was later discovered to be one of the most devastating drug-related birth defects in history. It caused the development of limbs, mental and physical impairments, and a variety of other physical impairments.

Doctors have a duty of care to take into consideration the dangers associated with certain drugs they prescribe to pregnant women. They commit malpractice if they fail to do this. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists have the responsibility of educating women of the dangers of taking their medications.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

While many birth defects are a result of an unfortunate genetic condition that cannot be prevented, some of these are due to exposure to toxic chemicals in the uterus. These chemicals can be found in medications that mothers take during pregnancy or in environmental pollutants at home or work or in toxic chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals, also known as teratogens, can cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They may also cause the development of skeletal disorders, delays in development as well as brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Certain toxins like arsenic or cadmium can be found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a typical contaminant that can be found in house paint, art supplies plastics, cosmetics and other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been found to increase birth defects.

A lawyer with expertise in birth defect cases can help parents determine if a particular drug or chemical has caused their child's birth defect. In these cases, our lawyers may pursue a product liability lawsuit against a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer who developed and manufactured a dangerous medication or chemical. Or, we could make a claim against doctors who prescribe drugs known to cause adverse side effects for pregnant women.