Birth Defect Lawsuits

Parents want their children perfect however sometimes it's not always possible. If this happens it is vital for parents to seek out the assistance of skilled birth defect lawyers.

Medical negligence, dangerous drugs and exposure to environmental hazards can lead to serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defect law firm can assist you in getting answers.

Medical Malpractice

If a doctor does not follow the accepted standard of practice in his or her area, it is considered medical malpractice. This could mean failing to conduct prenatal testing, prescribing medications which increase the chance of birth defects or committing an error during labor and delivery.

Birth defects and birth injuries are typically caused by genetic or environmental factors, but sometimes they are caused by medical negligence or malpractice. For instance in the event that a physician fails to recognize a congenital disability in utero and fails to inform parents of this impairment, parents can pursue a wrongful birth lawsuit seeking compensation for the lifelong costs associated with the disabled child.

A successful medical malpractice claim in birth defect cases requires that the physician was obligated to the patient to perform a duty of care, that the doctor did not fulfill this duty, that the doctor's negligence or failure to act caused injuries and damages and that the victim suffered economic and non-economic losses due to his or her injuries. These damages could include the costs of medical bills, lost wages as well as pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Prenatal visits are important to ensure that pregnant women receive the required testing and monitoring. If you believe that your child's birth defect is the result of medical malpractice, consult an experienced medical malpractice lawyer and birth injury lawyer right away.

Toxic Chemicals

In the United States, thousands of babies are born every year with a birth defect. These birth defects can range in severity and affect the way a child looks and behaves throughout life. Some are minor, but others can cause serious issues that could be fatal.

Birth problems can be caused by genetic anomalies or a range of chemcial or environmental factors. Exposure to harmful chemicals, for instance, can cause serious complications in babies. Our firm is determined to hold employers accountable for exposure of pregnant women and their newborn babies to harmful substances or drugs.

It is well-established in scientific literature that certain toxins and chemicals can pass through the placenta and harm an unborn baby. These toxins are referred to as teratogenic. The exposure to these teratogenic chemicals may cause birth defects such as the cleft palate and lips as well as spina Bifida and muscular dystrophy.

Many mothers are exposed to various toxic chemicals while they are at work. These chemicals can be inhaled, ingested or simply absorbed through the skin. These chemicals comprise industrial solvents such as the ethylene glycol-ethers (EGE) used in the manufacture of semiconductors. These toxins can also be ingested by parents while they are taking certain prescription and over-thecounter medicines. Many medications have not been properly tested on pregnant women and may cause birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

Environmental exposure is one of the main causes of birth defects. Genetic disorders are a common cause, but it's far from the only one. Many different toxins and chemicals found in the home, workplace and food can increase the chance of having a birth defect. This includes fungicides and pesticides lead, heavy metals, certain paints and various chemical substances. Exposure to these toxic substances is almost always inevitable. But, when businesses fail to safeguard pregnant employees they are negligent and can be held responsible.

Researchers are still unable to pinpoint the root of the birth defect. It is possible that an interaction with multiple factors could trigger the condition, but the problem is assessing the effects of these interactions in real time. The National Children's Study is important because it is currently underway in a number of states. The NCS will enrol 100,000 women from diverse populations as well as follow them and their children over the long term. This study will provide the most comprehensive data available on how many environmental factors influence fetal and child health.

Many parents who suffer from a birth defect in their child feel guilty believing that they caused it. However, these birth defects are often unavoidable. Our birth defect attorneys understand this and are committed to helping families with children who have birth defects.

Product Liability

Birth defects can be caused by a variety causes, from drug or alcohol consumption during pregnancy to genes. Fortunately, the majority of these causes can be avoided. If your child was born with a medical condition which could have been prevented and you are entitled to recover damages through a birth defect lawsuit.

A New York birth defect attorney will be able help you determine if your child's illness is caused by a medication, chemical or environmental exposure that is eligible for compensation. Your legal team will calculate the total cost of medical expenses for your child's condition based on the severity.

While the vast majority of birth defects are not caused due to medical negligence, there are occasions where a doctor or healthcare worker has been negligent before or during labor and delivery. A physician may incorrectly prescribe a medication that injures the baby before it is born, or make an error during surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully brought lawsuits against drug makers where a mother's health healthcare provider has been exposed to prescription medication or toxic chemicals that increase the likelihood of her having a child with birth defects. We have also filed birth defect lawsuits against companies that expose employees to dangerous chemicals while working like a paint factory or semiconductor manufacturing company.