Birth Defect Lawsuits

Parents want their children to be perfect, but sometimes that's not possible. When that happens it is crucial that stunned parents seek the help of experienced birth defect lawyers.

Medical negligence, dangerous medications, and exposure to environmental hazards can lead to serious birth defect law firms defects and injuries. A New York birth defects law firm can help.

Medical Malpractice

If a physician fails to adhere to the accepted standard of practice in their area, it is considered medical malpractice. This could be due to failing to perform prenatal screening and prescribing medicines which increase the chance of birth defects or making a mistake during labor and delivery.

Birth birth defects and birth injuries are often due to genetic and environmental factors, but sometimes they are caused by a doctor's negligence or malpractice. If a doctor fails detect congenital defects in utero and fails to notify parents they may be legally able to file a case for wrongful birth seeking compensation for all costs related to their child's disability.

A successful medical malpractice claim in birth defect cases requires that the physician has a responsibility to the patient of care, that the doctor violated that duty, the doctor's actions, or failure to act directly led to injuries and damages and that the victim suffered economic and non-economic damages as a result of the injuries. These damages could include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as emotional distress.

Certain birth injuries and defects are preventable with timely testing and monitoring during pregnancy. Therefore, it's crucial for pregnant women to adhere to their doctor's recommendations regarding their prenatal visits. If you suspect that medical negligence caused your child's birth defect lawsuit defects Contact a medical negligence and birth injury lawyer immediately.

Toxic Chemicals

In the United States, thousands of babies are born each year with birth defects. These birth defects can vary in severity and impact the way a child looks, acts and functions in life. Some are minor, while others can cause serious problems and even be fatal.

The reasons for a child's birth defects can stem from genetic disorders or a variety of chemical and environmental factors. Exposure to harmful chemicals, for example can trigger serious complications in the newborn. Our firm is determined to hold employers accountable for exposed pregnant women and their unborn children to harmful substances or drugs.

It is well-established in scientific studies that certain toxicants and chemicals can pass through the placenta and affect an unborn baby. These chemicals are referred to as teratogenic. Exposure to these teratogenic chemicals could cause birth defects, such as Cleft lips and palates, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy.

While they are working, mothers are exposed to a variety of harmful chemicals. These chemicals can be consumed, inhaled or absorbed through the body's skin. These chemicals include industrial solvants like ethylene glycol-ethers (EGE) which are used in the manufacture of semiconductors. These toxins can also be ingested by parents when they consume certain over-the counter and prescription drugs. This is because many pharmaceuticals are not adequately tested on pregnant women and have been proven to cause birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

While genetic disorders are among the most common causes of birth defects, environmental exposure can also play a role. A variety of toxins and chemicals found in the home as well as in food items can increase the risk of having a birth defect. This includes fungicides and pesticides and lead, as well as heavy metals, some paints and many other chemical compounds. Exposure to toxic substances is nearly always inevitable. When companies fail to protect their pregnant employees, it is negligence and they can be held accountable.

Researchers are still unable pin down exactly what causes the birth defect in a specific way. It could be that a combination of factors can cause the condition. The problem is to assess the interactions in real-time. This is why the National Children's Study, now being conducted in a number of states, is so important. The NCS will enrol 100,000 women from diverse populations and follow them and their children for the course of time. This study will provide the most comprehensive data available on how different environmental factors affect fetal and child health.

Many parents who have a birth defect in their child feel guilty because they believe they contributed to it. However, these birth defects are not always preventable. Our birth defect lawyers know this and are dedicated to families seeking justice for children suffering from birth defects.

Product Liability

Many birth defects result from a variety of causes ranging from drug and alcohol use during pregnancy to genetics. Fortunately, many of these causes can be avoided. If your child was born with a medical issue which could have been prevented and you are entitled to recover damages through an action for birth defects.

A New York birth defect lawyer can assist you determine whether your child's illness was caused by a medication, chemical exposure or another environmental trigger that could be eligible for compensation. Based on the severity of your child's condition your legal counsel will also be able to calculate the full cost of the associated medical expenses that are qualified for compensation.

While the vast majority of birth defects are not caused due to medical negligence, there are instances where a doctor or healthcare professional has been negligent prior to or during labor and birth. A doctor may prescribe a medication that harms an infant before it is born, or make a mistake during surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully prosecuted claims against drug manufacturers where a mother's health care provider has been exposed to prescription drugs or toxic chemicals that can increase the risk of her child being born with birth defects. We have also filed birth defect lawsuits against paint factories and semiconductor manufacturers that expose their workers to hazardous substances during their work.