A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can profoundly alter the way your family lives. If a medical professional made mistakes during your pregnancy resulting in your child's condition you must act fast.

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

The causes of birth defects

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always understood. Certain birth defects are caused by genetic problems. Genes that are not working properly or are absent completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can cause these. They may also be caused by chromosomal problems, where some or all of the chromosomes have extra or too few cells.

These issues are usually identified in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic fluid is taken and tested to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic changes. In some instances doctors will not discover the birth defect until a baby is born or exhibits symptoms, like having an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

Apart from chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects can be caused by issues with the nervous system, brain, and musculoskeletal issues which affect bones, muscles and joints. They can range from moderate to severe and affect how a person looks or functions, including learning abilities, physical strength and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable, but others are preventable. Couples with an inheritance history of certain diseases should consider testing their genetics prior to trying to have children. In addition avoidance of certain chemicals or drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of developing certain birth defects. Medical mistakes and negligence in the care of pregnant women can cause birth defects. It is important to consult a birth defect attorney in the event that you suspect that an error in medical care has caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases involving medical negligence are often complex and require expert testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and experienced will help you and your family obtain the amount of compensation you need to ensure your child's regular life.

To determine if you are in a medical malpractice claim, your attorney will start by identifying the child's birth defect and linking it to the medical professionals who were involved in his or her delivery. They will also have to determine when your child's birth defect was first identified. This is important since it will let you know when you must submit a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires.

It is also essential that your attorney has access to your medical records as well as any other documents that you have that relate to the birth defect of your child for example, receipts, bills and credit card transactions. This evidence will help your attorney prove the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors like genetic conditions medications or chemicals or exposure to illnesses and infections. The majority of birth defect are not the result of negligence or medical malpractice. If a doctor is unable to fulfill his or his duty of care, and this results in an injury to the baby will a medical malpractice lawsuit be deemed to be legitimate.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed development in some part of a baby's body that is present at birth or occurs during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains that these defects can affect any part of the body and range from mild to life-threatening.

These ailments are usually the result of the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In some instances medical malpractice could be the reason for the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defects lawyer can help parents identify the cause of their child's condition and then take legal action.

Drugs can cause serious birth defects. These substances, referred to as teratogens, encompass both prescription drugs as well as illegal street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, was once a commonly used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects resulting from drugs in the history of medicine. It caused the development of limbs, mental and physical impairments, and a variety of other physical impairments.

Doctors are required to take into account the risks of certain drugs when prescribing them to pregnant women. If they fail to do this they are guilty of malpractice. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies have obligations to inform women of the dangers of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Some birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medications a pregnant woman takes, in environmental contaminants in the workplace or at home as well as in toxic chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals, referred to as teratogens can cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They can also cause developmental delays, skeletal abnormalities, brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Some toxic compounds, such as arsenic and cadmium can be found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a frequent contaminant that is found on painting supplies, home paint plastics, cosmetics and many other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown 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 instances, our lawyers can file a products liability claim against the chemical or drug manufacturer who designed and produced a dangerous drug. We may also file a lawsuit to sue doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.