Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a frightening and confusing experience to learn that your child is born with a birth defect. It's important to contact an experienced legal team as soon as possible.

A lawyer can explain to you the reasons for birth defects and also how to file a suit in order to claim damages on behalf of your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural modifications in the body that affect the way it appears or performs. They can occur at any time during pregnancy, but the majority occur within the first three months. Some are obvious, while others can only be identified by a health professional. They can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Genetic problems are the cause of the majority of birth defects. These are caused by genes are altered (mutated) or is absent. Certain genes are passed down from parents, but others are acquired from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemical substances can increase the risk for a birth defect.

Some birth defects can be treated, however most aren't. Some of these treatments include surgery, medicine and special home care. Certain birth defects, like Cleft lip and palate, as well as spina Bifida, can be repaired by surgery. The use of medicine can treat other problems, like Tay-Sachs or patent ductus artery.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or both during pregnancy have the highest chance of having children with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their family are also at greater risk. It is crucial to speak with a doctor about the chance of having a baby with birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances, birth defects are the result of medical negligence during pregnancy and birth. A New York birth defect lawyer can assist parents in filing a malpractice suit against the doctor who caused the child's condition.

For instance, a medical professional could have misjudgedly prescribed medication to the mother during her pregnancy that increased the chance of the baby being born with a particular defect. If the child has severe mental disabilities due to the medication, they may be eligible for government assistance to help with their needs.

The medical professional or hospital could not have detected an identifiable birth defect in the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor failed to perform testing or did not discuss the results with parents, he may be held responsible for wrongful claims.

Midwives, medical facilities and health professionals are required to divulge and report medical records relating to birth defects. This information may also be used to detect patterns and clusters and possible causes. This information should not be released to anyone else or the public unless it is authorized by applicable laws, regulations, and HIPAA. These regulations can differ by the state of. The information is only used for approved purposes by the department of state. All employees who are part of the birth defect surveillance program must also sign a confidentiality agreement and receive instruction on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The risk of certain birth defects can be identified before the birth of a child by prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis and birth defect blood tests (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid in the fetus). Women with higher-risk pregnancies can be offered these more in-depth screening options due to an extended family history or maternal age.

A variety of over-the-counter as well as prescription medicines can cause serious adverse effects when used by women who are pregnant. The pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who prescribe these medications have an obligation to warn doctors about the risks. If they fail to take this step, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

Due to birth defects due to birth defects, medical, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses are often a quick way to accumulate, especially if the defect is severe and requires a lifetime of treatment. It is crucial to keep track of any and all receipts, bills and birth defect credit card payment records and other documentation of your damages and right to claim compensation.

Certain birth defect attorneys defects can be corrected through surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and can affect the person for their entire lives leading to severe disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is knowledgeable and sympathetic can help families receive the compensation they deserve. You should start a claim as soon you realize that your child has an abnormal birth.

Environmental Exposure

There are numerous environmental causes of birth defects. These include prescription or over-the counter drugs, as well as exposure to chemicals at work or at home. Sometimes, the cause is difficult to pinpoint. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born in a specific time period and location, this is known as a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out if there is suspicion of a birth defect or birth injury. A knowledgeable and sympathetic medical malpractice lawyer can assist families attain the settlement they're entitled to so that the birth defect or birth injury will not have lasting negative effects.

Many states have laws that require the recording of birth defects. This involves the collection of information from the hospital discharge records. The information can be used to identify anomalies and trends.

The information could be collected and shared with various programs including: