Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a terrifying and confusing experience to learn that your child was born with a birth deformity. Contacting a birth defect legal team with experience is vital in the earliest time possible.

A lawyer can explain the cause of a birth defect and birth defect how to file a lawsuit in order to recover damages for your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural changes that alter the way the body looks or works. They can occur at any point during pregnancy, but they typically occur during the first three months. Some are visible while others can only be identified by a healthcare provider. They can range in severity, from mild to severe.

Most birth defects are caused by genetic defects. These occur when a gene changes (mutates) or is absent completely. Certain genes are passed down from parents, but others originate from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the risk of a birth defect.

Certain birth defects can be treated, but the majority cannot. This can include surgery, medicines, and special home care. Surgery can correct birth defects such as Cleft lips and palates, and spina-bifida. Other problems, such as Tay-Sachs disease, can be treated with medicines.

Women who consume alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy are at an increased risk of having children born with birth defects. Women who have a history birth defects in their families are also at risk. It is important to discuss with your physician the possibility of having a child with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many cases birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or delivery. A New York birth defects lawyer can help parents file a malpractice lawsuit against the medical doctor or other professionals responsible for the child's condition.

A doctor could have mistakenly prescribed medication during pregnancy to the mother that increased the risk of the baby developing a specific defect. If the child is suffering from a severe mental disability because of the medication, they are eligible to receive government-funded benefits to help them with their needs.

A medical professional or hospital might be unable to recognize an birth defect that was present in the mother's uterus when fetal screening was performed. If the doctor didn't conduct the test or discuss the results with parents or the hospital, they could be responsible for claims based on wrongful birth.

Medical facilities, midwives and health professionals are required to divulge and report medical records relating to birth defects. This information can be used to monitor birth defects actions and to determine trends, clusters, and possible causes. The information cannot be shared with other individuals or to the general public unless it is allowed by applicable laws, regulations, and HIPAA. These regulations can differ based on the jurisdiction. The information is only used for purposes that are approved by the state department of health. In addition all employees involved in the surveillance of birth defect lawsuits defects must sign a confidentiality agreement and be instructed on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The risks of certain birth defects can be detected before a child is born by prenatal ultrasounds, blood tests and amniocentesis (obtaining samples of fetal amniotic fluid). These more precise screening options may be offered to women who are at a higher risk of pregnancy due to a history of the mother or her mother's age.

A variety of prescription and over-the counter medications can cause serious side effects for pregnant women. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who prescribe these drugs have a duty to warn physicians about the risks, and when they fail to comply, they could be held accountable for birth injuries.

Medical, hospital and pharmaceutical bills can add up quickly as a result of an anomaly in the birth, particularly severe ones that require lifelong treatment and care. It is crucial to keep track of all receipts, bills and credit card payment records, and other evidence of your injuries and rights to claim compensation.

Some birth defects can be corrected via surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and birth defect affect the person for their entire lives, causing severe disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is knowledgeable and understanding can help families receive the justice they deserve. You should make a claim as soon when you suspect your child is suffering from an anomaly in their birth.

Environmental Exposure

There are a myriad of environmental causes of birth defects. These can range from prescription or over-the-counter drugs to chemical exposure in the workplace or in homes. Sometimes, the cause is difficult to determine. When too many babies are born with the same condition in some time or place, it is referred to as a "cluster".

A medical malpractice lawyer is recommended if there is any suspicion of a cause of an anomaly in the birth or birth injury. A knowledgeable and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer can assist families attain the benefits they are entitled to, so that their child's birth defect or birth injury will not have lasting negative effects.

Many states have laws requiring the monitoring of birth defects. This includes the capture of data from hospital discharge records. This information can be utilized to identify patterns, anomalies, and clusters.

This data can also be gathered through other programs, such as: