Birth Defect Law

Birth problems and injuries are caused by a variety of factors. In most cases, these conditions are easily prevented.

They are usually caused by medical malpractice during pregnancy. Chemical exposure is another cause. The people who work in beauty salons or paint factories as well as in metal cleaning operations face a high risk of developing these types of defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that can affect one or more body parts. They can range in severity from minor to life-threatening. About 1 out of 33 babies are born with a birth defect each year.

When a baby is born with a birth defect, it can be heart-wrenching for parents and relatives. Some birth defects can be inherited by a parent's genetic make-up and others are caused by a variety of factors including obstetrical complications, medication side effects, infections, or toxins.

Studies and birth defect attorneys have proven that some of the causes of birth defects can be attributed to environmental factors, such as drugs that are not prescribed by doctors as well as toxic chemicals found in the home and workplace, and pollutants that affect the environment. During the Vietnam War mothers were exposed the herbicide Agent Orange which caused birth defects in their children. Sadly, a lot of these birth defects could be prevented with the appropriate care.

Signs and symptoms

A birth defect can affect the way that a person looks or performs. It can be structural, such as a mouth or lip cleft, or it could be caused by changes in genes. For instance, Down syndrome, is caused by an extra chromosome. Certain medication and environmental factors can cause this condition, as well.

Certain birth defects are obvious, such as lips or palates that are cleft however others are more subtle. Some of these include delayed responses to sound, or a failure to achieve developmental goals, such as crawling and sitting up.

Birth injuries can be caused by a birth defect or it can occur during birth, such as a caput succedaneum (a swelling on the newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first delivery). These injuries can be difficult to detect, birth defect attorneys especially when they show up as a low heart rate or oxygen levels that are low, or the appearance of drooling.

Treatment

If your child was born with an abnormal birth defect there are treatment options that can treat the condition of your child. This includes surgery, medication as well as specialized therapy.

Birth defects can affect any part or function of the body, according to the CDC. They can also impact the lifespan of your child.

A newborn with a birth defect is treated by various health professionals, such as pediatricians and family practice doctors. If your baby has a serious birth defect, like club foot, you could require a limb specialist or orthopedic surgeon.

If your doctor did not fulfill the duty of care owed to you during your pregnancy and the breach led to the birth defect attorneys defect of your child you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. Medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies that prescribe certain medications are required to inform women of childbearing ages of the risk of birth defects, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are linked with various health issues, including birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all precautions to ensure that babies aren't suffering from birth defects or injuries. If doctors fail to take these precautions, parents may be entitled to compensation to cover their losses.

There are a variety of damages, based on the severity of the injury or birth defect. An attorney can help you determine which damages to pursue.

The CDC declares that every year one in 33 babies is born with a birth defect. These conditions range from cleft lips to missing limbs and can have long-lasting and serious consequences.

If your child suffered birth defect as a result of medical malpractice, it's important that you act fast to file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A legal consultation can also help you understand how much your case could be worth.

Statute of Limitations

If your child is suffering from an injury or defect in the birth process that could have been avoided by medical negligence, then you could have a legal claim. However, there are strict deadlines - referred to as statutes of limitation that you must follow otherwise your case will be dismissed.

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that affect a newborn infant. They can cause physical or mental disabilities, and even death. These cases are categorized into different areas of the law such as medical negligence, products liability and employment law. For instance, the drug Thalidomide caused fetal birth defects decades ago, which led to class actions against its manufacturer.

Although birth defects are a nagging aspect of life, they are usually avoidable. Medical malpractice claims are crucial for protecting patients.

Find an Attorney

Despite the fact that medical technology and technological advancements have greatly reduced the risks of birth and pregnancy, certain birth defects can still occur. Stunned parents may be entitled to compensation if they discover that their child suffered from a preventable birth defect or injury.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any part of the infant's body and birth defect attorneys have a an enormous impact on their function and appearance. Certain of these conditions are undetectable until the baby is born or even later in the life of the baby. Many of these disorders are related to medical malpractice.

A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and skilled can help you and your family receive the compensation you're due. These damages can include emergency surgery as well as long-term treatment and care. They also include medical expenses for physical therapy, as well as special education costs.