Birth Defect Lawsuits

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

Medical malpractice, dangerous drugs and environmental exposure can cause serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defect law firm can help you get answers.

Medical Malpractice

When a doctor fails adhere to the accepted standards of practice in his or her region, it's deemed medical malpractice. This may include not performing prenatal tests or prescribing drugs that increase the risk of birth defects, or making an error during labor and birth defect law firm delivery.

Birth defects and birth injuries are often due to genetic and environmental causes, however sometimes they are the result of medical negligence or malpractice. For example when a doctor fails to detect a congenital disability in utero and then fails to notify parents of this impairment, parents can make a claim for wrongful birth seeking compensation for all the lifetime expenses associated with the disabled child.

To win a medical negligence case in birth defects the plaintiff must demonstrate that the doctor owed a duty of care to the patient, that he breached that duty, that his actions or lack of action directly triggered damage and injuries, and that he or she suffered economic and non-economic losses from the injuries. These damages may include expenses of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Certain birth problems and injuries can be avoided with timely testing and monitoring during pregnancy, so it's essential for pregnant women to adhere to their doctor's recommendations regarding their prenatal visits. If you suspect that medical malpractice caused your child's birth defects, contact a medical malpractice 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 how a child appears and behaves in life. Some are minor, while others can cause serious problems and even lead to death.

The reasons for a child's birth defects may be due to genetic disorders or a range of environmental and chemical factors. Exposure to toxic chemicals, for instance, can cause serious complications in a newborn. Our firm is committed to holding employers accountable for exposing pregnant women and their unborn babies to harmful chemicals or medications.

It is well-established in the scientific research that certain toxins and chemicals can cross the placenta and affect the unborn baby. These chemicals are referred to as teratogenic. Exposure to these teratogenic chemicals may cause birth defects such as Cleft lips and palates as well as spina Bifida and muscular dystrophy.

Many mothers are exposed an array of toxic chemicals when they are working. These chemicals can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed into the skin of the body. These chemicals include industrial solvents such as ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) that are used in the fabrication of semiconductors. These contaminants can also be ingested by parents when they consume certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs. A lot of pharmaceuticals haven't been tested properly on pregnant women and have resulted in birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

While genetic disorders are among the most common causes of birth defects, exposure to environmental factors can also play a role. Many different chemicals and toxins that are found in the home, workplace and food could increase the chances of having a birth defect. This includes fungicides and pesticides lead, heavy metals, certain paints, and other chemical compounds. Exposure to these toxic substances is often inevitable. When companies fail to protect their pregnant employees, this is negligence and they can be held accountable.

Researchers are still trying to find the exact cause of a birth defect. It is possible that a variety of factors may cause the condition. The next step is to evaluate the effects of these factors in real-time. This is why the National Children's Study, now getting under way in several states, is so crucial. The NCS will enroll 100,000 women from a representative population and track them throughout their lives and their children. This study will provide comprehensive data on how environmental factors affect the health of infants and children.

Many parents who suffer from a birth defect in their child are resentful and believe that they contributed to it. However, these defects are not always preventable. Our birth defect lawyers understand this and are dedicated to families who seek justice for children who suffer from birth defects.

Product Liability

Birth defects are caused by a variety of causes, from drug or alcohol consumption during pregnancy to genetic. Fortunately, many of these causes can be avoided. If your child was born with a medical issue that could have been prevented and you are entitled to claim damages through an action for birth defects.

A New York birth defect attorney will be able help you determine if the condition of your child is caused by an underlying chemical, medication or environmental exposure that is eligible for compensation. Your legal team will calculate the total cost of medical bills related to your child's condition according to the severity.

While the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical negligence, there are instances when a healthcare worker is negligent before or during labor and birth. A doctor might incorrectly prescribe a medication that harms the baby before it is born, or make a mistake during surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully defended lawsuits against drug companies where a mother's health healthcare provider has been exposed to prescription medicines or toxic chemicals that increase the chance of her child developing a birth defect. We also have brought birth defect lawsuits against paint factories and semiconductor producers who expose their workers to toxic chemicals while during their work.