Birth Defect Lawsuits

Parents want their children perfect however, sometimes that's not possible. If that happens, it is essential that stunned parents seek the help of experienced birth defect lawyers.

Medical malpractice, dangerous drugs and exposure to environmental hazards can lead to serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defects law firm can help.

Medical Malpractice

When a doctor fails to adhere to the accepted standards of practice in their region, it's deemed medical malpractice. This could include not performing prenatal tests or prescribing drugs that increase the likelihood of birth defects or committing an error during labor or delivery.

Birth defects and birth injuries are usually the result of environmental and genetic factors however, they can also be the result of an error by a doctor. For example, if a physician is unable to identify a congenital disorder in the uterus and fails to notify parents of the impairment, parents can make a claim for wrongful birth seeking compensation for the lifetime expenses associated with the disabled child.

In order to win a medical malpractice claim in birth defect cases the plaintiff must show that the doctor owed a breach of duty to the patient, that he failed to fulfill the duty, and that his actions or inaction action directly resulted in damages and injuries, and that the patient suffered economic and birth defect lawyer non-economic losses from the injuries. These damages could include medical expenses or lost wages, as well emotional distress.

Prenatal visits are crucial to ensure that pregnant women receive the proper tests and monitoring. If you believe that your child's birth defect is the result of medical malpractice, contact an experienced medical malpractice and birth injury lawyer immediately.

Toxic Chemicals

In the United States, thousands of babies are born every year with a birth defect. These defects can be of various severity and affect the way that children behave, look and performs. Some are minor, whereas others can cause serious issues and may even cause death.

The causes of birth defects may be due to genetic abnormalities or a variety of chemical and environmental factors. Exposure to toxic chemicals, for instance can trigger serious complications in the newborn. Our firm is committed in bringing employers to account when they expose pregnant mothers or their unborn babies to harmful chemicals or medications.

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

While they are working, mothers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals. These chemicals can be inhaled, ingested or simply absorbed through the skin. These chemicals include industrial solvants such as ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) which are used in the manufacturing of semiconductors. Parents may also be exposed toxic substances when they consume certain prescription and over-the counter drugs. Many medications have not been adequately tested on pregnant woman and have led to birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

While genetic disorders are among the most prevalent causes of birth defects, exposure to environmental factors is also a major factor. The presence of various toxins and chemical compounds in the workplace, at home and in food can increase the risk of birth defects. This includes fungicides, pesticides, lead, heavy metals, some paints and various chemical compounds. Exposure to these toxins is often inevitable. If companies fail to safeguard their pregnant employees, this is negligence and they can be held accountable.

Researchers are still trying to determine the specific cause of a birth defect. It could be that a combination of factors can cause the condition. The trick is to analyze the effects of these factors in real-time. The National Children's Study is important since it is currently in process across several states. The NCS will enroll 100,000 women from a representative populations and will follow their progress over time, as well as their children. This study will provide the most comprehensive data on how environmental factors impact the health of infants and children.

Many parents suffering from a birth defect in their child feel guilty that they somehow contributed to the problem, but it's usually the case that these kinds of issues are unavoidable. Our birth defect lawyers understand this and are dedicated to helping families seek justice for children who suffer from birth defects.

Product Liability

Many birth defect law firm defects are caused by a range of factors that range from drug and alcohol use during pregnancy to genetics. Fortunately, a lot of these causes can be avoided. If your child was diagnosed with a medical issue which could have been avoided or prevented, you might be able to get compensation in an action for birth defects.

A New York birth defect lawyer will be able to assist you determine whether your child's illness was caused by chemical exposure, a medication or any other environmental cause that is a reason to seek compensation. Your legal team can estimate the total cost of medical expenses associated with your child's condition based on the severity.

Although the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical negligence, there are instances where a doctor or healthcare worker is negligent before or during labor and delivery. A doctor could prescribe a medication in a way that can harm a baby before the birth, or make an error in surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully defended claims against drug manufacturers in which a mother's health care provider has been exposed to prescription medicines or toxic chemicals that increase the chances of her having a child born with a birth defect. We have also filed birth defect lawsuits against semiconductor manufacturers and paint factories which expose their employees to harmful chemicals in the workplace.