A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can profoundly alter the way your family lives. If a medical professional has committed malpractice during your pregnancy, resulting in your child's condition you must take action immediately.

A lawyer who has expertise can assist you in filing a claim against the responsible parties. In the meantime, begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

The causes of birth defects

The causes of birth defects aren't always understood. Some birth problems are caused by genetic problems. Genes that are not functioning properly or are completely missing (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can trigger these. They may also be caused by chromosomal issues, in which one or more chromosomes have too many or too few cells.

These kinds of issues are usually identified in utero using ultrasound or amniocentesis. In both cases, amniotic fluid is collected and tested for chromosomal changes and genetic anomalies. In some cases, however, doctors won't detect the birth defect until a baby is born or exhibits symptoms, such as an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects can also be caused by issues with the nervous system, brain as well as musculoskeletal disorders that affect joints, muscles and bones. They can vary from mild to severe and affect a person's appearance or function, including their ability to learn, strength and mobility.

While some birth defects can't be prevented, many can. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain disorders should think about genetic testing before attempting to have children. Additionally avoidance of certain chemicals or drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of developing certain birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in care of pregnant women may cause birth defects. It is essential to consult an attorney who deals with birth defects in the event that you suspect that a medical error may have caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects can be complicated and require expert medical evidence. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will assist you and your loved ones get the compensation required to ensure your child's regular life.

Your lawyer will identify the birth defect that your child has and link it with the medical professionals involved in its delivery. Your attorney will also need to be aware of the date the date that the birth defect of your child was first identified. This is important since it will help you determine how long you'll need to make a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Your attorney should also have access to any documents you might have regarding the birth defect of your child, including invoices, receipts and credit card transactions. This evidence will allow your attorney to prove the extent of your child's injuries and determine the types of compensation you are entitled to receive.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors like genetic conditions and medications, or exposure to illnesses and infections. However, the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or any other negligence. Only when a doctor fails to perform his or his duty of care, and this causes a birth injury will medical malpractice be justified.

Drugs

A birth defect is an abnormal development of a area of the baby's body that occurs at birth or develops during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informs us that these problems can affect any part of the body and can be mild or even life-threatening.

Often, these issues are the result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. In certain instances medical malpractice can be the reason for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist a parent determine the source of their child's illness and pursue legal actions.

Drugs have the potential to cause grave birth defects in the fetus. These substances, also referred to as teratogens, include both prescription drugs as well as illegal street drugs. Thalidomide is one example. It was once a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea pregnancy medication, but turned out to be one of the most devastating birth defects resulting from drugs in the history of medicine. It led to limb reduction defects as well as other mental and physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional obligation to evaluate the risks that come with certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do so they may be guilty of malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have obligations to inform women about the risks of using their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are a result of an unfortunate genetic defect that cannot have been prevented, a number of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals can be found in the drugs a pregnant woman takes or in environmental pollutants at the home or at work or in harmful chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They are able to cause severe birth defects, such as spina bifida and developmental delays, skeletal deformities as well as brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight, deformities of the limbs and heart problems.

Certain toxic substances like arsenic, cadmium, and arsenic can be found in drinking water as well as soil. Lead is a frequent chemical that is found in house paint, art materials, plastics, and cosmetics. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been proven to increase the risk of birth defect lawsuit defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect cases can assist parents in determining whether the chemical or drug was the main cause of their child's birth defect. In these cases our lawyers could file a claim for birth defect product liability against a chemical or drug manufacturer who has developed and manufactured a dangerous medication or chemical. We may also file a lawsuit to sue doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.