A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can drastically alter the life of your family. If a doctor committed malpractice during your pregnancy, which led to your child's condition you should act fast.

A birth injury lawyer with experience can help you bring an action against the responsible parties. In the meantime you should begin collecting bills, receipts, and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

The causes of birth defects aren't always clear. Some birth defects are caused by genetic problems. Genes that aren't working properly or are missing completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They may also be caused by chromosomal disorders, where chromosomes are overloaded or too few cells.

These problems are usually diagnosed in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic fluid is taken and tested to detect genetic mutations and chromosomal anomalies. In some instances doctors do not find the birth defect until the child develops symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.

Aside from genetic and chromosomal issues, birth defects can be caused by issues with the brain or nervous system and musculoskeletal issues which affect joints, muscles and bones. They can be moderate to severe and affect how someone behaves or looks, as well as physical strength, ability to learn and mobility.

While some birth defects can't be prevented, a number are. Couples with the history of certain genetic disorders should consider genetic testing before attempting to have a child. In addition avoidance of certain chemicals such as drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can reduce the chance of certain birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a pregnant woman can cause birth defect attorneys defects, which is why it's important to speak with an attorney for birth defects If you believe that an error in medical care may have contributed to your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects are usually complex and require expert medical evidence. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and experienced will help you and your family receive the compensation required to ensure your child's regular life.

Your lawyer will first determine the birth defect that your child has and link it to the medical professionals involved in its delivery. The attorney must also determine when your child's birth defect was diagnosed. This information is important because it will help you determine how long you have to submit a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires.

Your attorney should also have access to any documents you might have regarding the birth defect of your child. These documents include invoices, receipts and credit card transactions. This evidence will allow your attorney to demonstrate the extent of the harm the child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled.

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of causes such as genetic disorders and medications, or exposure to illnesses and infections. However, the vast majority of birth defect law firms defects are not caused by medical malpractice or other negligence. If a doctor fails to meet his or Birth Defects her duty of care and this failure causes birth injuries will medical malpractice be justified.

Drugs

Birth defects are conditions that can develop in a child's body during the birth process or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explain that these birth defects can affect any body part and can be mild or even life-threatening.

Often, these issues are the result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in other cases, medical negligence may be responsible for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist parents determine the cause of their child's illness and take legal actions.

The use of drugs can cause serious birth defects in the fetus. These substances are called Teratogens. They include prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, Birth Defects was once a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but proved to be one of the most devastating drug-related birth defects in the history of medicine. It caused limb reduction defects along with other mental and physical impairments.

Doctors are required to take into account the potential risks associated with certain medication when prescribing them pregnant women. They commit malpractice if they fail to take this step. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists are held to an obligation to warn women of the risks that comes with taking their product.

Toxic Exposure

While many birth defects are the result of a genetic anomaly that could not be prevented, a few of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These substances are present in the medicines a pregnant woman takes and in environmental contaminants at the workplace or at home as well as in toxic chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They also are able to cause severe birth defects, including spina bifida, development delays as well as skeletal deformities or brain damage, muscle dystrophy as well as low birth weight deformities of the limbs, and heart problems.

Certain toxins, like arsenic and cadmium, can be found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a typical contaminant that can be found on house paint, art supplies plastics, cosmetics, and many other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been found to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer with expertise in birth defects can help parents determine if a certain drug or chemical caused the birth injury of their child. In these instances our lawyers can file a claim for product liability against a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer who developed and manufactured dangerous chemicals or medications. We may also make a claim to sue doctors who prescribe drugs which are known to cause adverse side effects for pregnant women.