A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A birth defect in a child can profoundly alter the way your family lives. It is imperative to act swiftly should a medical professional committed a mistake during your pregnancy that caused the condition of your child.

An experienced birth injury lawyer can assist you in filing a claim against the parties responsible. In the meantime you should begin collecting receipts, bills and credit card statements.

Birth Defects and Causes

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders. Genes that aren't functioning properly or birth defect lawyer are missing completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can cause these. They are also caused by chromosomal issues, in which one or more chromosomes have too many or there are not enough cells.

The majority of these problems are diagnosed in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid from the uterus is collected and tested to find genetic and chromosomal variations. In some instances, however, doctors won't find the birth defect until the baby is born or displays symptoms, Birth Defect Lawyer such as an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.

In addition to genetic and chromosomal issues birth defects can also be caused by issues with the nervous system or brain and musculoskeletal problems that affect joints, muscles and bones. They can range from mild to severe and affect an individual's appearance or performance, as well as their ability to learn as well as their strength and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable however others can be prevented. Couples with a history of certain inherited diseases should consider testing their genetics before attempting to have a child. Avoiding exposure to certain substances and chemicals, as well as infections and other environmental factors, can also reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a woman who is pregnant can also contribute to birth defects. It's important to speak with a birth defect lawyer when you suspect that a medical mistake could have contributed to your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases that involve medical negligence are often complex and require expert testimony. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist your family obtain justice and obtain the amount of compensation you require to ensure that your child can live a normal life.

Your attorney will first identify the birth defect of your child and link it to the medical professionals who were involved in its birth. Your attorney will also need know the date at which the birth defect of your child was diagnosed. This is crucial because it will let you know how long you'll need to file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

It is also crucial for your attorney to have access to your medical records as well as any other documents you might have related to the birth defect that your child has like receipts, bills and credit card statements. This evidence will allow your attorney to prove the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine what types of compensation you are entitled to receive.

Birth defects can occur in many ways, such as the effects of medications or genetic conditions exposure to illness and infections, as well as exposure to chemicals or medication. However, the vast majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or other form of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid if a doctor is negligent in their duty of care and this failure causes birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is an abnormal development in some area of the baby's body that occurs at birth or occurs during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that these conditions can affect any part of the body and vary from mild to life-threatening.

These conditions are usually caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. However, in other instances, medical negligence may be to blame for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents determine the cause of their child's condition and pursue legal action.

Drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. These are known as teratogens and include both prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide is an example. It was a time when it was a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects linked to drugs in the history of medicine. It led to limb reduction defects and other physical and mental impairments.

Doctors are required to consider the potential risks associated with certain medications when prescribing them to pregnant women. If they fail to do this, they commit malpractice. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies are required to the obligation to inform women about the dangers of using their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are a result of a genetic defect that cannot be prevented, some of these are due to exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These chemicals may be present in the medicines mothers take during pregnancy as well as in environmental contaminants at home or at work, or in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They can cause severe birth defects, including spina Bifida, developmental delays and skeletal abnormalities and brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight, deformities in the limbs, as well as heart issues.

Some toxic compounds, such as arsenic and cadmium, are found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a well-known contaminant that is found on house paint, art supplies, plastics, cosmetics, and many other products. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been found to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect cases can assist parents in determining whether the chemical or drug was the proximate cause of their child's birth injury. In these cases, our lawyers can file a products liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer that created and manufactured the dangerous medication. We may also make a claim to sue doctors who prescribe drugs known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.