Birth Defect Law

Birth injuries and birth defects may result from a variety of causes. They can be avoided in many cases.

Usually, they are due to medical malpractice during pregnancy. Other causes include exposure to chemicals. Workers in beauty salons and paint factories and cleaning operations for metal are at risk of developing these kinds of defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural anomalies that affect one or more of the parts. The severity of these defects can range from mild to life-threatening. Every year, one in 33 babies is born with a birth deformity.

If a child is born with a birth defect it can be a heartbreaking experience for parents and family members. Some birth defects are inherited through the genes of a parent, while others can be caused by a number of causes, such as obstetrical problems, medication side-effects, toxins, and infections.

Birth defect lawyers and studies have proven that some of the causes of birth defects are due to environmental factors, such as medications that are negligently prescribed by doctors, toxic chemicals in the workplace and at home, as well as toxic substances that can contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which resulted in birth defects in children. Sadly, a lot of these birth defects could be prevented by the proper care.

Symptoms

A birth defect may affect the way that a person looks or works. It could be a structural issue like a mouth or lip cleft, or it can involve genetic changes. A chromosome additional is responsible for Down syndrome. The environment and medications can also contribute to this condition.

Certain birth defects, like cleft lips and palates, are very obvious, while others can be more subtle. Some of them are the delayed response to sounds, or birth defect a lack of ability to reach developmental goals such as crawling and sitting up.

Birth injuries can be the result of a birth defect or it could occur during labor and delivery like the caput succedaneum (a swelling on a newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first delivery). Sometimes, these injuries can be difficult to detect, especially when they are manifested as reduced heart rate, lowered oxygen levels, and crying.

Treatment

If your child was born with an anomaly in the birth, there are treatment options that can treat the condition of your child. These include surgery, medication and other specialized treatments.

Birth problems can affect any part or function of the body, as per the CDC. They may also affect the expected lifespan of your child.

A newborn born with an abnormal birth can be treated by many healthcare professionals, including pediatricians as well as family practice doctors. If your baby was born with a serious birth defect, such as club foot, then you may need to speak with an orthopedic surgeon or limb doctor.

If your doctor breached the obligation of care owed to you during your pregnancy and the breach led to the birth defect of your child and you are able to pursue a medical malpractice claim. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies who prescribe certain medications are required to inform women who are pregnant of the possibility of birth defects, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs have been linked to a variety of health problems that include birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must be vigilant to ensure that babies do not have birth injuries or defects. Parents could be entitled to compensation if doctors do not take the proper precautions.

Depending on the severity of the birth defect or injury, there are many different kinds of damages that may result. A lawyer can help determine which damages you should pursue.

The CDC annually reports that one baby in 33 is born with a defect. The defects can range from cleft lip to missing limbs, and can cause serious and lasting damage.

You must act swiftly to file a claim if your child has an anomaly in the birth due to medical malpractice. The statute of limitations will expire in the near future. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorney can assist you. A legal consultation will aid you in understanding how much your case may be worth.

Statute of Limitations

You could be able to make a claim if your child is born with a defect, or an injury that could have been easily avoided by negligence on the part of medical professionals. There are strict deadlines, also known as statutes or limits, that you must adhere to in order to avoid having your claim being dismissed.

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that affect a newborn infant. They can lead to physical or mental disabilities, and even death. These cases fall under different areas of law, such as medical malpractice as well as products liability and employment law. For instance Thalidomide, a prescription drug, caused fetal birth defects decades ago and led to class actions against its manufacturer.

Birth defects are a tragic part of life but they are often preventable. This is the reason medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors are essential to protect patients.

Find an Attorney

While modern technology and advances in medicine have significantly reduced the risks associated with birth and pregnancy however, some birth defects remain a possibility. Parents who are shocked discover that their child has suffered an injury or birth defect could be eligible for compensation.

According to the CDC, birth defects can affect any part of an infant's body and have a a profound effect on their appearance and function. Certain of these conditions are not recognized until after the birth of the baby or even after. Many of these disorders may be related to medical malpractice.

A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can assist your family get the damages you're owed. These damages can include emergency surgery as well as long-term care and treatment. They also cover medication, physical therapy, and special education costs.