A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can drastically alter the life of your family. You need to act quickly should a medical professional committed a mistake during your pregnancy, which led to your child's condition.

An experienced lawyer for birth injuries can assist you in filing a claim against the parties responsible. In the meantime, start gathering bills, receipts and credit card statements.

The causes of birth defects

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. But some are caused by genetic issues, in which genes don't work properly or aren't functioning properly (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They are also caused by chromosomal issues, where chromosomes are either too many or there are not enough cells.

The majority of these problems are diagnosed in utero using ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid is taken and analyzed to determine genetic mutations and chromosomal anomalies. In some cases doctors may not detect the birth defect until a child is born or has symptoms, such as an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

Apart from chromosomal and genetic issues, birth defects can be caused by problems with the brain or nervous system as well as musculoskeletal disorders which affect bones, muscles and joints. They can range from moderate to severe and affect how a person behaves or looks, as well as learning abilities, physical strength and mobility.

While some birth defects cannot be prevented, some are. Couples with the history of certain genetic disorders should think about genetic testing prior to trying to have a child. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and medications along with infections and other environmental factors can reduce the chance of developing birth defects. Medical malpractice and negligence in the care of pregnant women can also result in birth defects. It is essential to speak with 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 are typically complicated and require expert medical evidence. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and skilled can help you and your family get the compensation needed to ensure your child's normal life.

Your lawyer will identify the birth defect of your child and connect it to the medical professionals who were involved in the birth. Your attorney should also be aware of the date the date that the birth defect of your child was diagnosed. This is essential because it will let you know how long you've got until the statute of limitations expires and you can file your claim.

Your attorney should have access to any documents that you may have concerning the birth defect of your child, like receipts, bills as well as credit card payments. This will help your attorney prove the extent of your child's injuries as well as determine the type of compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of causes such as genetic disorders chemical or medication or exposure to diseases and infections. However, the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or any other type of negligence. Only when a doctor is unable to fulfill his or their duty of care and this causes an injury to the baby will a medical malpractice lawsuit be justified.

Drugs

Birth defects are atypical conditions that occur in a baby's body when it is born or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these defects may affect any part of the baby's body and be mild or life danger.

Most of the time, these ailments are the result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in other instances, medical negligence may be the cause of the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents identify the cause of their child's illness, and then take legal action.

Drugs can cause serious birth defects. These are known as Teratogens. They include prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide is one example. It was once a commonly used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects resulting from drugs in the history of medicine. It caused injuries to the limbs, mental and physical impairments as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors are required to take into account the risks associated with certain medications when prescribing them to pregnant women. They are guilty of malpractice if they fail to take this step. Pharmaceutical pharmacies and companies have the responsibility of educating women about the risk that comes with taking their product.

Toxic Exposure

While many birth defects are a result of a genetic disorder that could not have been prevented, a number of them result from exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medicines pregnant mothers take as well as in environmental contaminants at work or at home or in harmful chemical substances at work. These chemicals, also referred to as teratogens may cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They can also cause the development of skeletal disorders, delays in development, brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Some toxic substances, such as arsenic and cadmium can be found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a typical contaminant that is present on painting supplies, home paint and plastics, as well as cosmetics, and other products. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), that have been shown to increase birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect cases can assist parents in determining if an ingredient or a chemical was the cause for the birth injury suffered by their child. In these cases our lawyers can file a product liability claim against the drug or birth defect chemical manufacturer that created and manufactured the dangerous medication. We can also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs believed to cause adverse side effects for pregnant women.