Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

The discovery that your child has an abnormal birth defect is among the most frightening and confusing experiences you can confront. It is crucial to contact an experienced birth defect legal team as soon as you can.

A lawyer can explain the cause of a birth defect and how to file a lawsuit to claim damages for your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural issues which affect the way that the body appears or functions. They can happen at any time during pregnancy, but the majority happen in the first three months. Some are visible, and others are only discovered by a doctor. They can range in severity from mild to severe.

Most birth defects are caused by genetic abnormalities. They occur when a gene is altered (mutates) or is missing completely. Some genes are inherited from parents, but other genes are inherited from the environment. The environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can also increase the risk for a birth defect.

Some birth defects can be corrected, however most aren't. Some of treatments include surgery, medicine and special home care. Surgery can correct certain birth defects such as lip and palate clefts and spina-bifida. Other issues, such patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs's syndrome, can be treated using medications.

Women who smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy are at greater risk likelihood of having a child with birth defect. Women who have a history birth defects in their family are also at risk. It is important to talk with a doctor about the chance of having a baby with birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many cases birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or during delivery. A New York birth defects lawyer can help parents file an action for malpractice against the medical doctor or other professionals that caused the child's condition.

A doctor could have mistakenly prescribed medication during pregnancy to the mother that increased the risk of the baby developing a certain defect. If the child suffers from severe mental disabilities due to the medication, they can receive government-funded benefits to help the child with their needs.

A medical professional or hospital could be unable to recognize an birth defect that was present in the mother's body when the fetal screening process was completed. If the doctor failed to conduct tests or discuss the results with the parents and the parents, they could be held accountable for claims based on wrongful birth.

Medical facilities, health professionals and midwives are required to divulge and release medical records related to birth defects. This information can be used for monitoring birth defects activities, as well as to identify trends, clusters and possible causes. The information cannot be divulged to any other individual or the public unless this is authorized by applicable laws, regulations, and HIPAA. These regulations could differ based on the state of. The information is only used for purposes approved by the department of health for the state. All employees involved in the birth defect surveillance program must sign a confidentiality contract and receive instruction on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The possibility of birth defects can be identified prior birth defect to the birth of a baby via prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis and blood tests (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid in the fetus). These more precise screening options can be provided to women with higher-risk pregnancy due to the history of the mother or her advancing age.

Several over-the-counter or prescription medications can cause serious side effects for pregnant women. Pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these drugs have the obligation to inform doctors of the dangers, and when they fail to take this step, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

Due to birth defects Due to birth defects, medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs can quickly mount up particularly when the defect is serious and requires ongoing treatment. It is crucial to keep all receipts or bills and credit card information, and other evidence that proves your losses and your right to compensation.

Certain birth defects can be corrected via surgery. Others can be permanent, affecting the person throughout their lifetime and leading to significant disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and compassionate can assist families receive the amount of compensation they are due. If you suspect that your child was born with an anomaly in the birth it is important to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Environmental Exposure

There are a variety of environmental causes of birth defects. These range from prescription or over-the-counter drugs to exposure to chemicals in the workplace or at home. The causes may be difficult to identify. When a lot of babies with the same defect are born in a specific time period and place, it is known as a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice attorney is recommended if there is suspicion of birth defect or injury. A knowledgeable and sympathetic medical malpractice lawyer can help families attain the compensation they are entitled to, so that their child's birth defect or birth injury won't have lifelong negative effects.

Many states have laws requiring the tracking of birth defects. This includes the gathering of information from the discharge record of a hospital. The information can be used to find patterns and anomalies.

This information can be gathered and shared with different programs, including: