Birth Defect Lawsuits

Parents want their children to be perfect, but sometimes it's impossible. When that happens it is vital that parents in shock seek the assistance of experienced birth defect lawyers.

Medical malpractice, dangerous drugs, and environmental exposure can cause serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defects law firm can help.

Medical Malpractice

When a doctor fails to adhere to the accepted standards of practice in his or birth defects her field, it's considered medical malpractice. This could include not performing prenatal tests or prescribing medications which increase the chance of birth defects or committing an error during labor and delivery.

Birth birth defects and birth injuries are usually caused by genetic and environmental causes, but sometimes they are caused by an error or negligence of a physician. For instance when a doctor fails to detect a congenital disability in utero and fails to notify parents of the condition, parents may make a claim for wrongful birth seeking compensation for the lifelong costs associated with the disabled child.

A successful medical malpractice claim in birth defect cases demands that the doctor had a duty to the patient of care, that the doctor breached this duty, that the doctor's actions, or failure to act led directly to injuries and damages and that the victim suffered economic and non-economic damages as a result of his or her injuries. These damages could include medical bills or lost wages, as well emotional distress.

Some birth injuries and defects can be prevented by timely testing and monitoring during pregnancy. Therefore, it's crucial for pregnant women to follow their doctors' advice regarding their prenatal visits. If you suspect that medical malpractice caused your child's birth defects, contact a medical malpractice and birth injury attorney immediately.

Toxic Chemicals

In the United States, thousands of babies are born every year with birth defects. These birth defects can vary in severity and impact the way that a child appears, acts and functions in life. Some are minor, while others can cause serious problems and may even cause death.

The causes of a child's birth defects can be attributed to genetic anomalies or a wide range of chemical and environmental factors. For example, exposure to toxic chemicals could cause serious complications for newborns. Our company is committed to holding employers accountable when they expose pregnant women or their unborn children to harmful drugs or substances.

In the scientific literature, it is well-established that certain chemicals and toxins may traverse the placenta to affect an unborn child. These toxins are referred to as teratogenic. The exposure to these teratogenic chemicals can cause birth defects such as cleft lips and palates as well as spina Bifida and muscular dystrophy.

Many mothers are exposed to various harmful chemicals when they are working. These chemicals can be consumed or inhaled through the skin. These chemicals include industrial solvents, such as EGE, ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) employed in the production of semiconductors. These chemicals can also be consumed by parents when they take certain prescription and over-thecounter medicines. This is because a lot of pharmaceuticals are not properly tested on pregnant women and have been shown to cause birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

While genetic disorders are one of the most frequent causes of birth defects, exposure to environmental factors can also play a role. The presence of numerous chemicals and toxins in the workplace, at home and in food can increase the risk of birth defects. This includes fungicides, pesticides and lead, as well as heavy metals, certain paints, and various chemical substances. Exposure to toxic substances is nearly always inevitable. But, when businesses do not take precautions to protect pregnant employees they are negligent and could be held accountable.

Researchers aren't able to pin down exactly what causes a specific birth defect. It is possible that a variety of factors can cause the condition. The challenge is to assess the interactions in real-time. This is why the National Children's Study, now underway in a variety of states, is so crucial. The NCS will enroll 100,000 women from a representative population and track them over time and their children. This study will provide the most complete data to date about how various environmental factors influence fetal and child health.

Many parents who have a birth defect in their child feel guilt because they believe they are responsible for it. However, these birth defects are usually inevitable. Our birth defect lawyers recognize this and are committed to families who seek justice for children who suffer from birth defects.

Product Liability

Many birth defects result from a variety of factors, ranging from drugs and alcohol consumption during pregnancy to genetics. Fortunately, a lot of these causes can be avoided. If your child was born with a medical condition that could have been prevented and you are entitled to claim damages through an action for birth defects.

A New York birth defect lawyer will be able to help you determine if your child's illness is caused by a medication, chemical exposure or other environmental trigger which is eligible for compensation. Your legal team can estimate the total cost of medical bills related to your child's condition based on the severity.

While the vast majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical negligence, there are instances where a healthcare worker was negligent prior to or during labor and birth. A doctor may prescribe a medicine incorrectly, which can harm a baby before birth, or may make an error during surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully pursued lawsuits against drug makers where a mother's health healthcare provider has been exposed to prescription medication or toxic chemicals that increase the chance of her having a child with birth defects. We also have filed birth defect lawsuits against paint factories and semiconductor manufacturers that expose their workers to harmful chemicals in the workplace.