A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect could drastically alter the life of your family. If a medical professional has committed malpractice during your pregnancy, and your child's condition was a result it is imperative to take action immediately.

A lawyer who has experience can help you bring a claim against the responsible parties. In the meantime you should begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

Birth Defects and Causes

The causes of birth defects aren't always understood. But some are caused by genetic problems, where genes aren't working properly or are completely absent (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They can also be the result of problems with chromosomes, in which one or more chromosomes have excess or too many cells.

These types of problems are typically diagnosed during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. amniotic fluid from the uterus is collected and tested for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. In some cases doctors are unable to identify the birth defect before the child is born with symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.

In addition to genetic and chromosomal issues lehi birth defect attorney defects can be caused by issues with the nervous system or brain, and musculoskeletal issues that impact the joints, muscles and bones. They can range from moderate to severe and affect how a person looks or functions, including physical strength, learning abilities and mobility.

Certain birth defects are inevitable, but others can be avoided. Couples who have the history of certain genetic disorders should consider genetic testing before trying to have a child. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and drugs along with infections and other environmental triggers, can also reduce the chance of developing birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a pregnant woman may cause birth defects, which is why it's important to speak with an attorney who specializes in birth defects when you suspect that an error in your medical treatment could have contributed to your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects can be complicated and require expert medical testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and skilled can help you and your loved ones get the money you need to ensure your child's normal life.

Your attorney will first identify the birth defect that your child has and connect it to the medical professionals involved in the birth. The lawyer will also need to identify the time when the birth defect was discovered. This is crucial because it will let you know the time frame you must submit a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires.

Your attorney should be able to access any documents that you may have concerning the birth defect of your child, like invoices, receipts and credit card payment. This information will help your attorney prove the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine the type of compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors such as genetic disorders and medications, or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or other type of negligence. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a doctor is negligent in their duty of care and that negligence results in a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that occur in a baby's body after birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explain that these birth defects can affect any body part and range from mild to life-threatening.

These conditions are typically caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In certain instances medical malpractice can be the reason for the child's condition. A skilled Hyattsville Spokane birth defect lawyer defect lawyer can assist parents determine the cause of their child's health issue and pursue legal action.

Drugs can cause grave birth defects in the foetus. These substances are called Teratogens, and they include prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide is an example. It was once a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects caused by drugs in history. It caused limb defects, mental and physical impairments, and a variety of other physical impairments.

Doctors are required to take into account the risks associated with certain drugs when prescribing them to pregnant women. If they fail to take this step they may be guilty of malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have an obligation to warn women about the risks of using their products.

Toxic Exposure

While many birth defects are a result of an unfortunate genetic condition that cannot be prevented, a few of them result from exposure to toxic chemicals while in utero. These chemicals may be present in the medications pregnant mothers take as well as in environmental contaminants at home or work or in harmful chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They also can cause severe birth defects, such as spina bifida and developmental delays as well as skeletal deformities as well as brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight, limb deformities, and heart problems.

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

A lawyer who specializes in birth defect cases can assist parents in determining whether the chemical or drug was the main cause of the birth injury of their child. In these instances our lawyers could bring a product liability claim against a drug or chemical manufacturer who has developed and manufactured dangerous chemicals or medications. In addition, we may bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs recognized to have negative side effects for pregnant women.