Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

Being aware that your child is suffering from a birth defect is among the most terrifying and confusing experiences you can be faced with. Contacting a legal team for birth defects with experience is vital as soon as you can.

A lawyer can explain to you the causes of birth defects and how to file a suit in order to claim damages on behalf of your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural changes which affect the way that the body looks or works. They can happen at any stage of pregnancy, however the majority occur within the first three months. Some are obvious, while others can only be identified by a doctor. They vary in severity from mild to severe.

Most birth defects are caused by genetic defects. These are caused when a gene is altered (mutated) or is missing. The majority of genes are passed down from parents to children but some originate from the environment. Some environmental triggers include smoking, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemical substances can also increase the risk for a birth defect.

There is no cure to the majority of birth defects, but there are treatments available to aid with certain problems. These can include surgery, medications, and special home treatment. Some birth defects, such as Cleft lip and palate, as well as spina bifida can be repaired by surgery. Other problems, such as patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs ' disease, can be treated with medicines.

Women who smoke, drink alcohol or both during pregnancy have an increased chance of having babies with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their families are also more at risk. It is crucial to discuss with your physician the possibility of having a child born with a birth deformity.

Medical Malpractice

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

For instance, a doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother during pregnancy that heightened the chances of the baby being born with a certain defect. If the child is suffering from an extreme mental impairment due to the medication, the child can be eligible for disability benefits through the government to meet their needs.

The medical professional or hospital also may not have detected an identified birth defect in the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor did not conduct tests or discuss the results with the parents or the hospital, they could be responsible for claims based on wrongful birth.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required provide and share medical records related to birth defects. This information can be used for birth defects surveillance activities as well as to detect patterns, clusters and possible causes. This information cannot be divulged to the general public or other people unless authorized by applicable laws and regulations, such as HIPAA. These regulations can vary depending on the area of. The information is only used for approved purposes by the department of state. In addition all employees involved in birth defects surveillance must sign confidentiality agreements and be educated on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The risks of certain birth defects can be identified prior to the birth of a child by prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis, and blood tests (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid from the fetus). These more precise screening options are available to women who are at a higher risk of pregnancy due to the history of the mother or her advancing age.

Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can have serious side effects when taken by women who are pregnant. The pharmaceutical companies and the doctors who prescribe these drugs are required to warn doctors of the dangers. If they fail to comply with this, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

Hospital, medical and pharmaceutical costs can add quickly because of birth defects, particularly severe ones that require lifelong treatment and care. It is essential to gather all receipts as well as bills, credit card records, and other documentation that proves your losses and your right to compensation.

Most birth defects are diagnosed before the baby is born or shortly after, and some can be treated with surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and affect the person for their entire lives that can result in significant disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is knowledgeable and sympathetic can help families receive the compensation they deserve. If you suspect that your child was born with an anomaly in the birth it is crucial to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Environmental Exposure

There are numerous environmental causes of birth defects. They can be caused by prescription or over-the-counter medications and exposure to chemicals at work or at home. Sometimes, the causes are difficult to identify. But when too many babies with the same defect are born during an exact time frame and place, it is known as a birth defects "cluster".

A medical malpractice attorney should be consulted when there is a suspected cause of a birth defect or injury. A skilled and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer can assist families obtain the compensation they are entitled to so that the birth defect or birth injury won't cause permanent negative effects.

A number of states have laws that require the tracking of birth defects. This includes the collection of data from hospital discharge records. The data can be used to spot anomalies and trends.

This information may also be gathered using other programs, including: