Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

Discovering that your child is suffering from an abnormal birth defect is among the most terrifying and confusing situations you'll be faced with. Contacting a legal team for birth defects that has experience is essential as soon as you can.

A lawyer can explain to you the causes of birth defects and the best way to file a suit to get compensation on behalf of your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural problems which affect the way that the body appears or functions. They can occur at any time during pregnancy, but they typically occur within the first three months. Some are visible, and others are only discovered by a medical professional. They vary in severity from mild to severe.

Genetic problems are the cause of the majority of birth defects. These happen when a gene changes (mutates) or is not present altogether. The majority of genes are passed down from parents to children, however, some are inherited from the environment. Environment-related factors include drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemicals may also increase the risk of a birth defect.

There is no cure to the majority of birth defects, but there are treatments that can aid with certain problems. This can include surgery, medications and home care. Certain birth defect law firms defects, like the cleft lip and palate as well as spina bifida, are repaired through surgery. The use of medicines can treat other issues, such as Tay-Sachs as well as patent ductus.

Women who consume alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy have an increased chance of having babies with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their family are also at risk. It is important to discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a child born with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

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

A doctor might have negligently prescribed medication during pregnancy to the mother, which increased the chance of the baby developing a certain defect. If the child has a severe mental deficiency due to the medication, the child can be eligible for disability benefits through the government to help meet their requirements.

The medical professional or hospital also could not have detected a known birth defect in the mother during the fetal screening. If the doctor failed to perform testing or discuss the results with parents or the hospital, they could be responsible for wrongful birth claims.

Medical facilities, health professionals and midwives are required report and disclose medical records related to birth defects. This information can be used for birth defects surveillance activities and to identify patterns, clusters and potential causes. This information should not be divulged to any other individual or the public unless this is authorized by the applicable laws, regulations and HIPAA. These regulations can differ based on the jurisdiction. The information is used only for purposes approved by the department of health of the state. In addition, all employees involved in birth defects surveillance must sign confidentiality agreements and receive training on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The risk of certain birth defects can be assessed prior to the birth of a baby through prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis, and blood tests (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid of the fetus). These more precise screening options are available to women with higher-risk pregnancy due to an antecedent history with the mother or her advanced maternal age.

A number of over-the-counter and prescription medications can have severe adverse effects when used by pregnant women. Pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications are under an obligation to warn doctors about the risks, and when they fail to comply, they could be held liable for resulting birth injuries.

Medical, hospital and pharmaceutical bills can add up quickly as a result of birth defects, particularly severe ones that require lifelong treatment and care. It is essential to keep all receipts and bills as well as credit card statements, and other evidence that proves your injuries and rights to compensation.

Most birth defects are diagnosed prior to the birth of the baby or shortly after and are able to be corrected with surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and affect the person for the rest of their life which can cause significant disabilities and limitations. A knowledgeable, empathetic birth defect attorney defect lawyer can help families receive the compensation they deserve. You must start a claim as soon you discover that your child is suffering from an anomaly in their birth.

Environmental Exposure

There are numerous environmental causes of birth defects. These can range from prescription or over-the counter medications to chemical exposure in the workplace or in the home. The causes may be difficult to pinpoint. If a large number of children with the same defect are born within the same time and location, this is known as a birth defects "cluster".

If there is any suspicion that a birth injury or birth defect was caused by medical negligence or negligence, a medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out. A medical malpractice attorney who is knowledgeable and caring will assist families to receive the amount they are due so that their child’s birth defect or injury will not result in permanent negative consequences.

Many states have laws requiring the recording of birth defects. This includes the collection of information from hospital discharge records. The data can be used to identify anomalies and trends.

The information could be collected and shared via various programs including: