A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can change the course of your family's life. If a doctor committed error during your pregnancy which led to your child's condition you should take action immediately.

An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you file a claim against the parties responsible. In the meantime, begin collecting bills, receipts and credit card statements.

bell gardens Birth defect lawyer Defects and Causes

The causes of birth defects aren't always obvious. However, some are due to genetic issues, in which genes aren't working properly or are missing completely (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They are also caused by chromosomal disorders, where chromosomes are overloaded or there are too few cells.

These problems are usually diagnosed in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A amniotic fluid sample is taken and tested to detect genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some cases doctors may not be able to detect the birth defect until a child has symptoms like an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.

Birth defects can also be caused by problems in the brain, nervous system or the musculoskeletal system. These issues affect the joints, muscles and bones. They can vary from mild to severe and affect a person's appearance or function, such as their learning capabilities, strength and mobility.

While some birth defects cannot be prevented, a number are. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain conditions should consider the possibility of genetic screening prior to attempting to have a baby. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and medications as well as diseases and other environmental factors can reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical malpractice or negligence in the treatment of a woman who is pregnant can also contribute to birth defects, therefore it's crucial to consult a birth defect lawyer when you suspect that a medical error may have contributed to the child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases involving medical negligence are usually complex and require expert testimony. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family to get justice and secure the money you need to ensure that your child is able to lead a normal life.

To determine if you have a medical malpractice claim, your attorney will start by carefully identifying your child's birth defect and connecting it to the medical professionals involved in his or her delivery. The lawyer must also determine the date that your child's birth defect was discovered. This is important as it will allow you to know the time frame you must make a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Your attorney should be able to access any documents you have regarding the birth defect of your child, such as receipts, bills, and credit card transactions. This evidence will allow your attorney to prove the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of things, including genetic conditions, medication or chemicals, or exposure to illnesses and infections. The majority of south pasadena birth defect law firm defect are not the result of medical malpractice or negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid when a medical professional fails in his or her duty of care and this failure causes birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed development in a particular part of the body of a newborn that is present at birth or is developed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these defects may affect any part of the baby's body and vary from mild to life threatening.

Most of the time, these ailments are the result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. However, in some cases, medical negligence may be the reason for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist a parent determine the source of their child's ailment and pursue legal actions.

The use of drugs can cause grave birth defects in the fetus. These substances, often referred to as teratogens, encompass both prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide is one example. It was once a commonly used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but turned out to be one of the most devastating lawrenceburg birth defect law firm defects caused by drugs in history. It caused injuries to the limbs, mental and physical impairments, and a variety of other physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional obligation to evaluate the risks that come with certain drugs they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do this they may be guilty of malpractice. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists have an obligation to warn women about the risk of taking their medications.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Although many birth defects are a result of a genetic anomaly that could not be prevented, some of these are due to exposure to toxic chemicals in the uterus. These substances can be found in the medications pregnant women take or in environmental pollutants at the home or at work as well as in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They could cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida and developmental delays and skeletal deformities as well as brain damage, muscular dystrophy as well as low birth weight limb deformities, and heart problems.

Some toxins, such as arsenic and cadmium, are found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a frequent contaminant that is found on painting supplies, home paint plastics, cosmetics and many other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), that have been found to increase birth defects.

A lawyer that specializes in birth defect cases can help parents determine if a substance or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these instances, our lawyers may bring a product liability claim against a drug or chemical manufacturer who developed and manufactured dangerous chemical or medication. We can also make a claim against doctors who prescribe drugs identified to have harmful side effects on pregnant women.