A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A birth defect in a child can drastically alter the life of your family. You need to act quickly in the event that a medical professional committed an error during your pregnancy, which caused your child's condition.

A lawyer who has experience can help you bring an action against the accountable parties. In the meantime, start collecting bills, receipts and statements from credit cards.

Birth Defects and Causes

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always understood. Certain birth defects result from genetic problems. Genes that are not functioning properly or totally absent (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They can also be caused by problems with chromosomes, in which some or all of the chromosomes have excess or too many cells.

These types of problems are usually identified in utero by ultrasound or amniocentesis, where amniotic fluid from the uterus is taken and examined for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. In some instances doctors may not be able to detect the birth defect before the child is born with symptoms like an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.

Aside from genetic and firms chromosomal issues birth defects can be caused by problems with the nervous system or brain, and musculoskeletal issues which affect joints, muscles, and bones. They can be moderate to severe and affect how someone appears or performs, such as physical strength, learning abilities and mobility.

Certain birth defects are inevitable however, others can be prevented. Couples who have an history of certain inherited diseases should consider screening for genetics prior to trying for a baby. In addition, avoiding exposure to certain chemicals or medications, as well as other environmental triggers can reduce the risk of some birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in care of pregnant women can also result in birth defects. It is important to speak with a birth defect attorney in the event that you suspect that the medical error could have caused your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases that involve medical negligence are usually complex and require expert testimony. A skilled and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family achieve justice and obtain the amount of compensation you require to ensure that your child can lead a normal life.

Your lawyer will first determine the birth defect that your child has and link it with the medical professionals involved in the birth. He or she must also determine the date that your child's birth defect was first identified. This is crucial because it will let you know the time frame you must submit a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires.

It is also crucial for your attorney to have access to your medical records and any other documents you have that are related to your child's birth defect for example, receipts, bills and credit card statements. This evidence will allow your attorney to prove the severity of the harm the child suffered and determine the amount of amount of compensation you're entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors that include genetic conditions chemical or medication or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or any other type of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid when a medical professional is not performing his duty to care and this failure results in a birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed growth in one area of the baby's body that occurs at birth or is developed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these birth defects can affect any part of the baby's body and vary from mild to threatening.

These conditions are usually caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In some cases, medical malpractice may be the reason for the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents identify the root of their child's health issue, and take legal action.

Drugs have the potential to cause serious birth defects in the fetus. These substances are referred to as teratogens and include both prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, was once a widely used sleep aid and pregnancy anti-nausea medication but ended up being one of the most devastating birth defects caused by drugs in the history of medicine. It caused the development of limbs, mental and physical impairments as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors are required to consider the risks associated with certain drugs when prescribing them to pregnant women. They commit malpractice if they fail to consider this. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical firms have an obligation to warn women about the risks of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Some birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals during the uterus. These chemicals can be found in the medications that pregnant mothers take as well as in environmental contaminants at home or work or in toxic chemical agents at a workplace. These chemicals, also referred to as teratogens, may cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They can also cause problems with development, skeletal abnormalities in the brain, as well as muscular dystrophy.

Some toxic substances, firms such as arsenic or cadmium, are found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a frequent chemical that is present in household paint artwork materials plastics, cosmetics, and other materials. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which have been found to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer with expertise in birth defects can help parents determine if a particular drug or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these instances our lawyers can pursue a product liability lawsuit against a drug or chemical manufacturer who developed and manufactured dangerous chemical or medication. We can also file a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs known to have adverse side effects for pregnant women.