Birth Defect Litigation

Some injuries are beyond the parents of their control. Families may be left with huge debts when these injuries require expensive procedures and specialized care.

A New York birth defect attorney can assist parents shocked to file a claim to get compensation for future expenses. The law has strict deadlines on when a claim may be filed.

Statute of limitations

Modern medical technology and advancements in medical science have made it possible to reduce the risks associated with pregnancy, childbirth and birth. However birth defects and injuries still occur. Families must consider their legal options when they are preventable.

Many birth defect suits are stemming from claims of medical malpractice. These cases can involve errors made by doctors or nurses at any time during labor and birth procedures. Additionally medical professionals could be guilty of medical malpractice after the birth of a child, by failing to provide the correct treatment.

In general the statute of limitation for these cases is 2.5 years after the date of the medical malpractice. For infants, this can be extended. But, it is crucial to seek legal counsel early enough to ensure that all evidence has been collected and that a timely claim can be filed.

In addition to medical malpractice, a suit may also be filed on behalf of an infant for birth defects caused by wrongful exposure to chemicals and toxic substances that occur during the mother's pregnancy. Lawyers specially trained in birth defects can investigate and defend these claims on behalf of the family.

When selecting an attorney for a birth defect or birth injury lawsuit parents should consider the following qualities:

Medical Malpractice

pennsylvania birth defect lawyer defects can lead to a variety of mental and physical issues. Certain birth defects could be fatal. Some of these issues are inherited, whereas others are due to environmental exposures or the use of prescribed drugs during pregnancy.

A doctor or medical professional could be accused of misconduct if they cause birth defects by their actions or inaction. Most cases involve medical negligence during labor or delivery. They also encompass any perform a task that is not within the standard of medical care, such as, failing to diagnose an illness or prescribing incorrect medication during pregnancy.

One of these cases involves Teratogens. These drugs can cause serious birth defects. Doctors usually advise women not to take this medication during pregnancy. It is used to treat seizures. If a woman who is pregnant is exposed to this medication, she must submit a claim.

It is crucial to choose an attorney with expertise in these kinds of cases. You should look for a firm with experience in this field and operates on contingency basis, which means you won't have to pay anything until you are successful. Also, search for Birth Defect Attorney a lawyer who has excellent negotiation and communication abilities. This will ensure that your claim is filed before the time limit expires.

Prescription Drugs

Many birth defects result in mental or physical disabilities which require costly medical care and accommodations for the child. Most of the time, these issues are genetic, however some of them are caused by environmental or chemical exposure or medication that the mother consumed during pregnancy.

Drug makers are required to test their products correctly and inform the public of any potential risks. Unfortunately some pharmaceutical companies do not keep up with the latest research or anticipate potential side consequences. Some doctors recommend dangerous drugs to their patients and some women are not aware of the risks of taking certain medications during pregnancy. These drugs, known as teratogens may cause birth defects, including spina-bifida, in the fetus.

Other substances that could cause birth defects are chemicals used in the manufacturing and agricultural industries, and heavy metals like mercury, which affect groundwater or the air. Diane Paolicelli has dedicated her legal career to fighting powerful corporations that expose women chemicals and substances that could damage their reproductive health and cause birth defects.

It is crucial to gather as many evidences as you can prior to filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible. This includes any blood tests, ultrasound images and medical bills that arise as a result of the birth defect. This assists the attorney in determining the value of the case.

Product Liability

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking events in a woman's lifetime. It's also the time when medical professionals make mistakes that cause birth defects. An experienced attorney can help parents in submitting a claim and obtaining the compensation they deserve from those responsible for the disability of their child.

Medical experts are not always able to pinpoint the causes of birth defects, however a large number can be due to environmental or chemical exposure. This can include parental contact with toxic chemicals in the workplace, for example solvents and glycol ethers used in semiconductor manufacturing and chemical pesticides used in agriculture and spraying on crops.

Manufacturers and those who prescribe medication also have a duty to inform the public about the risks. A large number of these drugs are offered to women who are pregnant without warnings of the possibility of birth defect. This is especially relevant for antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft.

Christian Uehlein, a partner at Thornton Law Firm, birth defect attorney represents plaintiffs in birth defect lawsuits against chemical and pharmaceutical companies. His practice is centered around cases where birth defects are caused by exposure of parents to toxic chemicals like those used in semiconductor manufacturing or agriculture. He graduated from the American University in Washington, D.C. as well as Suffolk University Law School.