A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can drastically alter the life of your family. If a medical professional has committed negligence during your pregnancy, and your child's condition was a result, you need to react quickly.

A skilled lawyer for birth injuries can assist you in filing an action against those who are responsible. In the meantime, begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

The causes of birth defects

Birth defects can have many causes. Some birth problems are caused by genetic disorders. Genes that aren't functioning properly or missing completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can trigger these. They can also result from chromosomal problems, where one or more chromosomes are excess or too many cells.

These issues are typically diagnosed in utero using ultrasound or amniocentesis. A amniotic fluid sample is taken and tested to detect genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some instances doctors do not find the birth defect until a child exhibits symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.

Birth defects can be caused by issues in the nervous system, brain or the musculoskeletal system. These issues affect the bones, muscles and joint. They can range from moderate to severe and affect how a person behaves or looks, as well as physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.

While some birth defect attorney defects can't be prevented, many are. Couples who have a history of certain genetic diseases should consider testing their genetics prior to trying to have children. In addition, avoiding exposure to certain chemicals or medications, as well as other environmental factors can reduce the chance of developing certain birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the care of a pregnant woman may cause birth defects, therefore it's important to speak with an attorney who specializes in birth defects in the event that you believe that a medical error could have contributed to the child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases involving medical negligence are typically complex and require expert testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and skilled will help you and your family obtain the compensation required to ensure your child's normal life.

Your lawyer will first determine the birth defect that your child has and then link it to the medical professionals who were involved in its birth. He or she will also be required to identify the date when the birth defect was first identified. This is vital because it will inform you how long you have before the statute of limitations expires to file your claim.

Your attorney should also have access to any documents you have relating to the birth defect of your child. These documents include receipts, bills, as well as credit card payments. This will enable your attorney to prove the extent of the injuries your child has suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled.

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of causes like genetic conditions and medications, or exposure to diseases and infections. The majority of birth defect are not the result of medical malpractice or negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid if a doctor is not performing his duty to care and this negligence results in a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are conditions that can develop in a child's body after birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informs us that these problems can affect any body part and vary from mild to life-threatening.

Often, these conditions are the result of genetics or birth defect the mother's lifestyle. In certain instances medical malpractice can be the cause of the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents identify the cause of their child's condition and pursue legal actions.

Drugs can cause serious birth defects. These substances, referred to as teratogens include prescription drugs as well as illegal street drugs. Thalidomide, for example, was a time when it was a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects linked to drugs in history. It caused limb reduction problems as well as other mental and physical impairments.

Doctors are required to take into account the risks associated with certain medications when prescribing them to pregnant women. They are committing malpractice if they fail to consider this. In addition, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists are held to the responsibility of educating women of the risks of taking their medications.

Toxic Exposure

While many birth defects are a result of an unfortunate genetic defect that cannot be prevented, some of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These chemicals can be found in the drugs a pregnant woman takes as well as in the environmental pollutants in the workplace or at home as well as in toxic chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals, referred to as teratogens, can cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They may also cause degenerative delays, skeletal anomalies, brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Certain toxins, such as arsenic or cadmium can be found in drinking water as well as soil. Lead is a frequent contaminant that can be found in home paint, art supplies plastics, cosmetics, and many other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, including selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) which have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect cases can assist parents in determining whether an ingredient or a chemical was the cause for their child's birth injury. In these cases our lawyers can file a product liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer that designed and manufactured dangerous medications. We can also file a lawsuit to sue doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.