A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can drastically alter the life of your family. You need to act quickly when a medical professional committed malpractice during your pregnancy that led to your child's condition.

A birth injury lawyer with experience can help you bring an action against the responsible parties. In the meantime, begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

The causes of birth defects

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders. Genes that are not functioning properly or are totally absent (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can cause these. They can also be caused by chromosomal problems, where chromosomes are either too many or there are too few cells.

These issues are usually identified during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid is collected and tested to find genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some cases doctors are unable to identify the birth defect until a child exhibits symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.

In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects are caused by issues with the brain or nervous system and musculoskeletal issues which affect bones, muscles and joints. They can range from moderate to severe and impact how a person looks or functions, including learning abilities, physical strength and mobility.

While some birth defect lawsuit defects can't be prevented, some can. Couples with a history of certain inherited diseases should consider screening for genetics prior to trying for a baby. Additionally being aware of the potential dangers of certain chemicals such as drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can lower the chance of certain birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in treatment of pregnant women can also lead to birth defects. It is important to speak with an attorney who deals with birth defects in the event that you suspect that a medical error may have caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects are often complex and require expert medical evidence. A compassionate and skilled medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family obtain justice and secure the money you need to ensure your child is able to live a normal existence.

To determine if you have a medical malpractice claim the attorney will begin by identifying your child's birth defect and connecting it to the medical professionals who were involved in the child's birth. The lawyer must also determine the date when the birth defect was identified. This information is important because it will let you know how long you'll need to make a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

It is also essential for your attorney to have access to your medical records as well as any other documents you might have that relate to the birth defect that your child has, including bills, receipts, and credit card payments. This information will allow your attorney to demonstrate the extent of the harm the child suffered and determine what amount of compensation you're entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors such as genetic disorders and medications, or exposure to diseases and infections. However, the vast majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or other negligence. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a doctor is negligent in their duty to care and this failure causes birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed growth in one part of the body of a newborn that occurs at birth or develops during pregnancy. The Centers for birth defect lawyer Disease Control (CDC) explains that these defects can affect any part of the body and can range from mild to life-threatening.

These ailments are usually the result of the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In some cases medical malpractice could be the reason for the child's illness. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist parents to determine the root of their child's health issue, and take legal action.

Drugs could cause serious birth defects in the fetus. These substances, also known as teratogens include prescription drugs as well as illegal street drugs. Thalidomide was once widely utilized as an anti-nausea and sleep aid medication for pregnant women but it was found to cause some of the most traumatic birth defects ever recorded. It caused limb reduction defects and other physical and mental impairments.

Doctors are required to consider the risks associated with certain medications when prescribing them to pregnant women. If they fail to do this they are guilty of malpractice. In addition, pharmaceutical pharmacies and companies have the obligation to inform women of the dangers associated with taking their products.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Although many birth defects are the result of an unfortunate genetic defect that cannot be prevented, some of them are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These substances may be present in the medications that pregnant mothers take as well as in environmental contaminants at home or work or in toxic chemical substances at work. These chemicals, also known as teratogens, can cause serious birth defects, Birth Defect Lawyer such as spina bifida. They may also cause problems with development, skeletal abnormalities as well as brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Some toxic compounds, such as arsenic and cadmium, can be found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a well-known contaminants that can be present in household paint artwork materials plastics, cosmetics, and other materials. Other toxins are pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), that have been proven to cause an increase in birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect claims can assist parents in determining if the chemical or drug was the main cause of their child's birth defect. In these instances, our lawyers can bring a product-liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer who designed and produced a dangerous drug. In addition, we may file a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that have been known to have adverse side effects on pregnant women.