Birth Defect Lawsuits

While medical advances have significantly reduced the risks associated with the pregnancy process, many birth defects and birth defect injuries are the result of negligence. Parents who have lost their children due to exposure to chemicals at work or improperly prescribed medications are often able to be able to claim compensation.

In many states the statute of limitations in many states is only one year. Therefore, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney can guide clients and help them assess the financial value of their case.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice claims can arise at any stage of labor or birth. A medical malpractice claim can be filed if a physician does not follow the accepted standard of practice and this failure causes injury or birth defects.

Doctors are accountable for evaluating an expectant mother's current medication and taking into consideration any health issues she may have, and advising the mother of possible dangers to her unborn child. If a doctor fails to fulfill these duties and causes harm, they could be held liable for medical malpractice.

A birth defect lawyer can help you decide whether the medical malpractice claim is a valid one and guide you through the legal procedure. A medical malpractice claim is a delicate matter, and you'll need an experienced lawyer you can be confident in.

The sooner you start, the better. A qualified birth defect lawyer can assist you in filing your claim before the statute of limitations in your state runs out. Most states offer one year to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, and processing this kind of devastating event takes time. You need a lawyer who can swiftly obtain the required documents and gather evidence for your case. This is especially important if your baby suffered injuries due to negligence at the hands of a medical professional, as the faster you take legal action and gather evidence, the more evidence you'll have to prove your case.

Environmental Causes

Although birth defects resulting from genetic causes make up a large portion of all cases, environmental causes can also contribute. These causes aren't always recognized by scientists and can be a result of the mother's exposure at work or at home to toxic chemicals. Solvents, paint thinners, and engraving materials, in addition to cleaning fluids and metal alloys can increase the risk of a child developing a birth defect. These kinds of exposures were the foundation of birth defect lawsuit defect lawsuits Lawyers from LK filed on behalf of clients who worked in beauty salons and paint factories as well as semiconductor manufacturing plants.

Sadly, most cases of severe birth defects stem due to environmental or genetic factors that cannot be prevented through lifestyle choices or medical treatment. The identification of the antecedents for a particular birth defect remains an impossible task for both doctors and scientists. Only by educating women and encouraging women to be mindful of their choices of food, medications and lifestyle can we lessen the number of birth defects.

A medical malpractice case involving a birth defect is distinct from a typical personal injury lawsuit because a birth defect case requires an understanding of both legal and medical issues. Our birth defect attorneys are knowledgeable of these complex cases and will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.

Drugs

Medications used during pregnancy can cause birth defects, that include facial and limb abnormalities and eye disorders and spinal cord problems, and other conditions. If the drug results in a birth defect, the family could take action against the drug manufacturer in a suit for product liability.

Birth defects can also result by exposure to prescription drugs or toxic chemicals, as well as other environmental factors during the first three months, which is a crucial time for development. A birth defect lawyer can assist you in determining your legal options when your child's birth defect could be due to medications.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly prior to giving them to the general public. They must also give warnings regarding potential side effects. A birth defect lawyer can help parents who are suing a drug manufacturer for selling drugs that cause birth defects.

NSAIDs, lithium, angiotensin-II antagonists and cancer drugs like thalidomide, diethylstilbestrol, and others can cause birth defects. The medical malpractice lawyers at LK have secured billions of dollars for families whose children sustained injuries from the use of these and other drugs. The firm has also fought many cases where children were injured by toxic chemicals used in the workplace or environmental pollutants.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and stressful moments in a woman's life. However, if something goes wrong during this time, the effects can be far-reaching. Birth defects that are serious can affect the brain, heart, limbs or overall body function. This can reduce the child's expected lifespan and cause immense suffering for their parents.

While some birth defects are genetic, others are caused by negligent actions of medical practitioners and hospital staff. This could mean prescribing a medication which can cause birth defects, or administering the wrong dose. It could be as easy as failing to monitor the health of the fetus and expose the mother to harmful chemicals when she is pregnant.

A New York birth injury attorney should be contacted immediately by a parent who believes that the birth defect or injury of the child is due to medical negligence. A lawyer can to assist in determining the best way to proceed and how much they may be entitled to.

Birth defects can be a tragic consequence of medical malpractice, chemical exposure, environmental causes or a combination of causes. Finz & Finz, the experienced New York birth defects lawyers on Long Island and New York City can assist in cases where your child's illness is due to negligence by someone else's. Contact us today at toll-free number for a free consultation.