Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a frightening and confusing moment to discover that your child is born with a birth deformity. It is essential to speak with an experienced legal team as soon as you can.

A lawyer can explain the causes of a birth defect as well as how to file a lawsuit in order to claim damages for your child.

birth defect attorney Defects and Causes

Birth defects are structural problems that affect the way the body appears or functions. They can occur at any time during pregnancy, but they typically occur during the first three months. Some are visible while others are detected only by a medical professional. They can range in severity from mild to severe.

Genetic problems are the cause of the majority of birth defects. These occur when genes are altered (mutated) or absent. Most genes are passed from parents to children, however, some are inherited from the environment. Environmental factors can include drinking alcohol, smoking or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemicals can also increase the risk of a birth defect.

There is no cure to the majority of birth defects, but there are treatments available to assist with certain problems. These include surgery, medications and home care. Surgery can fix birth defects, such as the cleft palate and lips, as well as spina-bifida. Other issues, such as patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs's disease, are treated with medication.

Women who smoke, drink alcohol or both during pregnancy are at a higher risk of having babies with birth defects. Women with an ancestral history of birth defect are at greater risk as well. It is essential to speak to a doctor regarding your chances of having a child with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances, birth defects are caused by medical negligence during pregnancy or delivery. A New York birth defects lawyer can assist parents in filing an action for malpractice against the medical doctor or other professionals responsible for the child's condition.

For example, a doctor might have prescribed a medication to the mother during pregnancy that increased the likelihood of the baby being born with a particular defect. If the child has a severe mental impairment because of the medication, they can be eligible for government assistance to help those with disabilities.

The medical professional or hospital also might not have been able to spot a birth defect that was known to the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor did not perform testing or did not discuss the results with parents, he may be held liable for untrue claims.

Medical facilities, health professionals and midwives are required divulge and release medical records related to birth defects. This information can be used to monitor xn--oy2bq2owtck2a.com birth defects activities and to identify trends, clusters and possible causes. This information cannot be divulged to the general public or other individuals, unless it is permitted by applicable laws and regulations, which includes HIPAA. These regulations can vary depending on the jurisdiction. The information is used only for purposes approved by the state department of health. All employees participating in the birth defect surveillance program must also sign confidentiality agreements and receive training on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The danger of certain birth defects can easily be detected prior to the birth of a child through prenatal ultrasounds and amniocentesis, and blood tests (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid in the fetus). These more detailed screening methods are offered to women who are at greater risk of having a pregnancies due to a history of the mother or her advanced maternal age.

Many prescription or over-thecounter medicines can cause serious side effects for pregnant women. The pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications have the obligation to inform doctors of the potential risks and if they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the resulting birth injuries.

Hospital, medical and pharmaceutical charges can add quickly because of birth defects, particularly those that are severe and require ongoing treatment and treatment. It's important to gather all bills, receipts and credit card payment records, and other evidence of your damages and your right to compensation.

Some birth defects can be corrected via surgery. Certain birth defects are permanent and can affect the person for their entire lives which can cause significant disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and sympathetic can help families get the compensation they deserve. If you suspect your child was born with an anomaly in the birth it is important to start a claim prior to the statute of limitations runs out.

Environmental Exposure

There are a variety of environmental causes of birth defects. These can range from prescription or over-the counter medications to exposure to chemicals at the workplace or at home. Sometimes, these causes are difficult to identify. If a large number of children with the same defect are born during a specific time period and location, this is known as a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice attorney should be consulted if there is any suspicion of a cause of a birth defect lawsuit defect or injury. A medical malpractice lawyer who is experienced and compassionate can help families receive the compensation they deserve so that their child's birth defect or injury won't result in permanent negative consequences.

Many states have laws that require tracking of birth defects. This includes the collection of information from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to spot anomalies and trends.

This data can also be collected through other programs, such as: