A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A birth defect in a child can profoundly alter the way your family lives. If a doctor committed error during your pregnancy and your child's condition was a result you should act fast.

A lawyer who has expertise can assist you in filing a claim against the responsible parties. In the meantime you should begin collecting bills, receipts, and statements from credit cards.

Birth Defects and Causes

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. But some are caused by genetic issues, where genes aren't working properly or are absent completely (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They can also result from problems with chromosomes, in which one or more chromosomes contain excessive or insufficient cells.

These issues are usually identified during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic fluid is taken and tested to identify chromosomal abnormalities and genetic changes. In some instances doctors will not be able to identify the birth defect until a baby is born or exhibits symptoms, like having an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.

In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects are caused by problems with the brain or nervous system and musculoskeletal problems that impact the joints, muscles and bones. They can be mild to severe, and affect how someone is perceived or birth defect attorney performs their duties, including physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable but some can be prevented. Couples with a history of certain genetic disorders should consider testing for genetics prior to trying to have children. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and drugs, as well as illnesses and other environmental factors can reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in treatment of pregnant women could also cause birth defects. It is important to consult a birth defect attorney in the event that you suspect that the medical error could have caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

birth defect attorneys defects cases that involve medical negligence are often complex and require expert testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and experienced will help you and your family obtain the amount of compensation you need to ensure your child's regular life.

Your lawyer will identify the birth defect of your child and link it with the medical professionals involved in its birth. He or she will also be required to identify when your child's birth defect was first identified. This is important since it will allow you to know how long you'll need to make a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

It is also crucial that your attorney has access to your medical records and any other documents you might have that are related to the birth defect of your child, including bills, receipts and credit card transactions. This will enable your attorney to demonstrate the severity of the injuries your child has suffered and determine the amount of amount of compensation you're entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors, including genetic conditions and medications, or exposure to illnesses and infections. However, the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or any other type of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid when a doctor fails in his or her duty of care and that failure causes birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is an abnormal development in some area of the baby's body that is present at birth or occurs during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informs us that these problems can affect any part of the body and range from mild to life-threatening.

These ailments are usually caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In some cases medical malpractice could be the reason for the child's condition. A skilled Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents discover the root of their child's ailment and take legal actions.

Drugs can cause serious birth defects. These substances, also known as teratogens, comprise both prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide was once extensively used as an anti-nausea drug and sleep aid pregnancy medication but it proved to be the cause of some of the most catastrophic birth defects ever recorded. It caused limb reduction defects as well as other mental and physical impairments.

Doctors are required to consider the risks of certain drugs when prescribing them to pregnant women. They commit malpractice if they fail to do this. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies have obligations to inform women about the risks of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Certain birth defects can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals are often found in the medications pregnant women take, in environmental contaminants in the workplace or at home or in harmful chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens and are able to cause severe birth defects such as spina bifida and developmental delays, skeletal deformities or brain damage, muscle dystrophy and low birth weight deformities of the limbs, and heart problems.

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

A lawyer who specializes on birth defect cases can help parents determine if a substance or chemical caused their child's birth injury. In these instances our lawyers could bring a product liability claim against a chemical or drug manufacturer who designed and produced an unsafe chemical or medication. We can also make a claim to sue doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.