A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A birth defect for a child could profoundly alter the way your family lives. It is imperative to act swiftly should a medical professional committed malpractice during your pregnancy which led to your child's condition.

An experienced birth injury lawyer can assist you in filing an action against the responsible parties. In the meantime, begin gathering bills, receipts and credit card statements.

The causes of birth defects

The causes of birth defects aren't always clear. But some are caused by genetic issues, where genes aren't working properly or birth defect are missing completely (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They may also be caused by chromosomal issues, in which one or more chromosomes have too many or have too few cells.

These issues are usually identified in utero by ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic fluid is taken and tested to detect genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some instances doctors, however, don't find the birth defect until the baby is born or exhibits symptoms, such as an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.

Aside from genetic and chromosomal issues birth defects are caused by problems with the nervous system, brain and musculoskeletal problems which affect joints, muscles and bones. They can be mild to severe, and affect how someone appears or performs, such as physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.

While some birth defects cannot be prevented, many can be prevented. Couples that have a history of certain inherited conditions should consider the possibility of genetic screening prior to attempting to have the birth of a child. Additionally, avoiding exposure to certain chemicals, drugs, infections and other environmental factors can reduce the chance of developing some birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a woman who is pregnant can also contribute to birth defects, so it's crucial to consult a birth defect lawyer in the event that you believe that an error in medical care may have contributed to your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases involving medical negligence are usually complex and require expert testimony. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family obtain justice and secure the money you need to ensure that your child is able to have a normal, fulfilling life.

Your lawyer will first determine the birth defect of your child and connect it to the medical professionals involved in its birth. Your attorney should also be aware of the date when the birth defect of your child was identified. This is vital since it will tell you how long you have before the statute of limitation expires and you can file your claim.

Your attorney should have access to any documents you have regarding the birth defect of your child. These documents include bills, receipts and credit card payment. This information will enable your attorney to demonstrate the extent of the injuries your child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled.

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of things such as genetic disorders and medications, or exposure to illnesses and infections. However, the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or any other kind of negligence. If a physician fails to meet his or their duty of care and this results in a birth defect lawsuit injury will medical malpractice claims be deemed to be legitimate.

Drugs

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

These conditions are usually caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In other instances medical negligence could be to blame for the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defects lawyer can help parents identify the root of their child's health issue, and take legal action.

Drugs can cause grave birth defects in the foetus. These substances are known as Teratogens, and they include prescription drugs and street drugs. Thalidomide was once extensively used as an anti-nausea and sleep aid medication during pregnancy but it proved to be the cause of some of the most traumatic birth defects ever recorded. It caused limb defects, mental and physical impairments, and a variety of other physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional duty to consider the risks of certain medications they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do this they may be guilty of malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists are held to a responsibility to warn women of the risks involved in taking their products.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

While many birth defects are a result of a genetic condition that cannot be prevented, a few of these are due to exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These substances can be found in the medications that a pregnant woman takes or in environmental pollutants at the home or at work or even in harmful chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals, often referred to as teratogens, may cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They may also cause developmental delays, skeletal abnormalities or brain damage, as well as muscular dystrophy.

Some toxic compounds, such as arsenic and cadmium, can be found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a common contamination that can be found in house paint, art supplies, plastics, cosmetics, and other products. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which have been proven to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer that specializes in birth defects can assist parents determine if a certain drug or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these instances, our lawyers can file a product liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer that designed and manufactured the dangerous medication. In addition, we may file a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that are identified to have harmful side effects on pregnant women.