A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can change the course of your family's life. You must act swiftly if a medical professional has committed an error during your pregnancy which led to your child's condition.

A skilled lawyer for birth injuries can help you file a claim against the parties responsible. In the meantime, you can begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

Birth Defects and Causes

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always known. However, some are due to genetic issues, in which genes don't work properly or aren't functioning properly (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They are also caused by chromosomal issues in which one or more chromosomes are too many or have too few cells.

These types of problems are usually diagnosed in utero with ultrasound or amniocentesis, where amniotic fluid is collected and tested for chromosomal mutations and genetic abnormalities. In some instances, however, doctors won't detect the birth defect until the child is born or has symptoms, such as an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.

In addition to genetic and chromosomal issues, birth defect lawsuit defects can be caused by problems with the nervous system, brain as well as musculoskeletal disorders that affect bones, muscles and joints. They can be mild to severe, and affect how a person appears or performs, such as learning abilities, physical strength and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable however others are preventable. Couples that have an history of certain inherited diseases should consider the possibility of genetic screening prior to attempting to have the birth of a child. Avoiding exposure to certain substances and chemicals along with infections and other environmental factors can reduce the chance of developing birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in care of pregnant women may also cause birth defects. It is important to speak with a birth defect attorney when you suspect that an error in your medical treatment has caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases involving medical negligence are usually complex and require expert testimony. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will help your family to get justice and obtain the money you need to ensure that your child can lead a normal life.

Your attorney will first identify the birth defect of your child and link it with the medical professionals involved in its birth. Your attorney should also know when the birth defect of your child was identified. This information is crucial since it will tell you how long you have before the statute of limitations expires to file your claim.

It is also essential for your attorney to have access to your medical records and any other documents you possess that are connected to the birth defect that your child has, including bills, receipts and credit card statements. This evidence will allow your attorney to demonstrate the extent of the harm your child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors that include genetic conditions medications or chemicals or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the vast majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or other negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid if a doctor is negligent in their obligation to care, and this negligence results in a birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is an abnormal growth in one part of a baby's body that is present at birth or is developed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these defects may affect any part of the body of the baby and can vary from mild to life danger.

Most of the time, these ailments are a result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. However, in other instances, medical negligence may be responsible for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents discover the root of their child's condition and pursue legal action.

Drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. These are known as Teratogens. They include prescription drugs and birth defect attorney illegal street drugs. Thalidomide, for example, was once a popular sleep aid and pregnancy anti-nausea medication but proved to be one of the most devastating drug-related birth defects in history. It caused injuries to the limbs, mental and physical impairments, as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional obligation to consider the risks that come with certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. They are committing malpractice if they fail to take this step. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists are held to the obligation to inform women about the risk associated with taking their products.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Certain birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medicines mothers take during pregnancy or in environmental pollutants at home or work as well as in toxic chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They also could cause severe birth defects, including spina Bifida, developmental delays as well as skeletal deformities and brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight, deformities of the limbs and heart issues.

Certain toxins, such as arsenic or cadmium may be found in drinking waters and soil. Lead is a frequent contaminants that can be found in house paint artwork materials, plastics, and cosmetics. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), that have been shown to cause birth defect lawyers defects.

A lawyer who specializes on birth defects can help parents determine whether a drug or chemical caused their child's birth injury. In these cases, our lawyers may pursue a product liability lawsuit against a drug or chemical manufacturer who developed and manufactured a dangerous medication or chemical. Alternatively, we can make a claim against doctors who prescribe drugs known to cause adverse side effects on pregnant women.