A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can dramatically alter your family's life. It is imperative to act swiftly in the event that a medical professional committed malpractice during your pregnancy that led to your child's condition.

A skilled lawyer for birth injuries can help you file an action against those who are responsible. In the meantime you should begin collecting bills, receipts, birth defect attorney and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. Certain birth problems are caused by genetic disorders. Genes that aren't functioning properly or are absent completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can trigger these. They can also be the result of chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes are more or too few cells.

These issues are typically diagnosed in utero using ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid from the uterus is taken and analyzed to determine genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some instances doctors will not be able to identify 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 defect attorney defects can be caused by issues with the nervous system, brain and musculoskeletal issues that impact the joints, muscles and bones. They can vary from mild to severe and affect a person's appearance or function, such as their learning abilities, strength and mobility.

Certain birth defects are inevitable, but others can be prevented. Couples who have an history of certain inherited disorders should consider a screening for genetics prior to trying for the birth of a child. In addition, avoiding exposure to certain chemicals such as drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of developing some birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in treatment of pregnant women could also lead to birth defects. It is essential to speak with a birth defect attorney If 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 medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable will assist you and your family receive the money you need to ensure your child's regular life.

To determine whether you have a medical malpractice case Your lawyer will begin by identifying the child's birth defect before linking it to the medical professionals involved in his or her delivery. Your attorney will also need to be aware of the date when the birth defect of your child was diagnosed. This information is important because it will help you determine when you must submit a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires.

It is also essential that your attorney has access to your medical records as well as any other documents you may possess that are connected to your child's birth defect, including bills, receipts and credit card transactions. This evidence will allow your attorney to establish the extent of the injuries the child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors such as genetic disorders and medications, or birth defect attorney exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or any other form of negligence. Medical malpractice claims are only valid when a doctor fails in his or her duty of care and that negligence causes a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that develop in a baby’s body after birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informs us that these problems can affect any body part and vary from mild to life-threatening.

Often, these issues are the result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. In some cases medical malpractice could be the reason for the child's illness. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents identify the cause of their child's ailment and take legal action.

Drugs can cause serious birth defects. These substances are called teratogens. They encompass prescription drugs as well as street drugs. Thalidomide is an example. It was once a widely used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it turned out to be one of the most devastating birth defects caused by drugs in history. It caused limb-reduction defects as well as mental and physical impairments.

Doctors have a duty of care to take into consideration the risks that come with certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do so they are guilty of malpractice. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists are held to the responsibility of educating women of the risks involved in taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are the result of a genetic defect that cannot be prevented, some of them are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in the uterus. These substances are found in the drugs a pregnant woman takes, in environmental contaminants in the workplace or at home or in harmful chemical agents at work. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They are able to cause severe birth defects including spina bifida, development delays, skeletal deformities, brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight deformities of the limbs and heart problems.

Some toxic substances, such as arsenic and cadmium are found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a common contaminants that can be found in paints for houses, art materials plastics, cosmetics, and even plastics. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown to increase birth defects.

A lawyer who specializes in birth defect cases can assist parents to determine if a drug or chemical was the cause for their child's birth defect. In these cases, our lawyers can file a product liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer who designed and produced dangerous medications. Alternatively, we can file a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that are identified to have harmful side effects on pregnant women.