Birth Defect Law

Birth problems and injuries are caused by a variety of factors. They can be avoided in many cases.

They are often caused by medical malpractice during pregnancy. Other causes include chemical exposure. Beauty salon workers and paint factories as well as metal cleaning operations, are at risk of developing these kinds of defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural anomalies that affect one or more of the parts. They can vary in severity, ranging from mild to life-threatening. About 1 out of 33 babies are born with a birth defect each year.

When a baby is born with a birth defect, it can be heart-wrenching for parents and their family members. Certain birth defects are passed down through the genes of a parent, while others can be caused by a number of factors, including complications with obstetrics, medications side effects, toxins, and infections.

Studies and birth defect attorneys have revealed that a portion of birth defects can be attributed to environmental causes, including medication that is not properly prescribed by doctors as well as toxic chemicals found in the home and workplace, and pollutants that affect the environment. In the Vietnam War mothers were exposed the herbicide Agent Orange which caused birth defects in their children. Sadly, a majority of these birth defects could be avoided by taking the proper care.

Symptoms

A birth defect can affect the way that a person looks or works. It could be structural (such as lips or a cleft palate) or be caused by genetic changes. For instance, Down syndrome, is caused by an extra chromosome. Environmental factors and medications may be the cause of this condition.

Some birth defects are evident, such as cleft lips or palates, while others are more subtle. Some of them include a delayed response to sound, or a failure to reach developmental goals like crawling and sitting up.

A birth injury could be caused by an anomaly in the birth process or it could happen during labor and delivery for example, the caput succedaneum (a swelling on a newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first birth). These injuries can be difficult to identify, particularly when they manifest themselves as a slow heart rate and low oxygen levels or crying.

Treatment

If your child was born with an abnormal birth defect there are options for treatment which can improve his or her condition. This includes surgery, medication as well as specialized therapy.

Birth problems can affect any part or function of the body, according to the CDC. They can also impact the lifespan of your child.

A variety of health professionals can assist a newborn with a birth defect, including pediatricians, family practitioners and neonatologists. If your baby has an extremely serious birth defect, such as club foot, it is possible to require a limb specialist or orthopedic surgeon.

If your doctor birth defects failed to fulfill the duty of care to you during your pregnancy and that breach caused your child's birth defect, you could pursue an action for medical malpractice. The pharmaceutical industry and the doctors who prescribe certain drugs have a duty to inform women who are of childbearing age about the possibility of birth defects, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are linked to many health issues, birth defects including birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all precautions to ensure that babies do not suffer from birth defects and injuries. If doctors fail to take these precautions parents may be legally entitled to compensation to pay for their expenses.

There are a variety of damages based on the severity of an injury or birth defect. A lawyer can assist you determine what damages you should pursue.

The CDC publishes each year that one baby in 33 is born with an issue. The defects can vary from cleft lips to missing limbs and can have long-lasting and serious consequences.

If your child suffered birth defect as a result of medical malpractice, it is crucial to act quickly to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorney can assist you. A legal consultation can help you determine the worth of your case.

Statute of Limitations

If your child is suffering from an injury or birth defect that could have been prevented through medical negligence, you may be entitled to a legal remedy. However there are strict deadlines referred to as statutes of limitations that you must adhere to otherwise your case will be dismissed.

A birth defect is an anomaly affecting a newborn infant and can lead to physical or mental disabilities and even death. These cases fall under different legal areas, including medical negligence, products liability, and employment law. Thalidomide, as an instance, was responsible for causing fetal defects in the past, and resulted in class action lawsuits against its maker.

Birth defects are a sad aspect of life, but they can often be prevented. Medical malpractice claims are important to safeguard patients.

Find an attorney

While advances in technology and advancements in medical technology have drastically reduced the risks that come with pregnancy and birth but some birth defects remain a possibility. Stunned parents could be entitled to compensation if they discover that their child suffered from a preventable birth defect or injury.

According to the CDC, birth defects can affect any part of the infant's body, and can have a profound effect on their appearance and function. Certain of these conditions are undetectable until the baby is born, or later in life. Many of these conditions are linked to medical negligence.

A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and skilled can help your family receive the compensation you are owed. These damages include emergency surgery as well as long-term care and treatment for physical therapy, medications as well as special education costs, among other expenses related to the child's disability.