Birth Defect Law

Birth injuries and defects may result from a variety of factors. In many cases, these problems are preventable.

Most often, they are result of medical malpractice in pregnancy. Other causes include chemical exposure. The people who work in beauty salons or paint factories as well as in metal cleaning operations are at a significant risk of developing such defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that affect one or more of the parts. They can vary in severity ranging from minor to life-threatening. Every year, one in 33 babies is born with a birth defect.

It can be devastating for parents and other family members when a child is born without any birth defect. Some birth defects are inherited from a parent's genetic makeup, while others are caused by a variety of causes including obstetrical problems and medication side effects, infections or toxins.

Birth defect attorneys and studies have found that environmental causes are responsible for some birth defects. This includes medications that were improperly prescribed by doctors, toxic chemicals in home and work, and toxins which contaminate the surrounding environment. In the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which resulted in birth defects in children. Unfortunately, a lot of these birth defects could have been prevented with the right treatment.

Signs and symptoms

Birth defects can alter the way your body appears and performs. It could be structural like a mouth or birth defect lip cleft, or it can involve genetic changes. A chromosome extra is responsible for Down syndrome. Certain environmental factors and medications can contribute to this condition, as well.

Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips and palates are very obvious, while others are less obvious. They may be caused by a slow response to sound or inability to meet milestones in development, like climbing up and sitting.

A birth injury may be caused by an abnormality in the birth or it may occur during birth like a caput succedaneum (a swelling on a newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first birth). These injuries are difficult to spot, especially when they manifest as a slow heart rate, low oxygen levels, or drooling.

Treatment

If your child was born with an abnormal birth defect there are options for treatment that can improve his or her condition. These include surgery, medication and other specialized treatments.

Birth problems can affect any part or function of the body, as per the CDC. They also can affect the life expectancy of your child.

Many different health care professionals can help a newborn with a birth defect including pediatricians, family practitioners, and neonatologists. If your baby is suffering from a serious birth defect, like club foot, you could require a limb specialist or orthopedic surgeon.

If your doctor failed to fulfill the obligation to care due you during your pregnancy and that breach caused your child's birth defect you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. The pharmaceutical industry and the doctors who prescribe certain drugs are required to inform women of childbearing age of the possibility of birth defects, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs have been linked to a variety of health problems, including birth defect.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that infants do not suffer from birth defect attorney defects and injuries. If doctors fail to take these precautions, parents may be legally entitled to compensation to pay for their loss.

Depending on the degree of the birth defect or injury There are a variety of types of damages that can result. An attorney can help determine what damages you should pursue.

The CDC publishes each year that one baby in 33 is born with a defect. These birth defects range from cleft lip to missing limbs. They may have long-lasting and serious consequences.

If your child has suffered an birth defect due to medical malpractice, it's imperative to act quickly to file a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A consultation with a lawyer can assist you in determining how much your case may be worth.

Statute of Limitations

If your child has a birth defect or injury which could have been prevented through medical negligence, you may be entitled to a legal remedy. There are strict deadlines, referred to as statutes or limitations, which you must meet in order to prevent your case being dismissed.

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that affect a newborn infant. They can lead to physical or mental disabilities and even death. These cases fall into different areas of law, such as medical negligence, products liability, and employment law. The drug Thalidomide, for example, has led to fetal problems in the past, and resulted in class action lawsuits against its manufacturer.

Birth defects are a sad part of life, but they are usually preventable. Medical malpractice lawsuits are essential to safeguard patients.

Find an attorney

Although advances in technology and advances in medical science have drastically reduced the risks associated with birth and pregnancy but some birth defects remain. Parents who are shocked discover that their child was affected by birth defect or injury can be legally entitled to compensation.

According to the CDC, birth defects can affect any part of the infant's body, and can have an impact on their function and appearance. Some of these disorders may not be detected until after the birth of the baby or even later. Many of these disorders are related to medical negligence.

A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and experienced can assist your family get the compensation you're due. These damages can include emergency surgeries, long term care and treatment, medication, physical therapy cost, special education and other expenses related to the child's disability.