A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

Birth defects can have a dramatic impact on your family. If a medical professional made error during your pregnancy resulting in your child's condition you should act fast.

A lawyer who has expertise can assist you in filing an action against the responsible parties. In the meantime, start collecting receipts, bills and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always known. Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders. Genes that aren't functioning properly or are absent completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They may also be caused by chromosomal issues in which one or more chromosomes are overloaded or have too few cells.

These problems are usually diagnosed in utero by ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid is taken and analyzed to determine genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some cases, however, doctors won't discover the birth defect until a baby is born or displays symptoms, like having an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

Birth defects can also be caused by problems in the nervous system, brain or musculoskeletal system. These problems affect the joints, muscles, and bones. They can vary from mild to serious and impact a person's appearance or functioning, including their ability to learn as well as their strength and mobility.

Certain birth defects are inevitable however others are preventable. Couples who have a history of certain inherited disorders should consider testing for genetics before trying to have children. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and birth defect lawyer medications as well as infections and other environmental factors can reduce the chance of developing birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in treatment of pregnant women can also cause birth defect law firms defects. It is crucial 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

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are often complicated and require expert medical evidence. A skilled and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer will help your family get justice and receive the amount of compensation you require to ensure that your child will have a normal, fulfilling life.

To determine if you have a medical malpractice claim the attorney will begin by identifying the child's birth defect before linking it to the medical professionals involved in the child's birth. Your attorney will also need know the date that the birth defect of your child was identified. This is important as it will help you know the time frame you must file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

It is also essential for your attorney to have access to your medical records as well as any other documents you possess that are connected to the birth defect that your child has for example, receipts, bills and credit card transactions. This will allow your attorney to prove the severity of your child's injuries and determine the types of compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can result in many ways, including genetic conditions or medications exposure to illnesses and infections, or even exposure to drugs or chemicals. However, the majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or other kind of negligence. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a physician fails in his or her duty to care and this failure causes birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed development in some area of the baby's body that occurs at birth or is developed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informs us that these problems can affect any part of the body and can be mild or even life-threatening.

Most of the time, these ailments are the result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. However, in other instances medical negligence could be the cause of the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defects lawyer can help parents determine the root of their child's illness, and then take legal action.

Drugs could cause serious birth defects in the fetus. These substances are called teratogens and include both prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide was once widely used as an anti-nausea and sleep aid pregnancy medicine but it was found to be the cause of some of the most devastating birth defects ever recorded. It caused limb-reduction defects along with other mental and physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional obligation to be aware of the risks that come with certain medications they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to take this step they may be guilty of malpractice. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies are required to a duty to warn women about the risks of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are the result of a genetic condition that cannot be prevented, a few of them are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals while in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medicines a mother takes during pregnancy and in the environment at home or at work, or in toxic chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals, also known as teratogens can cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They may also trigger problems with development, skeletal abnormalities or brain damage, as well as muscular dystrophy.

Some toxic substances, such as arsenic or cadmium, can be found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a frequent contaminant that can be found in the walls of your home, paint, art materials plastics, cosmetics, and many other products. Other toxins are pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown to increase birth defects.

A lawyer that specializes in birth defects can assist parents determine if a certain drug or chemical has caused their child's birth defect. In these cases, our lawyers can bring a product-liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer that created and manufactured dangerous medications. We can also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to cause adverse side effects for pregnant women.