A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can change the course of your family's life. If a medical professional committed negligence during your pregnancy, and your child's condition was a result, you need to take action immediately.

A skilled lawyer for birth injuries can assist you in filing an action against those who are responsible. In the meantime, you can begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

The causes of birth defect law firms defects aren't always clear. Some birth defects result from genetic issues. Genes that are not working properly or are absent completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) are a cause for these. They can also be caused by chromosomal problems, where one or several chromosomes are overloaded or too few cells.

These types of problems are typically diagnosed during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis, where a sample of amniotic fluid is taken and tested for chromosomal mutations and genetic abnormalities. In some instances doctors will not be able to identify the birth defect until a baby is born or exhibits symptoms, such as having an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects can also be caused by issues with the brain or nervous system and musculoskeletal problems which affect joints, muscles and bones. They can range from mild to severe and affect an individual's appearance or functioning, including their ability to learn, strength and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable, but others are preventable. Couples who have a history of certain inherited diseases should consider testing their genetics prior to trying to have children. Avoiding exposure to certain drugs and chemicals and infections and other environmental triggers can reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the care of a pregnant woman may also contribute to birth defects, therefore it's crucial to consult an attorney for birth defects If you believe that an error in your medical treatment could have contributed to the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects are typically complex and require expert medical evidence. A knowledgeable and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family get justice and get the money you need to ensure that your child is able to live a normal life.

Your attorney will first pinpoint the birth defect of your child and then link it to the medical professionals involved in the birth. The lawyer must also determine the date when the birth defect was discovered. This is essential because it will inform you the time you have until the statute of limitation expires to file your claim.

It is also important for your attorney to have access to your medical records as well as any other documents that you have related to the birth defect of your child such as receipts, bills and credit card payment receipts. This information will allow your attorney to establish the extent of the injuries your child suffered and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled.

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of causes like genetic conditions and medications, or exposure to illnesses and infections. However, the majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or other kind of negligence. If a doctor is unable to fulfill his or her duty of care and this failure causes an injury to the baby will medical malpractice be deemed to be legitimate.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed growth in one part of the body of a baby that occurs at birth or is developed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains that these defects can affect any body part and can range from mild to life-threatening.

These ailments are usually due to the mother's lifestyle or genetics. However, in other instances medical negligence could be the reason for the child's condition. A skilled Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents determine the cause of their child's health issue and pursue legal actions.

Drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. These substances are called Teratogens, and they include prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide is an example. It was a time when it was a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it was later discovered 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 evaluate the dangers associated with certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do so and commit malpractice, they have committed a crime. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical firms have a duty to warn women about the dangers of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are the result of a genetic disorder that could not have been prevented, some of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These substances are present in the medicines a pregnant woman takes or in environmental pollutants at the home or at work as well as in toxic chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals are known as teratogens and are able to cause severe birth defects, including spina bifida, developmental delays as well as skeletal deformities, brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight, defect deformities of the limbs and heart problems.

Certain toxins, such as arsenic and cadmium are found in drinking water as well as soil. Lead is a well-known contaminants that can be present in household paint, art materials plastics, cosmetics, and even plastics. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been proven to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer with expertise in birth defect claims can assist parents in determining if chemicals or drugs were the primary cause of their child's birth injury. In these cases our lawyers can file a product liability claim against the chemical or drug manufacturer that developed and manufactured the dangerous medication. We can also make a claim to sue doctors who prescribe drugs believed to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.