A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A birth defect in a child can profoundly alter the way your family lives. If a medical professional committed malpractice during your pregnancy, that led to the condition of your child you must take action immediately.

A birth injury lawyer with experience can help you bring a claim against the responsible parties. In the meantime, you can begin collecting bills, receipts, and credit card statements.

Birth Defects and Causes

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. Some are caused by genetic issues, in which genes aren't working properly or are completely absent (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They can also be caused by chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes have extra or too few cells.

These issues are usually identified in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic fluid is taken and analyzed to determine genetic mutations and chromosomal anomalies. In some instances, doctors will not discover the birth defect until a child exhibits symptoms like an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.

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

While some birth defects can't be prevented, many can. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain disorders should consider a genetic screening before trying for birth defects the birth of a child. Additionally being aware of the potential dangers of certain chemicals such as drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of developing certain birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in care of pregnant women may also cause birth defects. It is essential to speak with a birth defect attorney when you suspect that the medical error could have caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects are usually complex and require expert medical evidence. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist your family obtain justice and obtain the money you need to ensure that your child can have a normal, fulfilling life.

To determine whether you're in a medical malpractice claim, your attorney will start by carefully identifying your child's birth defect, and then linking it to the medical professionals involved in his or her delivery. The attorney will also have to determine the time when the birth defect was discovered. This is crucial because it will help you know the time frame you must file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

It is also essential for your attorney to have access to your medical records as well as any other documents that you possess that are connected to your child's birth defect, including bills, receipts and credit card transactions. This information will enable your attorney to establish the extent of the harm your child sustained and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused in many ways, including medical or genetic disorders exposure to illnesses and infections, or birth defects even exposure to drugs or chemicals. However, the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or any other type of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid if a physician is negligent in their obligation to care, and this failure results in a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are atypical conditions that develop in a baby’s body when it is born or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these defects may affect any part of the body of the baby and range from mild to life dangerous.

These conditions are usually due to the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In some cases medical malpractice can be the reason for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents identify the cause of their child's health issue and pursue legal action.

The use of drugs can cause grave birth defects in the fetus. These substances, also known as teratogens, comprise both prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide was previously widely utilized as an anti-nausea drug and sleep aid pregnancy medication but it was found to cause some of the most severe birth defects ever recorded. It caused limb defects, mental and physical impairments, as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors have a duty of care to consider the risks of certain drugs they prescribe to pregnant women. They commit malpractice when they fail to take this step. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists are held to the responsibility of educating women about the risk involved in taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Certain birth defects can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals during the uterus. These chemicals could be present in medications that pregnant mothers are prescribed and in the environment at home or at work or in toxic chemical substances at work. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They are known to can cause serious birth defects, including spina bifida, developmental delays and skeletal abnormalities as well as brain damage, muscular dystrophy, low birth weight, deformities of the limbs, and heart problems.

Certain toxins, such as arsenic or cadmium can be found in drinking waters and soil. Lead is a common contamination that can be found in paints for houses and art materials as well as plastics and cosmetics. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been proven to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer with expertise in birth defect claims can assist parents to determine if chemicals or drugs were the cause for their child's birth defect. In these cases, our lawyers may bring a product liability claim against a drug or chemical manufacturer who designed and produced dangerous chemicals or medications. In addition, we may make a claim against doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to have adverse side effects for pregnant women.