Birth Defect Lawsuits

Parents want their children to be perfect, but sometimes it's not feasible. When that becomes a reality it is imperative that parents who are in shock seek the help of seasoned birth defect lawyers.

Medical negligence, dangerous medications, and environmental exposure can cause serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defect law firm can help you find answers.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a physician does not adhere to the accepted standards of care in his or her field. This could include failing to perform routine prenatal tests, prescribing medication that increases the risk of a birth defect, or making a mistake during the labor and delivery.

Birth birth defects and birth injuries are often the result of genetic and environmental causes, but sometimes they occur due to a doctor's negligence or malpractice. If a physician fails to detect congenital disabilities in utero, and then fails not to inform the parents, the parents may be in a position to file a lawsuit for wrongful birth seeking compensation for all expenses associated with their disabled child.

A successful medical malpractice claim in birth defect law firms defect cases must prove that the doctor had a duty to the patient of care, that the doctor breached this duty, that the doctor's negligence or failure to act led directly to injuries and damages, and that the victim suffered economic and non-economic damage as a result of his or her injuries. These damages could include medical bills as well as lost wages and emotional distress.

Some birth defects and injuries are preventable by prompt testing and monitoring during pregnancy. It's vital for pregnant women follow their doctors' recommendations regarding prenatal visits. If you suspect that your child's birth defect is the result of medical malpractice, speak to an experienced medical malpractice and birth injury lawyer immediately.

Toxic Chemicals

In the United States, thousands of babies are born every year with a birth defect. These birth defects can vary in severity and impact way that a child appears and behaves throughout life. Some are minor, but others can cause serious issues and may even cause death.

The causes of birth defects may be due to genetic disorders or a variety of environmental and chemical factors. Exposure to harmful chemicals, for example causes serious complications in a newborn. Our firm is committed to holding employers accountable for exposing pregnant women and their newborn babies to harmful substances or medications.

It is well-established in the scientific studies that certain toxicants and chemicals can cross the placenta to affect the unborn baby. These toxins are teratogenic. Teratogenic chemicals can cause birth defects like lips, palates, and clefts as well as spina bifida.

Many mothers are exposed many harmful chemicals when they are working. These chemicals can be breathed in or ingested, or simply absorbed through the skin. These chemicals include industrial solvants like ethylene glycol-ethers (EGE) that are used in the manufacturing of semiconductors. These toxic substances can also be consumed by parents when they take certain over-the counter and prescription drugs. This is because a lot of pharmaceuticals are not properly tested on pregnant women and have been proven to cause birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

While genetic disorders are one of the most frequent causes of birth defects, exposure to environmental factors can also play a role. The presence of various chemical compounds and toxins in the home, at work and in food can increase the risk of developing birth defects. These include fungicides, pesticides, lead, heavy metals, certain paints and various chemical compounds. Exposure to toxic substances is almost always inevitable. However, when employers fail to safeguard pregnant employees, they're negligent and may be held responsible.

Researchers are still unable to pinpoint the root of the birth defect. It is possible that a combination with multiple factors could trigger the condition, but the challenge is evaluating these interactions in real time. This is why the National Children's Study, now underway in a variety of states, is so important. The NCS will enrol 100,000 women from representative populations and monitor them and their children for the long-term. This study will provide most comprehensive information about the effects of environmental factors on fetal and childhood health.

Many parents who suffer from a birth defect in their child feel guilty because they believe they caused it. But, these problems are usually unavoidable. Our birth defect lawyers know this and are dedicated to families seeking justice for children suffering from birth defects.

Product Liability

Many birth defects are caused by a range of factors, ranging from drugs and alcohol consumption during pregnancy to genetics. Fortunately, the majority of these causes can be avoided. If your child was born with a medical issue which could have been prevented in the first place, you may be able to claim damages through a birth defect lawsuit.

A New York birth defect attorney can assist you to determine if your child's condition is caused by an underlying chemical, medication or environmental exposure that qualifies for compensation. Your legal team will calculate the total cost of medical bills associated with your child's condition in relation to the severity.

Although the vast majority are not the result of medical negligence however, there have been instances where a doctor was negligent during or before labor and birth. A doctor might incorrectly prescribe a medicine that hurts a baby before it is born, or make an error during surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully litigated claims where a mother's health care provider was exposed toxic chemicals or prescription drugs which increased the risk that she could give birth to a baby with birth defects. We have also filed birth defect lawsuits against companies who expose workers to dangerous chemicals while working like a paint factory or semiconductor manufacturing company.