A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect could dramatically alter your family's life. If a medical professional has committed negligence during your pregnancy, that led to the condition of your child you must take action immediately.

A birth injury lawyer with expertise can assist you in filing an action against the accountable parties. In the meantime, begin collecting receipts, birth defect Attorney bills, and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects can have many causes. Some birth problems result from genetic issues. Genes that are not functioning properly or are missing completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They can also result from chromosomal disorders, in which some or all of the chromosomes have excessive or insufficient cells.

These kinds of issues are usually detected in utero with ultrasound or amniocentesis. a sample of amniotic fluid is taken and examined for chromosomal mutations and genetic anomalies. In some cases doctors will not be able to identify the birth defect until the baby is born or exhibits symptoms, for example, having an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

Birth defects can be caused by issues in the brain, nervous system or the musculoskeletal system. These issues affect joints, muscles and bones. They can range from mild to severe, and affect how a person looks or functions, including learning abilities, physical strength and mobility.

While some birth defects cannot be prevented, many are. Couples that have an ancestor with certain genetic disorders should consider a screening for genetics prior to trying for the birth of a child. In addition, avoiding exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of developing some birth defects. Medical negligence and malpractice in the treatment of pregnant women could also lead to birth defects. It is essential to speak with a birth defect attorney in the event that you suspect that an error in your medical treatment has caused your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases involving medical negligence can be a bit complicated and require expert testimony. A knowledgeable and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer can help your family get justice and obtain the money you need to ensure that your child can lead a normal life.

To determine if you are in a medical malpractice case the attorney will begin by identifying your child's birth defect and linking it to the medical professionals who were involved in the birth. The lawyer will also have to determine when your child's birth defect was first identified. This is important since it will tell you the time you have until the statute of limitations expires to file your claim.

Your attorney should have access to any documents that you may have concerning the birth defect of your child, such as invoices, receipts and credit card transactions. This information will enable your attorney to demonstrate the extent of the injuries your child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors that include genetic conditions, medication or chemicals, or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the vast majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or other type of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid if a physician is negligent in their duty of care and this failure results in a birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is a malformed development of a part of the body of a baby that is present at birth or occurs during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these conditions can affect any part of the body of the baby and range from mild to life threatening.

These ailments are usually the result of the mother's lifestyle or genetics. However, in some cases, medical negligence may be the cause of the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents identify the cause of their child's condition and take legal action.

Drugs have the potential to cause serious birth defects in the foetus. These substances are known as 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 proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects caused by drugs in the history of medicine. It caused limb-reduction defects along with other mental and physical impairments.

Doctors have a duty of care to evaluate the dangers associated with certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do so they may be guilty of malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have obligations to inform women of the dangers of using their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are the result of an unfortunate genetic anomaly that could not have been prevented, a number of them result from exposure to toxic chemicals while in utero. These substances can be found in the drugs pregnant women take as well as in the environmental pollutants in the workplace or at home or even in harmful chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They also could cause serious birth defects, including spina bifida, developmental delays and skeletal deformities and brain damage, muscular dystrophy, low birth defect law firm weight, deformities of the limbs and heart problems.

Some toxic substances, such as arsenic and cadmium, can be found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a frequent contaminants that can be found in paints for homes as well as art materials as well as plastics and cosmetics. Other toxins are pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been found to increase birth defects.

A lawyer who specializes on birth defects can help parents determine whether a drug or chemical has caused their child's birth defect. In these cases our lawyers could pursue a product liability lawsuit against a chemical or drug manufacturer who designed and produced dangerous chemical or medication. We may also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to cause adverse side effects for pregnant women.