A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can profoundly alter the way your family lives. You must act swiftly in the event that a medical professional committed an error during your pregnancy, which caused your child's condition.

A skilled birth injury lawyer can assist you in filing a claim against those responsible. In the meantime, begin collecting receipts, bills and credit card statements.

The causes of birth defects

The causes of birth defects aren't always clear. Some birth problems result from genetic problems. Genes that aren't working properly or are completely missing (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can trigger these. They can also be the result of problems with chromosomes, in which some or all of the chromosomes have more or too few cells.

These issues are typically diagnosed in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid from the uterus is collected and tested to find genetic and chromosomal variations. In some cases doctors are unable to identify the birth defect until the child develops symptoms like an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.

Birth problems can be caused by issues in the brain, nervous system or the musculoskeletal system. These issues affect the joints, muscles, and bones. They can range from moderate to severe and affect how someone is perceived or performs their duties, including physical strength, ability to learn and mobility.

Certain birth defects are inevitable, but others are preventable. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain disorders should consider testing for genetics before trying to have children. Avoiding exposure to certain substances and chemicals, as well as diseases and other environmental factors, can also reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in care of pregnant women can also cause birth defects. It is imperative to consult an attorney for birth defects when you suspect that the medical error could have caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases that involve medical negligence are often complex and require expert testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and experienced will help you and your family receive the compensation required to ensure your child's normal life.

Your attorney will first pinpoint the birth defect that your child has and then link it to the medical professionals who were involved in its delivery. They must also determine the date when the birth defect was diagnosed. This is important since it will tell you the time you have until the statute of limitation expires to file your claim.

Your attorney should have access to any documents you might have regarding the birth defect of your child, including receipts, bills and credit card payment. This will enable your attorney to demonstrate the severity of the injuries the child suffered and determine what you're entitled to in compensation.

Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors like genetic conditions medications or chemicals or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or any other type of negligence. Only when a doctor fails to meet his or his or her duty of care and this results in an injury to the baby will a medical malpractice lawsuit be justified.

Drugs

Birth defects are abnormalities that develop in a baby’s body at birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explain that these birth defects can affect any part of the body and vary from mild to life-threatening.

Often, these conditions are the result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. In other instances, medical negligence may be the reason for the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents determine the cause of their child's condition and take legal actions.

Drugs can cause grave birth defects in the fetus. These substances are known as Teratogens. They include prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide is one example. It was a time when it was a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea pregnancy medication, but was later discovered to be one of the most devastating birth defects linked to drugs in history. It caused limb defects, mental and physical impairments, as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors are required by law to evaluate the risks of certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. They are guilty of malpractice if they fail to do so. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies have an obligation to warn women about the risks of using their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are the result of a genetic anomaly that could not be prevented, a few of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals while in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medications that a pregnant woman takes as well as in the environmental pollutants in the workplace or at home or even in harmful chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They also are able to cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida and developmental delays and skeletal abnormalities, brain damage, muscular dystrophy, low birth weight, deformities of the limbs, and heart issues.

Certain toxic substances like arsenic or cadmium may be present in drinking water and soil. Lead is a common contamination that can be found in paints for houses as well as art materials plastics, cosmetics, and even plastics. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, including selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) which have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer who specializes on birth defect cases can help parents determine whether a drug or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these cases our lawyers can bring a product liability claim against a drug or chemical manufacturer who designed and produced dangerous chemical or medication. We can also make a claim against doctors who prescribe medications that are known to cause adverse side effects on pregnant women.