A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice
Birth problems can have a devastating impact on your family. If a doctor committed error during your pregnancy which led to your child's condition, you need to react quickly.
An experienced birth injury lawyer can assist you in filing an action against those who are responsible. In the meantime, you can begin gathering bills, receipts and credit card statements.
Causes of Birth Defects
Birth defects can have a variety of causes. But some are caused by genetic issues, where genes aren't working properly or aren't functioning properly (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They may also be caused by problems with chromosomes, in which one or more chromosomes contain excess or too many cells.
These types of problems are usually identified in utero with ultrasound or amniocentesis. In both cases, amniotic fluid samples is collected and tested for chromosomal variations and genetic abnormalities. In some instances doctors will not be able to identify the birth defect until the child is born or shows symptoms, such as an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.
In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects can be caused by issues with the nervous system, brain and musculoskeletal problems which affect bones, muscles and joints. They can be mild to severe, and impact how a person is perceived or performs their duties, including physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.
While some birth defects cannot be prevented, a number can. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain disorders should think about genetic testing before attempting to have children. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and medications and infections and other environmental factors, can also reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a pregnant woman can cause birth defects. It's important to speak with an attorney who specializes in birth defects in the event that you believe that a medical error may have caused your child's condition.
Medical Malpractice
Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects are often complicated and require expert medical testimony. A knowledgeable and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family get justice and secure the compensation you need to ensure that your child can have a normal, fulfilling life.
Your attorney will first identify the birth defect of your child and then link it to the medical professionals who were involved in its delivery. Your attorney will also need be aware of the date the date at which the birth defect of your child was first identified. This is crucial because it will help you know how long you have to submit a claim prior to the statute of limitations runs out.
It is also important that your attorney has access to your medical records and any other documents you have that relate to your child's birth defect such as receipts, bills and credit card statements. This will help your attorney prove the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine what types of compensation you are entitled to.
Birth defects can be caused by a variety of things like genetic conditions and medications, or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or other kind of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid if a doctor is not performing his duty of care and this negligence results in a birth injury.
Drugs
A birth defect is an abnormal development in a particular area of the baby's body that is present at birth or is developed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these conditions can affect any part of the baby's body and can be mild or life dangerous.
These conditions are typically caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. However, in other instances medical negligence could be the cause of the child's condition. A skilled Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents determine the cause of their child's condition and take legal actions.
Drugs could cause serious birth defects in the fetus. These substances are referred to as teratogens and include both prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, was once a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects resulting from drugs in history. It caused injuries to the limbs, mental and physical impairments, and a variety of other physical impairments.
Doctors have a professional duty to be aware of the dangers associated with certain drugs they prescribe to pregnant women. They are guilty of malpractice if they fail to consider this. In addition, pharmaceutical pharmacies and companies have a responsibility to warn women of the potential risk of taking their medications.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Some st francis birth defect lawsuit defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals are often found in the medications a pregnant woman takes or in environmental pollutants at the home or at work as well as in toxic chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals, also known as teratogens, may cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They may also trigger degenerative delays, skeletal anomalies in the brain, as well as muscular dystrophy.
Some toxins, such as arsenic or cadmium, can be found in drinking water and vimeo.com soil. Lead is a common contaminants that can be found in house paint artwork materials as well as plastics and cosmetics. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals including selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been proven to increase the risk of birth defects.
A lawyer who specializes on birth defect cases can help parents determine if a particular drug or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these instances, our lawyers may file a claim for product liability against a chemical or drug manufacturer who has developed and manufactured a dangerous medication or chemical. We can also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that have been known to cause adverse side effects on pregnant women.