A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice
A child's birth defect can dramatically alter your family's life. You need to act quickly when a medical professional committed a mistake during your pregnancy, which caused the condition of your child.
A skilled lawyer for
birth defect attorneys injuries can assist you in filing a claim against those responsible. In the meantime, you can begin collecting receipts, bills and statements from credit cards.
The causes of birth defects
The causes of birth defects aren't always understood. Some birth defects result from genetic issues. Genes that aren't working properly or are totally absent (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They may also be caused by chromosomal problems, where some or all of the chromosomes have more or too few cells.
These types of problems are typically diagnosed in utero with ultrasound or amniocentesis, where amniotic fluid samples is taken and examined for chromosomal and genetic anomalies. In some cases doctors do not find the
birth defect until a child has symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.
In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects are caused by problems with the nervous system or brain and musculoskeletal problems that affect bones, muscles and joints. They can be moderate to severe and affect how a person looks or functions, including learning abilities, physical strength and mobility.
Certain birth defects are inevitable however, others are preventable. Couples with an inheritance history of certain disorders should consider a the possibility of genetic testing prior to trying for the birth of a child. Avoiding exposure to certain substances and chemicals and illnesses and other environmental factors, can also reduce the chance of developing birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in treatment of pregnant women could also cause birth defects. It is crucial to consult a
birth defect attorney if you suspect a medical error may have caused the condition of your child.
Medical Malpractice
Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are usually complicated and require expert medical testimony. A skilled and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer will help your family achieve justice and get the compensation you need to ensure that your child is able to have a normal, fulfilling life.
To determine if you have a medical malpractice case the attorney will begin by identifying the child's birth defect before linking it to the medical professionals who were involved in his or her delivery. Your attorney will also need know when the birth defect of your child was identified. This is important as it will let you know the time frame you must file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.
It is also crucial that your attorney has access to your medical records as well as any other documents you have that are related to the birth defect that your child has like receipts, bills and credit card transactions. This evidence will help your attorney prove the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine the type of compensation you are entitled to.
Birth defects can be triggered by a variety of causes, including medical conditions or genetics exposure to illnesses and infections, as well as exposure to medications or chemicals. The vast majority of birth defect are not caused by negligence or medical malpractice. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a doctor does not fulfill his or her duty of care and this negligence causes a birth injury.
Drugs
Birth defects are atypical conditions that occur in a baby's body at birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that these conditions can affect any part of the body and range from mild to life-threatening.
Most of the time, these ailments are the result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. In certain cases medical malpractice could be the cause of the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents determine the cause of their child's condition, and pursue legal action.
Drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. These substances are called Teratogens. They include prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide, for example, was once a widely used sleep aid and anti-nausea pregnancy medication, but was later discovered to be one of the most devastating birth defects caused by drugs in the history of medicine. It caused limb reduction problems as well as mental and physical impairments.
Doctors are required to consider the potential dangers of certain medication when prescribing them pregnant women. They commit malpractice if they fail to consider this. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies have the obligation to inform women about the risks of taking their products.
Toxic Exposure
Some birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals during the uterus. These substances are found in the medications pregnant women take, in environmental contaminants in the home or at work, or even in toxic chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals, often referred to as teratogens, may cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They can also cause developmental delays, skeletal abnormalities in the brain, as well as muscular dystrophy.
Certain toxic substances like arsenic or cadmium may be found in drinking water as well as soil. Lead is a frequent contaminant that can be found on house paint, art supplies plastics, cosmetics and many other products. Other toxins are pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which have been found to increase birth defects.
A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect claims can assist parents in determining if chemicals or drugs were the primary cause of their child's birth defect. In these instances, our lawyers may make a claim under the product liability law against a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer who has developed and manufactured a dangerous medication or chemical. We can also file a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that have been known to have adverse side effects for pregnant women.