A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice
Birth defects can have a dramatic impact on your family. It is crucial to act fast should a medical professional committed an error during your pregnancy that caused the condition of your child.
A skilled lawyer for birth injuries can help you file a claim against the parties responsible. In the meantime, you can begin collecting bills, receipts and credit card statements.
Birth Defects and Causes
The causes of birth defects aren't always obvious. Some birth problems result from genetic issues. Genes that aren't functioning properly or missing completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They can also be caused by chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes are excess or too many cells.
These types of problems are usually detected in utero using ultrasound or amniocentesis. In both cases, amniotic fluid is taken and analyzed for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. In some cases doctors may not be able to detect the
birth defect before a child exhibits symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.
Apart from chromosomal and genetic issues, birth defects can be caused by issues with the brain or nervous system, and musculoskeletal issues that affect joints, muscles and bones. They can vary from mild to serious and impact an individual's appearance or function, including their learning abilities mobility, strength, and strength.
While some birth defects can't be prevented, a number can be prevented. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain diseases should consider screening for genetics prior to trying for the birth of a child. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and medications as well as diseases and other environmental factors can reduce the risk of birth defects. Medical malpractice and negligence in the treatment of pregnant women could also lead to
birth defects. It is crucial to consult a
birth defect attorney if you suspect the medical error could have caused the condition of your child.
Medical Malpractice
Birth defects cases that involve medical negligence can be a bit complicated and require expert testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and experienced will help you and your family get the compensation required to ensure your child's regular life.
Your attorney will first identify the birth defect of your child and link it to the medical professionals involved in its delivery. The lawyer will also need to identify when your child's birth defect was discovered. This information is important because it will help you determine when you must file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.
It is also important for your attorney to have access to your medical records and any other documents you have related to your child's birth defect, including bills, receipts and credit card transactions. This will enable your attorney to demonstrate the severity of the injuries the child suffered and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled.
Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors, including genetic conditions chemical or medication or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or any other kind of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid if a physician is not performing his duty of care and this failure results in a birth injury.
Drugs
Birth defects are conditions that can develop in a child's body during the birth process or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informs us that these problems can affect any part of the body and vary from mild to life-threatening.
These conditions are often caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. However, in other cases medical negligence could be the cause of the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents discover the root of their child's health issue and take legal action.
The use of drugs can cause grave birth defects in the fetus. These substances, also referred to as teratogens, include both prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide, for example, was once a commonly used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but proved to be one of the most devastating drug-related birth defects in the history of medicine. It caused limb reduction defects as well as mental and physical impairments.
Doctors are required to consider the risks of certain medications when prescribing them to pregnant women. They commit malpractice when they fail to consider this. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have obligations to inform women about the risks of taking their products.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Certain birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in the uterus. These substances may be present in medications that mothers take during pregnancy as well as in environmental contaminants at home or at work as well as in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They have the potential to cause serious birth defects including spina Bifida, developmental delays, skeletal deformities and brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight, deformities of the limbs, and heart problems.
Some toxic substances, such as arsenic or cadmium, are found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a well-known contaminant that can be found in paints for homes and art materials plastics, cosmetics, and other materials. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.
A lawyer that specializes in birth defects can assist parents determine if a certain drug or chemical caused their child's birth injury. In these instances our lawyers could make a claim under the product liability law against a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer who designed and produced a dangerous medication or chemical. We can also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.