Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

Finding out that your child is suffering from an abnormal birth defect is one of the most frightening and confusing experiences you can confront. It's crucial to reach out to an experienced legal team as soon as possible.

A lawyer can explain the cause of a birth defect as well as how to file a lawsuit in order to recover damages for your child.

The causes of birth defects

Birth defects are structural modifications in the body that affect the way it looks or functions. They can happen anytime during pregnancy, but most occur during the first three months. Some are visible, while others are only discovered by a medical professional. They can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Most birth problems are caused by genetic abnormalities. They occur when a gene alters (mutates) or is missing completely. Some genes are inherited from parents, whereas others are inherited from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking cigarettes, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the risk of a birth defect.

There is no cure for all birth defects, but there are treatments that can aid with certain problems. Some of these treatments include surgery medicine, and special home care. Surgery can fix birth defects like the cleft palate and lips, as well as spina-bifida. The use of medicines can treat other problems, like Tay-Sachs and patent ductus artery.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy are at an increased chance of having children born with birth defects. Women who have a family history of a birth defect are at higher risk of having a child with a birth defect as well. It is essential to speak with a doctor about your chances of having a child with birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances, birth defects are the result of medical mistakes during pregnancy and delivery. A New York birth defect lawyer can help parents file a malpractice lawsuit against the doctor responsible for causing the child's condition.

For instance, a doctor might have erroneously prescribed medication to the mother during pregnancy, which increased the risk of the baby being born with a particular defect. If the child suffers from an extreme mental impairment because of the medication, they may receive government assistance to assist with their needs.

The medical professional or hospital could not have detected an identified birth defect in the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor failed to do the test or discuss the results with parents, he may be held responsible for wrongful claims.

Medical facilities, midwives and health professionals are required to disclose and report medical records relating to birth defects. This information can be used to identify trends and clusters, and possible causes. The information will not be disclosed to other individuals or the public unless this is allowed by applicable laws, regulations, and HIPAA. These regulations can vary depending on the jurisdiction. The information is only used for purposes that are approved by the department of health for the state. All employees who are part of the birth defect surveillance program must sign a confidentiality agreement and receive instruction on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

Amniocentesis, ultrasounds for prenatal birth and blood tests can reveal the possibility of birth defects before a child is even born. These more thorough screening options are available to women with higher-risk pregnancy due to a history of the mother or her advancing age.

Many prescription or over-thecounter medicines can cause serious side effects in pregnant women. The pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications have obligations to inform physicians about the risks and if they fail to take this step, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

Medical, hospital and pharmaceutical bills can add quickly as a result of a birth defect, and especially serious ones that require lifetime treatment and care. It is essential to keep all receipts or bills as well as credit card statements, and other documents that show your damage and entitlement to compensation.

Some birth defects can be corrected via surgery. Some may be permanently affecting the person for the rest of his or her lifetime and leading to significant disabilities and limitations. A knowledgeable, empathetic birth defect lawyer can help families get the amount of compensation they deserve. If you suspect your child was born with an anomaly in the birth it is important to submit a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Environmental Exposure

Birth problems can be caused by various environmental factors. These range from prescription or over the counter drugs to chemical exposure in the workplace or in the home. These causes can be difficult to pinpoint. When a lot of babies with the same defect are born during the same time frame and place, it is called a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice attorney should be sought out if there is any suspicion of a cause of birth defect or injury. A medical malpractice attorney who is knowledgeable and caring will assist families to receive the amount they are due so that their child's birth defect or injury doesn't cause permanent negative effects.

Many states have laws requiring the monitoring of birth defects. This includes the recording of information from hospital discharge records. It can then be used to identify trends, anomalies and possible clusters.

This information is able to be gathered and shared via different programs like: