Birth Defect Lawsuits

While advances in medicine have dramatically reduced the risk of pregnancies, many birth defects and injuries result from negligence. It could be due to exposure to chemicals at work or a misapplication of medications, parents who are shocked often have a claim for compensation.

In many states the statute of limitations is only one year. It is therefore important to speak with an attorney early as possible. An experienced lawyer can assist clients and help them determine the monetary worth of their case.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice claims can occur at any point in the pregnancy, labor or the delivery process. Medical malpractice claims can be filed if a doctor does not adhere to the accepted standards of practice and the failure causes birth defects or injury.

Doctors must review an expectant mother's current medications and take into account any health concerns she might have. They should also inform her of the potential risks to her unborn baby. If a doctor fails to fulfill their responsibilities and causes harm may be held responsible for medical malpractice.

A birth defect lawyer will assist you in determining whether the claim for medical malpractice is a valid one and guide you through the legal procedure. Because of the sensitive nature of a medical malpractice case you must find an experienced lawyer who you are confident in.

The sooner you start, the better. A qualified birth defect attorney will assist you in filing the claim before your state's statutes of limitations expire. Most states give you only one year to start a lawsuit based on medical malpractice, and it requires time to process such an event that is devastating. You need a lawyer who can quickly obtain the necessary records and gather evidence to support your case. This is particularly true in the event that you believe your baby was injured due to negligence on the part of a medical professional. The earlier you file a lawsuit the more evidence you have to back up your claim.

Environmental Causes

Although genetic causes of birth defects make up a large portion of cases, environmental factors also play a role. These causes are usually not known to scientists, and can include a mother's exposure to harmful chemicals or substances at work or home. These chemicals, such as solvents, paint thinners, engraving processing fluids, cleaning fluids and certain alloys of metal can increase the chance of children developing birth defects. These types of exposures have been the basis of birth defect lawsuits brought by LK's lawyers on behalf clients who work in beauty salons, paint factories, and semiconductor manufacturing plants, in addition to other industries.

Sadly, most cases of severe birth defects are a result from environmental or genetic causes that cannot be prevented by lifestyle choices or medical treatment. Doctors and scientists have difficulty diagnosing the cause of the specific birth defect. The only way to decrease the risk of birth defects is to educate women who are expecting and encourage them to be cautious with their food and medications as well as lifestyle choices.

A medical malpractice case involving a birth defect is different from a standard personal injury lawsuit because a birth defect lawsuit requires an understanding of both legal and medical issues. Our birth defect lawyers are acquainted with the complicated nature of these cases, and will fight for the compensation you are due.

Drugs

Pregnancy-related medications can lead to birth defects. These are a few of them: facial and limb defects or eye problems, brain and spinal cord problems, among other issues. If an medication causes a birth defect, the family could sue the drug manufacturer in a lawsuit for product liability.

A birth defect can be caused through exposure to prescription drugs or toxic chemicals as well as other environmental factors during the first three months of pregnancy, which is a crucial period for growth. If your child is suffering from an anomaly in the birth that could be caused by medications, a birth defect lawyer will be able to guide you on your legal options.

A lot of drug makers are required to thoroughly test their products before they release them to the public, and they must inform consumers about possible side effects. A birth defect lawyer can help parents who want to sue the drug company for selling drugs that cause birth defects.

NSAIDs like lithium, angiotensin-II antagonists, and cancer drugs like thalidomide and diethylstilbestrol may all cause birth defects. The lawyers at LK's medical malpractice firm have won billions for families whose children sustained injuries due to the use of these and other drugs. The firm has also litigated cases where children suffered injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals at work or to environmental pollutants.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is among the most thrilling, yet anxious experiences a woman can go through in her lifetime. However, if anything goes wrong during this time, the consequences could be severe. Serious birth defects may affect the brain, heart, limbs or overall body function. The child could be forced to live longer and cause great suffering for their parents.

Some birth defects are genetic. Others can be caused due to the negligence of medical professionals and hospital staff. This could include prescribing medications which can cause birth defects, or administering the wrong dose. It could be as straightforward as a failure to monitor the health of the fetus and expose the mother to harmful chemicals while she is pregnant.

If a parent believes that the birth defect attorneys defect or birth injury is due to medical negligence, they should contact a New York birth defect attorney immediately. A lawyer can help determine the best course to take and the amount of compensation a parent may be entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence, drugs, environmental causes or a combination of. Finz & Finz, the experienced New York birth defects lawyers on Long Island and New York City can help when your child's condition is the result of negligence by someone else's. Contact us today at toll-free number for a free consultation.