Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

The discovery that your child is suffering from an abnormal birth defect is among the most frightening and confusing experiences you can be faced with. Contacting a birth defect legal team with experience is important as soon as you can.

A lawyer can inform you the causes of birth defects and how you can file a lawsuit to get compensation on behalf of your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural changes to the body that impact the way it appears or functions. They can occur at any stage of pregnancy, however the majority occur in the first 3 months. Some are visible, while others can be detected only by a healthcare provider. They can range in severity from mild to severe.

Most birth problems result from genetic disorders. These occur when a gene changes (mutates) or is absent altogether. Most genes are passed from parents to children, however, some are inherited from the environment. Environmental factors can include smoking, drinking alcohol or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemicals may also increase the risk of having a birth defect.

Some birth defects can be corrected, but most cannot. Some of treatments include surgery, medication, and specialized home care. Certain birth defects, like Cleft lip and palate, as well as spina bifida can be corrected with surgery. Other issues, such as patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs's syndrome, can be treated using medications.

Women who smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy are at a greater risk of having a child with a birth defect. Women with a family history of birth defect are at a higher risk of having a child with a birth defect as well. It is important to discuss with a doctor about the risk of having a baby with birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many cases, birth defects can be caused by medical mistakes during pregnancy and delivery. A New York birth defects lawyer can help parents file a malpractice lawsuit against the medical doctor or other experts who caused the child's condition.

For example, a doctor might have erroneously prescribed medication to the mother during pregnancy that heightened the chances of the child being born with a specific defect. If the child is suffering from a severe mental disability due to the medication, they could be eligible for government assistance to help with their needs.

A medical professional or hospital may also have missed a chance to identify an birth defect that was present in the mother's uterus when screening for fetal defects was carried out. If the doctor failed to conduct the test or discuss the results with parents or the hospital, they could be responsible for claims based on wrongful birth.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required reveal and report medical records related to birth defects. The information is used for birth defects surveillance activities and to identify trends, clusters, and possible causes. This information cannot be divulged to the public or any other individuals unless permitted by applicable laws and regulations, like HIPAA. These regulations can differ by the jurisdiction. The information is only used for authorized purposes by the department of state. Additionally all employees who are involved in the monitoring of birth defects must sign a confidentiality agreement and be educated on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

Amniocentesis as well as prenatal ultrasounds and blood tests can help determine the possibility of birth defects before the child is even born. These more precise screening options may be offered to women who are at a higher risk of pregnancy due to an antecedent history with the mother or her advancing age.

A variety of prescription and over-the counter medications can cause serious side effects for pregnant women. Pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications are under the obligation to inform doctors of the dangers and if they fail to comply, they could be held liable for resulting birth injuries.

Due to birth defects due to birth defects, medical, hospital and pharmaceutical bills are often a quick way to accumulate, especially when the defect is severe and requires lifelong treatment. It is crucial to keep all receipts and bills and credit card records and other evidence that proves your losses and your right to compensation.

Certain birth defects can be corrected with surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and can affect the affected person for the rest their lives that can result in significant disabilities and limitations. A knowledgeable, sympathetic birth defect lawyer can assist families get the proper compensation they are entitled to. You should make a claim as soon you realize that your child is suffering from a birth defect.

Environmental Exposure

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of environmental causes. These can include prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as chemical exposure at work or at home. Sometimes these causes are hard to identify. If a large number of babies are born with the same condition in the same time frame or location, it is called a "cluster".

A medical malpractice attorney should be consulted if there is a suspicion of birth defect or injury. A skilled and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer can assist families attain the compensation they are entitled to so that the birth defect or birth injury will not have lasting negative effects.

A number of states have laws that require the recording of birth defects. This entails the recording of data from hospital discharge records. The data can be used to identify anomalies and trends.

This data can also be collected through other programs, like: