A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can change the course of your family's life. If a doctor committed malpractice during your pregnancy, resulting in your child's condition it is imperative to respond quickly.

A lawyer who has experience can assist you in bringing a claim against the responsible parties. In the meantime you should begin collecting bills, receipts and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always known. But some are caused by genetic issues, where genes aren't working properly or are completely absent (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They can also result from chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes are excess or too many cells.

These kinds of issues are usually identified in utero with ultrasound or amniocentesis. In both cases, amniotic fluid from the uterus is taken and tested for chromosomal mutations and genetic abnormalities. In some cases doctors are unable to identify the birth defect before the child is born with symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.

In addition to chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects can also be caused by issues with the nervous system, brain as well as musculoskeletal disorders which affect joints, muscles, and bones. They can be mild to severe, and affect how someone looks or functions, including physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.

Certain birth defects are inevitable but some are preventable. Couples who have an inheritance history of certain disorders should consider genetic testing before attempting to have children. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and medications along with diseases and other environmental factors, can also reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a woman who is pregnant can also contribute to birth defects, therefore it's crucial to consult an attorney who specializes in birth defects If you believe that a medical error may have contributed to the child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are often complicated and require expert medical testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable will assist you and your loved ones get the compensation required to ensure your child's regular life.

To determine if you have a medical malpractice claim the attorney will begin by identifying the child's birth defect and linking it to the medical professionals who were involved in the delivery. Your attorney will also need be aware of the date the date at which the birth defect of your child was identified. This information is important because it will help you know when you must make a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

Your attorney should have access to any documents you might have regarding the birth defect of your child, like invoices, receipts and credit card payment. This evidence will allow your attorney to establish the severity of the injuries your child has suffered and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can result in many ways, such as the effects of medications or genetic conditions exposure to illness and infections, or even exposure to medications or chemicals. The vast majority of birth defects are not caused by negligence or medical malpractice. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a physician is negligent in their duty of care and that failure causes birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect is an abnormal development of a part of the body of a newborn that occurs at birth or is developed 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 a result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in other cases, medical negligence may be responsible for the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist parents in determining the cause of their child's health issue, and pursue legal action.

Drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. These are known as teratogens and include both prescription drugs as well as street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, was once a commonly used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it was later discovered to be one of the most devastating birth defects resulting from drugs in the history of medicine. It caused injuries to the limbs, mental and physical impairments and other physical impairments.

Doctors are required to take into account the potential dangers of certain medications when prescribing them for pregnant women. They commit malpractice if they fail to consider this. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists have the responsibility of educating women of the dangers associated with taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Some birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in the uterus. These chemicals may be present in medications that mothers take during pregnancy or in environmental pollutants at home or work or in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals, often referred to as teratogens may cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They can also cause the development of skeletal disorders, delays in development, brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Certain toxins, such as arsenic or cadmium may be present in drinking water and soil. Lead is a common contamination that is found on house paint, art supplies plastics, cosmetics and many other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, including selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect claims can assist parents to determine if a drug or chemical was the main cause of the birth injury of their child. In these cases our lawyers can pursue a product liability lawsuit against a chemical or drug manufacturer who designed and produced an unsafe chemical or medication. Or, we could make a claim against doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to have adverse side effects for pregnant women.