A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect could profoundly alter the way your family lives. You must act swiftly should a medical professional committed malpractice during your pregnancy which caused the condition of your child.

A lawyer who has expertise can assist you in filing an action 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. Some birth problems result from genetic problems. Genes that aren't functioning properly or absent completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can trigger these. They may also be caused by chromosomal issues, where one or more chromosomes have extra or too few cells.

The majority of these problems are diagnosed during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. A amniotic fluid sample is taken and tested to identify genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some instances doctors may not find the birth defect until a child is born or has symptoms, such as an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.

In addition to genetic and chromosomal issues, birth defects can be caused by problems with the nervous system, brain as well as musculoskeletal disorders that impact the bones, muscles and joints. They can range from moderate to severe and affect how someone behaves or looks, as well as physical strength, ability to learn and mobility.

While some birth defects cannot be prevented, many can be prevented. Couples who have an ancestor with certain genetic disorders should consider a the possibility of genetic testing prior to trying for the birth of a child. In addition being aware of the potential dangers of certain chemicals or medications, as well as other environmental triggers can reduce the chance of certain birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a woman who is pregnant can also contribute to birth defects, therefore it's important to speak with an attorney for birth defects in the event that you believe that an error in medical care may have contributed to the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are usually complex and require expert medical evidence. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist your family obtain justice and obtain the money you need to ensure your child is able to live a normal existence.

To determine whether you have a medical malpractice claim, your attorney will start by identifying the child's birth defect before linking it to the medical professionals involved in the child's birth. He or she will also need to identify the date that your child's birth defect was identified. This is vital because it will let you know the time you have until the statute of limitation expires and you can file your claim.

It is also essential for your attorney to have access to your medical records and any other documents you may possess that are connected to your child's birth defect for example, receipts, bills and credit card transactions. This evidence will allow your attorney to establish the severity of the injuries your child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors such as genetic disorders medications or chemicals or exposure to illnesses and infections. However, the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or other kind of negligence. Only when a doctor is unable to fulfill his or their duty of care and this failure causes an injury to a baby can a medical malpractice lawsuit be justified.

Drugs

Birth defects are abnormalities that can develop in a child's body at birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explain that these birth defects can affect any part of the body and vary from mild to life-threatening.

Most of the time, these ailments are the result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. In other instances, medical negligence may be responsible for the child's condition. A skilled Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist parents determine the cause of their child's ailment and take legal actions.

Drugs could cause grave birth defects in the fetus. These substances are called Teratogens, and they include prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide, for example, was once a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it turned out to be one of the most devastating drug-related birth defects in history. It caused injuries to the limbs, mental and physical impairments, as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors are required by law to be aware of the risks associated with certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. They are committing malpractice if they fail to consider this. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have a duty to warn women about the dangers of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are the result of a genetic condition that cannot have been prevented, a number of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals could be present in medications that pregnant mothers take and in the environment at home or work or in harmful chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They are known to are able to cause severe birth defects, including spina bifida, development delays as well as skeletal deformities and brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight deformities in the limbs, as well as heart problems.

Certain toxins, like arsenic or cadmium, can be found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a frequent contaminant that is present on painting supplies, home paint plastics, cosmetics, and other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, including selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer who specializes on birth defects can help parents determine if a particular drug or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these cases our lawyers can file a product liability claim against the chemical or drug manufacturer that developed and manufactured dangerous medications. In addition, we may bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs recognized to have negative side effects for pregnant women.