A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect could drastically alter the life of your family. If a medical professional committed negligence during your pregnancy, and your child's condition was a result you should take action immediately.

A birth injury lawyer with experience can help you bring an action against the accountable parties. In the meantime, start collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always understood. But some are caused by genetic issues, in which genes aren't functioning properly or are absent completely (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They can also be caused by chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes have excessive or insufficient cells.

These kinds of issues are usually detected during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis, where amniotic fluid from the uterus is taken and analyzed for chromosomal variations and genetic abnormalities. In some instances, doctors will not discover the birth defect before the child is born with symptoms like an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.

Apart from chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects are caused by problems with the nervous system or brain and musculoskeletal problems that affect joints, muscles and bones. They can range from moderate to severe and impact how a person is perceived or performs their duties, including physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.

Certain birth defects are inevitable however others can be avoided. Couples with an inheritance history of certain diseases should consider screening for genetics prior to trying for a baby. Avoiding exposure to certain substances and chemicals and infections and other environmental triggers, can also reduce the chance of developing birth defects. Medical malpractice and negligence in the care of pregnant women may also lead to birth defects. It is essential to speak with a birth defect attorney in the event that you suspect that an error in medical care has caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

birth defect law firms defects cases that involve medical negligence are usually complex and require expert testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and skilled can help you and your family receive the compensation required to ensure your child's normal life.

To determine if you have a medical malpractice case, your attorney will start by carefully identifying your child's birth defect, and then linking it to the medical professionals who were involved in the child's birth. They will also be required to identify the date that your child's birth defect was identified. This is crucial because it will help you know how long you have to make a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Your attorney should be able to access any documents you have relating to the birth defect of your child, including invoices, receipts and credit card payment. This information will allow your attorney to prove the extent of the injuries the child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors, including genetic conditions medications or chemicals or exposure to diseases and infections. The vast majority of birth defects are not the result of negligence or medical malpractice. Medical malpractice claims are only valid when a doctor is negligent in their duty of care and this failure causes birth injury.

Drugs

A birth defect lawsuit defect is an abnormal development of a part of a baby's body that occurs at birth or is developed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that birth defects can affect any part of the baby's body and can vary from mild to life dangerous.

Often, these disorders are a result of genetics or mother's lifestyle. In certain instances medical malpractice can be the cause of the child's illness. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist a parent determine the source of their child's ailment and take legal action.

The use of drugs can cause serious birth defects in the fetus. These substances, often referred to as teratogens include prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. Thalidomide is an example. It was once a widely used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but turned out to be one of the most devastating birth defects resulting from drugs in the history of medicine. It led to limb reduction defects as well as mental and physical impairments.

Doctors have a duty of care to evaluate the risks that come with certain medications they prescribe to pregnant women. They commit malpractice when they fail to do this. Furthermore, pharmaceutical pharmacies and companies have the responsibility of educating women about the risk associated with taking their products.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Certain birth defects can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals during utero. These chemicals can be found in the drugs a pregnant woman takes or in environmental pollutants at the workplace or at home as well as in toxic chemical agents at work. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They also have the potential to cause severe birth defects, including spina Bifida, developmental delays as well as skeletal deformities and brain damage, muscular dystrophy as well as low birth weight limb deformities, and heart issues.

Certain toxins like arsenic and cadmium are found in drinking water as well as soil. Lead is a frequent contaminant that can be found in the walls of your home, paint, art materials plastics, cosmetics, and many other products. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown to increase birth defects.

A lawyer who specializes in birth defect claims can assist parents in determining if chemicals or drugs were the main cause of their child's birth injury. In these cases, our lawyers may bring a product liability claim against a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer who has developed and manufactured dangerous chemicals or medications. Alternatively, we can make a claim against doctors who prescribe drugs known to have adverse side effects on pregnant women.