A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can drastically alter the life of your family. If a medical professional committed mistakes during your pregnancy resulting in your child's condition you should react quickly.

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

Birth Defects and Causes

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. Certain birth problems result from genetic problems. Genes that are not functioning properly or totally absent (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They could also be caused by chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes are overloaded or too few cells.

These issues are usually identified in utero by ultrasound or amniocentesis. A amniotic fluid sample is taken and tested to detect genetic mutations and chromosomal anomalies. In some instances doctors are unable to identify the birth defect until a child has 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 problems with the nervous system, brain and musculoskeletal issues which affect joints, muscles and bones. They can be mild to severe, and impact how a person behaves or looks, as well as physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable, but others can be prevented. Couples who have a history of certain inherited conditions should consider screening for genetics prior to trying for the birth of a child. In addition avoidance of certain chemicals or medications, as well as other environmental triggers can reduce the chance of certain birth defects. Medical mistakes and negligence in the treatment of pregnant women could also cause birth defects. It is imperative to speak with an attorney who deals with birth defect law firms defects if you suspect an error in your medical treatment has caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects can be complex and require expert medical evidence. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family achieve justice and get the amount of compensation you require to ensure your child is able to live a normal existence.

To determine whether you have a medical malpractice claim the attorney will begin by identifying the child's birth defect lawsuits defect and linking it to the medical professionals who were involved in the birth. The attorney will also be required to identify the time when the birth defect was diagnosed. This information is crucial because it will inform you how long you have to wait before the statute of limitation expires and you can file your claim.

Your attorney should have access to any documents that you may 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 your child's injuries as well as determine what compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused in a variety of ways, including the effects of medications or genetic conditions, exposure to illnesses and infections, or exposure to drugs or chemicals. However, the majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or any other kind of negligence. Only when a doctor does not fulfill his or her duty of care and this causes an injury to the baby will a medical malpractice lawsuit be deemed to be legitimate.

Drugs

Birth defects are abnormalities that appear in a baby's body after birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that these conditions can affect any body part and range from mild to life-threatening.

Often, these issues are a result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in other cases, medical negligence may be the cause of the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defects lawyer can help parents determine the root of their child's condition, and then take legal actions.

Drugs can cause serious birth defects. These substances are referred to as Teratogens. They include prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide is an example. It was once a widely used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but ended up being one of the most devastating birth defects linked to drugs in the history of medicine. It caused physical and mental physical impairments, and a variety of other physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional duty to consider the dangers associated with certain medications they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to take this step, they commit malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have a duty to warn women about the dangers of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are a result of an unfortunate genetic anomaly that could not have been prevented, some of them are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These substances may be present in the medications pregnant mothers take and in the environment at home or at work or in harmful chemical agents at a workplace. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They can cause serious birth defects, including spina Bifida, developmental delays, skeletal deformities or brain damage, muscle dystrophy and low birth weight deformities of the limbs, and heart issues.

Certain toxins, such as arsenic and cadmium are found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a well-known chemical that is found in paints for houses as well as art materials plastics, cosmetics, and even plastics. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, like selective serotonin reuptake 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 an ingredient or a chemical was the primary cause of their child's birth defect. In these cases our lawyers can bring a product liability claim against a chemical or drug manufacturer who created and produced dangerous chemical or medication. We can also bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that are known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.