Birth Defect Litigation

Parents who discover that their child is born with a defect could be faced with costly procedures and requirements that they shouldn't be forced to endure. At LK, our Pittsburgh birth defect lawyers are committed to helping families get justice for their children.

We know that some of these ailments are the result of medical negligence, prescription medication, and toxic exposures. Contact us today for a free consultation with a New York birth defects lawyer.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects can be devastating for families, regardless of whether they are caused by negligence or genetic. If an injury or defect in the birth could have been prevented, parents who have been injured should consult a birth defects lawyer to determine if they have a case against medical professionals who are responsible.

Everyone believes that doctors and nurses are trained to treat ailments, treat illnesses and respond to emergencies. But they are human and can make mistakes that can have tragic consequences. These errors can cause congenital disorders for children, particularly when they are associated with the birth of a baby and pregnancy.

Birth defects that are due to medical negligence usually involve the failure to diagnose the condition or illness that could have been avoided and treated. These cases are often caused by drugs and treatments that mothers receive during pregnancy as well as in the weeks and months prior to delivery.

Environmental factors can also cause birth defects. These can include exposure to chemicals or environmental toxins as well as the use of certain medications or drugs, and the consumption of unhealthy or unclean foods. A lot of birth defect lawsuits stem from these concerns. They are filed against pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and doctors. These cases are based on the idea that both manufacturers and pharmacists have a responsibility to inform pregnant women of the risks that come with certain drugs and medicines.

Prescription Drugs

If a child suffers from a birth defect that is traced back to medications taken by the mother during pregnancy, a lawsuit may be possible. While most birth defects are genetic, they could be caused by inadequate prenatal care or exposure to toxic chemicals.

A lawyer can help determine which medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement, including hospital procedures, doctor's appointments, rehabilitation services, and assistive devices. Based on the severity of the birth defect, parents could be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering as well.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time and there are a myriad of things that could be wrong. However certain of these issues are preventable. Some birth defects are caused by a physician prescribing drugs which increase the chances of the baby developing a defect or a mistake that is made during the birth process. If you suspect your child's birth problems are due to medical negligence, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Teratogens are a class of prescription drugs that could cause birth defects to fetuses or newborns. Contact a Boston attorney for dangerous drugs right away if you suspect that your child's birth defect could be due to exposure to prescription medication. An experienced legal team can help you determine who may be accountable and get you the compensation you're entitled to.

Drug Manufacturers

It could be possible to sue a pharmaceutical company in the event that a fetus or mother suffers from birth defects that affect the body's functions and appearance. Drug makers are responsible for testing their products and warning pregnant women about the risks. The drug Zofran for instance, was promoted to women who were pregnant even when the manufacturer knew it could cause serious birth defects. In these instances, the company that manufactured the drug is responsible under strict product liability law.

You should consult an experienced attorney right away when you suspect that the birth defect of your child was the result of medical malpractice during the birth or delivery. If a parent stalls in taking legal action, they may be disqualified from filing an action because the statute of limitation has expired.

Birth defects may be a result of genetics, environmental factors and certain medications that are taken by a mother-to-be. Many of these issues are, however, able to be prevented. In certain instances, severe birth defects can significantly alter the life span of a child. It is essential for parents to understand their legal options. If you have any questions regarding a birth defect lawsuit, get in touch with a knowledgeable Boston injury lawyer today. You can also fill out a an inquiry form for an attorney to contact you regarding your case.

Employers

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of reasons. Some birth defects are genetic. Others are caused by environmental factors, like the mother's exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs (teratogens) or chemicals found in beauty salons and paint factories. In some cases birth defects can cause disabilities and require an entire lifetime of costly medical care and other expenses.

While advances in technology have reduced the risks associated with certain medical procedures, medical malpractice can still happen. If a doctor's negligence led your child to suffer injuries during birth, you may be able to seek damages.

If your child is suffering from a mental disability that is severe enough to keep him or her away from a regular job, they may be qualified for disability benefits from the government. It is essential to speak with a top lawyer about your case and options to get the highest possible settlement.

Your family may be entitled to compensation in addition to medical expenses and lost income for pain and suffering. This may include punitive damages and other damages arising from the birth defect or injury. Our lawyers are well-aware of the difficulty of these cases, and are dedicated to pursuing justice for your family. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.