A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A child's birth defect can change the course of your family's life. It is imperative to act swiftly if a medical professional has committed a mistake during your pregnancy that led to your child's condition.

An experienced lawyer for birth injuries can help you file an action against the responsible parties. In the meantime, you can begin collecting bills, receipts, and statements from credit cards.

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 completely absent (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They can also be the result of chromosomal issues, where one or more chromosomes contain more or too few cells.

These issues are typically diagnosed in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A amniotic fluid sample is taken and tested to detect genetic mutations and chromosomal anomalies. In some cases doctors may not find the birth defect until the baby is born or displays symptoms, for example, having an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.

Apart from chromosomal and genetic issues birth defects are caused by issues with the nervous system, brain, and musculoskeletal issues that affect bones, muscles and joints. They can vary from mild to severe and impact a person's appearance or function, such as their ability to learn, strength and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable but some can be prevented. Couples who have a history of certain inherited diseases should consider testing their genetics prior to trying to have a child. In addition avoidance of certain chemicals, drugs, infections and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of certain birth defects. Medical negligence and malpractice in the treatment of pregnant women can also cause birth defects. It is imperative to speak with a birth defect attorney If you suspect that the medical error could have caused the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases involving medical negligence are typically complex and require expert testimony. A compassionate and skilled medical malpractice lawyer can assist your family obtain justice and receive the amount of compensation you require to ensure that your child will lead a normal life.

Your lawyer will identify the birth defect of your child and link it with the medical professionals who were involved in its birth. Your attorney will also need know when the birth defect of your child was identified. This information is crucial since it will tell you the time you have until the statute of limitations expires to file your claim.

It is also crucial for your attorney to have access to your medical records and any other documents that you possess that are connected to the birth defect of your child for example, receipts, bills, and credit card payments. This can help your attorney establish the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine the types of compensation you are entitled to receive.

Birth defects can be caused by a variety of causes, including genetic conditions and medications, or exposure to infections and illnesses. However, the vast majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or any other form of negligence. A medical malpractice claim is only valid when a doctor does not fulfill his or her duty of care and this failure results in a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are abnormalities that occur 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 vary from mild to life-threatening.

Most of the time, these ailments are the result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in some cases medical negligence could be responsible for the child's condition. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help parents determine the cause of their child's condition, and then take legal actions.

Drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. These substances, also known as teratogens, comprise both prescription drugs as well as illegal street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, was once a widely used sleep aid and anti-nausea medication during pregnancy, but ended up being one of the most devastating drug-related birth defect attorneys defects in history. It caused physical and mental physical impairments, as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors have a professional obligation to consider the risks that come with certain drugs they prescribe to pregnant women. If they fail to do so they may be guilty of malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have obligations to inform women of the dangers of taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Certain birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medications that pregnant mothers take as well as in environmental contaminants at work or at home or in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals, often referred to as teratogens can cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They may also trigger degenerative delays, skeletal anomalies, brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Some toxins such as arsenic or cadmium can be present in drinking water and soil. Lead is a common contamination that is found on painting supplies, home paint plastics, cosmetics and other products. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect cases can help parents determine if a certain drug or chemical caused the birth injury to their child. In these instances, our lawyers can file a products liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer who designed and produced a dangerous medication. We can also start a lawsuit to sue doctors who prescribe drugs which are known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.