A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

Birth defects can have a significant impact on your family. It is imperative to act swiftly should a medical professional committed a mistake during your pregnancy that resulted in your child's illness.

A skilled lawyer for birth injuries can assist you in filing an action against those who are responsible. In the meantime you should begin gathering bills, receipts and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects can have a variety of causes. But some are caused by genetic problems, where genes don't work properly or are absent completely (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They may also be caused by chromosomal problems, where chromosomes are overloaded or there are not enough cells.

These issues are usually identified during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid is taken and tested to identify genetic abnormalities and chromosomal changes. In some instances doctors will not be able to identify the birth defect until the baby is born or exhibits symptoms, for example, having an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

Birth problems can also be caused by problems in the brain, nervous system or musculoskeletal system. These problems affect the joints, muscles and bones. They can vary from mild to serious and impact a person's appearance or functioning, including their ability to learn as well as their strength and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable however, others are preventable. Couples that have an ancestor with certain genetic disorders should consider a screening for genetics prior to trying for the birth of a child. In addition avoidance of certain chemicals such as drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can lower the risk of some birth defects. Medical mistakes and negligence in the treatment of pregnant women can cause birth defects. It is crucial to consult a birth defect attorney If you suspect that an error in your medical treatment has caused your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects are typically complicated and require expert medical evidence. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will assist your family achieve justice and receive the money you need to ensure that your child can live a normal existence.

Your lawyer will first determine the birth defect that your child has and connect it to the medical professionals who were involved in the birth. Your attorney will also need know when the birth defect of your child was first identified. This is important because it will inform you the time you have until the statute of limitations expires and you can file your claim.

Your attorney should also have access to any documents you have concerning the birth defect of your child, including receipts, bills and credit card payment. This will help your attorney prove the extent 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 things that include genetic conditions chemical or medication or exposure to infections and illnesses. The vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical malpractice or negligence. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a physician fails in his or her duty of care and that negligence results in a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that appear in a baby's body after birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that these birth defects can affect any part of the body of the baby and vary from mild to danger.

These conditions are usually due to the mother's lifestyle or genetics. However, in other cases medical negligence could be the reason for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist a parent determine the source of their child's illness and take legal actions.

Drugs can cause birth defect law firms defects that are serious. These substances, referred to as teratogens, encompass both 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 caused by drugs in the history of medicine. It caused limb defects, mental and physical impairments, as well as other physical impairments.

Doctors are required to consider the risks of certain medication when prescribing them pregnant women. If they fail to do so they are guilty of malpractice. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists have the obligation to inform women of the potential risk associated with taking their products.

Toxic Exposure

Although many birth defects are the result of a genetic disorder that could not be prevented, a few of them are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These chemicals could be present in the medications that pregnant mothers are prescribed, in environmental contaminants at work or at home or in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals, also referred to as teratogens, can cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They may also trigger the development of skeletal disorders, delays in development or brain damage, as well as muscular dystrophy.

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

A lawyer with expertise in birth defects can assist parents determine whether a drug or chemical caused their child's birth injury. In these cases, our lawyers may file a claim for product liability against a chemical or drug manufacturer who developed and manufactured dangerous chemicals or medications. Alternatively, we can file a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe medications that are known to cause adverse side effects on pregnant women.