9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Birth Defect Lawyer
A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice
A birth defect in a child can dramatically alter your family's life. If a medical professional made mistakes during your pregnancy which led to your child's condition it is imperative to act fast.
A skilled lawyer for birth injuries can assist you in filing a claim against those responsible. In the meantime, you can begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.
Causes of Birth Defects
Birth defects can have many causes. Some birth problems are caused by genetic problems. Genes that are not functioning properly or absent completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can cause these. They are also caused by chromosomal disorders, where one or several chromosomes are too many or have too few cells.
These problems are usually diagnosed in utero by ultrasound or amniocentesis. A amniotic fluid sample is taken and tested to identify genetic and chromosomal variations. In some instances doctors will not find the birth defect until the baby is born or exhibits symptoms, for example, having an extra finger, cleft lip or club foot.
In addition to genetic and Birth defect Lawyer chromosomal issues birth defects can also be caused by problems with the nervous system, brain and musculoskeletal issues that affect bones, muscles and joints. They can range from moderate to severe and affect how someone appears or performs, such as learning abilities, physical strength and mobility.
Some birth defects are unavoidable however others are preventable. Couples with a history of certain genetic diseases should consider testing their genetics before trying to have children. In addition avoidance of certain chemicals or drugs, infections, and other environmental triggers can reduce the chance of developing some birth defects. Medical malpractice or negligence in the care of a pregnant woman can cause birth defects. It's important to speak with a birth defect lawyer in the event that you believe that an error in medical care could have caused your child's condition.
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 that your child is able to live a normal life.
Your lawyer will identify the birth defect of your child and connect it to the medical professionals who were involved in the birth. He or she must also determine the time when the birth defect was diagnosed. This is important as it will allow you to know the time frame you must make a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.
Your attorney should also have access to any documents you have concerning the birth defect of your child, such as invoices, receipts and credit card payments. This will help your attorney prove the severity of your child's injuries as well as determine what compensation you are entitled to.
Birth defects can be caused by a myriad of factors such as genetic disorders, medication or chemicals, or exposure to illnesses and infections. The majority of birth defect attorneys defect are not caused by negligence or medical malpractice. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a physician fails in his or her duty of care and that failure results in a birth injury.
Drugs
A birth defect is an abnormal development in some part of the body of a newborn that occurs at birth or develops during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains that these defects can affect any body part and vary from mild to life-threatening.
Often, these conditions are the result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. In certain cases, medical malpractice may be the cause of the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist parents determine the cause of their child's health issue and pursue legal action.
Drugs could cause serious birth defects in the fetus. These substances are known as Teratogens. They include prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide for instance, was a time when it was a popular sleep aid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, but it proved to be one of the most devastating birth defects caused by drugs in the history of medicine. It caused limb reduction defects and other physical and mental impairments.
Doctors are required to take into account the potential dangers of certain medications when prescribing them for pregnant women. If they fail to do so they are guilty of malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have a duty to warn women about the dangers of using their products.
Toxic Exposure
Although many birth defects are a result of a genetic disorder that could not have been prevented, some of them result from exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These substances may be present in the medications mothers take during pregnancy, in environmental contaminants at home or work, or in toxic chemical substances at work. These chemicals, often referred to as teratogens may cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They can also cause developmental delays, skeletal abnormalities or brain damage, as well as muscular dystrophy.
Certain toxins, like arsenic or cadmium, are found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a frequent contaminants that can be found in house paint artwork materials plastics, cosmetics, and even plastics. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.
A lawyer that specializes in birth defects can help parents determine if a substance or chemical caused the birth injury of their child. In these instances, our lawyers may pursue a product liability lawsuit against a chemical or drug manufacturer who has developed and manufactured a dangerous medication or chemical. In addition, we may make a claim against doctors who prescribe drugs that have been known to have adverse side effects on pregnant women.