5 Lessons You Can Learn From Birth Defect Settlement
Birth Defect Law
Birth issues and injuries can be caused by a number of factors. In many cases, these problems are avoidable.
They are often result of medical malpractice in pregnancy. Other causes include chemical exposure. Workers working in beauty salons and paint factories as well as cleaning operations for metal are at a high chance of developing these deformities.
Causes
Birth defects are structural abnormalities that affect one or more of the parts. The severity of these issues can vary from mild to life-threatening. Each year, about 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth deformity.
It can be very difficult for parents and other family members when a baby is born without any birth defect. Some birth defects can be inherited from the genetic makeup of parents and others are caused by a variety of factors including obstetrical complications or medication side effects, toxins, or infections.
Studies and birth defect attorneys have found that a number of the causes of birth defects are attributable to environmental factors, such as medication that is not properly prescribed by physicians, toxic chemicals in the home and workplace, and toxins that contaminate the environment. During the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which resulted in birth defect lawyer defects in children. Sadly, many of these birth defects could be prevented by taking the proper care.
Symptoms
Birth defects can alter the way your body appears and functions. It could be structural, such as a lip or palate cleft, or it may be due to changes in genes. A chromosome extra is responsible for the Down syndrome. Environmental factors and medications may also contribute to this condition.
Some birth defects are very noticeable, like the cleft palate or lips however others are less obvious. They include a slow reaction to sound or inability to meet developmental milestones, such as standing up and crawling.
Birth injuries can result from an anomaly in the birth process or can happen during the birth process and during labor. For example a caput sucedaneum is a swelling of the newborn's head due to pressure from a head-first delivery. Sometimes, these injuries are difficult to detect, especially when they are manifested as reduced heart rate, lowered oxygen levels, or crying.
Treatment
If your child was born with an abnormal birth defect there are treatment options which can improve the condition of your child. These include surgery, medication and specialized therapies.
Birth problems can affect any part or function of the body, according to the CDC. They can also impact the life span of your child.
A variety of health professionals can assist a newborn with a birth defect including pediatricians, family practitioners, and neonatologists. If your baby has a serious birth defect, like club foot, you might require an orthopedic or limb specialist surgeon.
You could file a malpractice lawsuit if the doctor did not fulfill the obligation of your care during pregnancy, and this violation caused your child to be born with defects. It is the obligation of both doctors and pharmaceutical companies who prescribe certain drugs to warn women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant about the possibility of birth defect. This includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are linked to many health issues, including birth defects.
Damages
Medical professionals must take all precautions to ensure that babies do not suffer from birth defects or injuries. If doctors fail to do so parents may be entitled to compensation to compensate their loss.
There are a variety of damages depending on the extent of the birth defect or injury. An attorney can assist you decide which damages to seek.
The CDC annually reports that one in 33 babies is born with defects. These defects can range from cleft lip to missing limbs and can be serious and have long-lasting effects.
If your child has suffered an birth defect due to medical malpractice, it's imperative that you act swiftly to file a claim prior to the statute of limitations runs out. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can help you. A legal consultation will aid you in understanding the amount your case could be worth.
Statute of Limitations
If your child is suffering from an injury or birth defect that could have been avoided due to medical negligence, you may have a legal claim. However there are strict deadlines, also known as statutes of limitations - that you must adhere to or your case will be dismissed.
A birth defect is an abnormality affecting a newborn infant and can lead to mental or physical disabilities including death. These cases fall within different legal areas, including medical negligence, products liability and employment law. For instance Thalidomide was a drug that caused fetal defects a few years ago and led to class action suits against its manufacturer.
Although birth defects are a tragic aspect of life, they are usually preventable. This is why medical malpractice claims against doctors are essential to safeguard patients.
Find an attorney
While advances in technology and advancements in medicine have greatly reduced the risks associated with pregnancy and birth, some birth defects are still possible. Parents who are shocked to discover that their child was affected by an injury or birth defect are entitled to compensation.
According to the CDC, birth defects can affect any part of an infant's body, and can have an enormous impact on their appearance and function. Some of these issues are not recognized until after the birth of the baby or even later. Many of these disorders are related to medical malpractice.
A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and skilled can help you and your family get the damages you're owed. Those damages include emergency surgery as well as long-term care and treatment including medication, physical therapy and special education expenses, as well as other expenses relating to the child's impairment.