Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Birth Defect Lawyer
A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice
A child's birth defect can dramatically alter your family's life. If a medical professional committed malpractice during your pregnancy, and your child's condition was a result you should respond quickly.
A lawyer who has experience can help you bring an action against the responsible parties. In the meantime, start collecting bills, receipts, and credit card statements.
Causes of Birth Defects
The causes of birth defects aren't always clear. Some are caused by genetic issues, in which genes aren't functioning properly, or are absent completely (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They can also result from chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes are excessive or insufficient cells.
These types of problems are usually identified in utero using ultrasound or amniocentesis. In both cases, amniotic fluid samples is taken and tested for chromosomal changes and genetic anomalies. In some instances, doctors will not discover the birth defect until the child is born with symptoms like an extra finger, cleft lips or club feet.
Aside from genetic and chromosomal issues birth defects can also be caused by problems with the brain or nervous system and musculoskeletal problems that impact the bones, muscles and joints. They can range from mild to severe and impact a person's appearance or function, including their learning capabilities, strength and mobility.
While some birth defects can't be prevented, a number can. Couples with a history of certain inherited conditions should think about screening for genetics prior to trying for the birth of a child. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and medications, as well as diseases and other environmental factors, can also reduce the chance of birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the care of a pregnant woman can cause birth defects, which is why it's essential to consult a birth defect lawyers defect lawyer when you suspect that an error in medical care may have contributed to your child's condition.
Medical Malpractice
Medical negligence lawsuits involving birth defects are often complicated and require expert medical evidence. A knowledgeable and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer can help your family achieve justice and secure the money you need to ensure that your child is able to lead a normal life.
To determine if you are in a medical malpractice case, your attorney will start by identifying your child's birth defect before linking it to the medical professionals involved in the delivery. Your attorney will also need to be aware of the date the date at which the birth defect of your child was first identified. This is important since it will help you determine when you must submit a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires.
It is also essential that your attorney has access to your medical records as well as any other documents you may possess that are connected to your child's birth defect attorneys defect such as receipts, bills and credit card payment receipts. This information will enable your attorney to establish the severity of the harm your child suffered and determine what compensation you are entitled.
Birth defects can occur in a variety of ways, including medical conditions or genetics, exposure to illnesses and infections, or exposure to chemicals or medication. The vast majority of birth defects are not the result of medical malpractice or negligence. Medical malpractice claims are only valid when a medical professional does not fulfill his or her duty of care and this negligence results in a birth injury.
Drugs
Birth defects are conditions that develop in a baby’s body at birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control explains that birth defects can affect any part of the body of the baby and be mild or life dangerous.
Often, these issues are a result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in some cases, medical negligence may be the reason for the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can help a parent determine the source of their child's condition and take legal actions.
Drugs can cause serious birth defects. These substances are called teratogens. They encompass prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide is one example. It was once a widely used 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 as well as mental and physical impairments.
Doctors are required to take into account the risks associated with certain medication when prescribing them pregnant women. If they fail to do this, they commit malpractice. Pharmacies and birth defect pharmaceutical companies are required to a duty to warn women about the risks of taking their products.
Toxic Exposure
Certain birth defects can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in utero. These chemicals can be found in the medications that pregnant women take or in environmental pollutants at the workplace or at home, or even in toxic chemical substances in workplaces. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They are able to cause severe birth defects including spina Bifida, developmental delays, skeletal deformities, brain damage, muscular dystrophy and low birth weight deformities of the limbs and heart problems.
Certain toxins, such as arsenic or cadmium may be present in drinking water and soil. Lead is a common contaminants that can be found in paints for homes, art materials plastics, cosmetics, and even plastics. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been proven to cause an increase in birth defects.
A lawyer who specializes in birth defect cases can help parents determine if chemicals or drugs were the main cause of the birth injury of their child. In these cases our lawyers can pursue a product liability lawsuit against a chemical or drug manufacturer who created and produced an unsafe chemical or birth defect medication. We can also make a claim against doctors who prescribe medications that are known to have adverse side effects on pregnant women.