A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

Birth defects can have a dramatic impact on your family. If a doctor committed error during your pregnancy resulting in your child's condition it is imperative to respond quickly.

A birth injury lawyer with experience can help you bring an action against the accountable parties. In the meantime, start collecting receipts, bills and credit card statements.

The causes of birth defects

The causes of birth defects aren't always understood. But some are caused by genetic issues, where genes don't work properly or aren't functioning properly (like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome). They may also be caused by chromosomal disorders, in which one or more chromosomes contain extra or too few cells.

These issues are typically diagnosed in utero by ultrasound or amniocentesis. A amniotic fluid sample is taken and tested to identify chromosomal abnormalities and genetic changes. In some instances doctors are unable to identify the birth defect until a child has symptoms such as an extra finger, cleft lips, or club feet.

In addition to chromosomal and birth defects genetic issues birth defects are caused by issues with the nervous system or brain as well as musculoskeletal disorders that impact the joints, muscles and bones. They can range from mild to severe and affect an individual's appearance or function, such as their learning abilities mobility, strength and strength.

Certain birth defects are inevitable however others are preventable. Couples who have a history of certain inherited conditions should think about the possibility of genetic testing prior to trying for the birth of a child. Avoiding exposure to certain drugs and chemicals and illnesses and other environmental factors, can also reduce the chance of developing birth defects. Medical mistakes and negligence in the care of pregnant women can also lead to birth defects. It is essential to speak with a birth defect attorney in the event that you suspect that the medical error could have caused your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects cases that involve medical negligence can be a bit complicated and require expert testimony. A skilled and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer can assist your family achieve justice and get the amount of compensation you require to ensure that your child will have a normal, fulfilling life.

Your attorney will first pinpoint the birth defect of your child and connect it to the medical professionals who were involved in its birth. Your attorney will also need be aware of the date when the birth defect of your child was identified. This is essential because it will let you know how long you have to wait before the statute of limitation expires and you can file your claim.

It is also crucial that your attorney has access to your medical records as well as any other documents you have that relate to the birth defect that your child has such as receipts, bills and credit card statements. This will enable your attorney to prove the severity of the injuries your child has suffered and determine the amount of amount of compensation you're entitled to.

Birth defects can be triggered in many ways, including medical conditions or genetics exposure to illness and infections, or even exposure to chemicals or medication. However, the majority of birth defect lawsuit defects aren't caused by medical malpractice or any other kind of negligence. Only when a doctor fails to perform his or their duty of care and this failure causes birth injuries will a medical malpractice lawsuit be justified.

Drugs

Birth defects are atypical conditions that can develop in a child's body after birth or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informs us that these problems can affect any body part and range from mild to life-threatening.

Most of the time, these ailments are a result of genetics or the mother's lifestyle. However, in other instances medical negligence could be the cause of the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect lawyer can assist parents identify the cause of their child's illness and take legal action.

Drugs could cause grave birth defects in the fetus. These substances, also known as teratogens, comprise both prescription drugs as well illegal street drugs. Thalidomide, for example, 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 defects in the history of medicine. It led to limb reduction defects as well as mental and physical impairments.

Doctors are required to take into account the risks of certain medication when prescribing them pregnant women. If they fail to do so, they commit malpractice. Pharmaceutical pharmacies and companies have a responsibility to warn women of the potential risk that comes with taking their product.

Toxic Exposure

Some birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in the uterus. These chemicals are often present in the medicines a pregnant woman takes, in environmental contaminants in the home or at work as well as in toxic chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals, referred to as teratogens can cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They can also cause developmental delays, skeletal abnormalities, brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Some toxins, such as arsenic or cadmium, are found in soil and drinking water. Lead is a frequent contaminants that can be found in paints for homes as well as art materials as well as plastics and cosmetics. Other toxic substances include pharmaceuticals like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), that have been found to increase birth defects.

A lawyer who is specialized in birth defect cases can help parents determine if a drug or chemical was the proximate cause of their child's birth injury. In these cases, our lawyers can file a product liability claim against the drug or chemical manufacturer who designed and produced the dangerous medication. Alternatively, we can bring a lawsuit against doctors who prescribe drugs that have been recognized to have negative side effects for pregnant women.