Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a scary and confusing experience to discover that your child is born with a birth defect. Contacting a legal team for birth defects with experience is vital in the earliest time possible.

A lawyer can explain to you the causes of birth defect lawsuits defects and how to file a suit in order to get compensation on behalf of your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural problems which affect the way that the body appears or functions. They can occur at any point during pregnancy, however the majority occur in the first 3 month. Some are obvious, while others can only be identified by a medical professional. They can range in severity, from mild to severe.

Genetic problems are the cause of most birth defects. They occur when a gene alters (mutates) or disappears completely. Most genes are passed from parents to children however some are passed down through the environment. Environmental factors can include smoking, drinking alcohol or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the risk for a birth defect.

There is no cure for most birth defects, but there are treatments that can help with some problems. Some of these treatments include surgery, medicine and special home care. Some birth defects, such as Cleft lip and palate, as well as spina bifida, can be repaired by surgery. Other problems, such as patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs's syndrome, can be treated with medicines.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy are at a higher risk of having babies with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their families are also at greater risk. It is important to discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a child born with a birth deformity.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or the birth. A New York birth defects lawyer can help parents file an action for malpractice against the medical doctor or other professionals that caused the child's condition.

A doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother, which increased the chance of the baby being born with a particular defect. If the child suffers from a severe mental disability because of the medication, they can receive government assistance to assist the child with their needs.

The medical professional or hospital could not have detected a birth defect that was known to the mother during the fetal screening. If the doctor failed to perform testing or did not discuss the results with parents, he could be held responsible for wrongful claims.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required provide and share medical records related to birth defects. The information is used for birth defects surveillance activities, as well as to identify patterns, clusters and potential causes. This information should not be made available to the public or any other people unless authorized by applicable laws and regulations, such as HIPAA. These regulations can differ by jurisdiction. The information is only used for authorized purposes by the department of the state. In addition all employees who are involved in birth defects surveillance must sign a confidentiality agreement and be instructed on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The risk of certain birth defects can be detected before the birth of a child via prenatal ultrasounds, blood tests and amniocentesis (obtaining a sample of fetal amniotic fluid). Women who have higher risk of pregnancies could be given more detailed screening options due to an extended family history or maternal age.

A variety of over-the-counter as well as prescription medications can have serious adverse effects when used by women who are pregnant. Pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications are under a duty to warn physicians of the risks, and when they fail to do so, they could be held liable for resulting birth injuries.

Hospital, medical and pharmaceutical charges can add quickly because of birth defects, particularly severe ones that require lifelong treatment and treatment. It is essential to keep any and all bills, receipts and credit card payment records, and other evidence of your damages and your right to claim compensation.

Most birth defects are diagnosed before the baby is born or shortly thereafter, and some can be fixed with surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and may affect the affected person for the rest of their lives leading to significant disabilities and limitations. A knowledgeable, sympathetic birth defect lawyer can help families receive the compensation they deserve. You should begin a claim as quickly when you suspect your child is suffering from an abnormal birth.

Environmental Exposure

There are a variety of environmental causes of birth defects. These include prescription or over the counter medications, as well as exposure to chemicals at workplace or at home. These causes can be difficult to pinpoint. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born within an exact time frame and place, it is known as a birth defects "cluster".

If there is any reason to believe that an injury to a child's birth or defect was caused by medical negligence or negligence, a medical malpractice lawyer should be consulted. A medical malpractice attorney who is knowledgeable and compassionate will assist families to receive the compensation they deserve so that their child’s birth defect or injury doesn't have lifelong negative consequences.

A number of states have laws that require the recording of birth defects. This includes the recording of information from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to identify patterns and anomalies.

This information can be collected and shared via different programs, including: