Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a terrifying and confusing moment to discover that your child was born with a birth defect. Contacting a legal team for birth defects who has experience is crucial in the earliest time possible.

A lawyer can inform you the causes of birth defects and how to file a suit to seek damages on behalf your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural problems which affect the way that the body looks or works. They can occur anytime during pregnancy, but most occur within the first three months. Some are obvious, while others are only detected by a medical professional. They can range in severity, from mild to severe.

Genetic disorders are the cause of most birth problems. These occur when a gene is altered (mutates) or disappears completely. Certain genes are passed down from parents, but others are acquired from the environment. Environmental factors could include drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemical substances can also increase the risk for a birth defect.

Some birth defects can be treated, however most aren't. Some of these treatments include surgery, medicine and special home care. Some birth defects, like cleft lip and palate and spina bifida, can be corrected with surgery. Medical treatments can be used to treat other issues, such as Tay-Sachs and patent duodenal artery.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy have 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 crucial to discuss with your physician the possibility of having a child with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances birth defects can be caused by medical negligence during pregnancy and delivery. A New York birth defects lawyer can assist parents in filing an action for malpractice against the doctor or other medical professionals that caused the child's condition.

For example, a doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother during her pregnancy that heightened the chances of the child being born with a particular defect. If the child suffers from a severe mental impairment due to the medication, they could receive government benefits to help the child with their needs.

A medical professional or hospital could also have missed a chance to identify an birth defect that was present in the mother's uterus when fetal screening was performed. If the doctor was unable to do the test or discuss the results with parents, he may be held liable for untrue claims.

Midwives, medical facilities and health professionals are required to divulge medical records that relate to birth defects. This information can be used for monitoring birth defects activities as well as to detect trends, clusters and possible causes. This information cannot be disclosed to the general public or other individuals unless allowed by applicable laws and regulations, including HIPAA. These regulations can differ depending on the jurisdiction. The information is only used for authorized purposes by the state department. All employees involved in the program to monitor birth defects must sign confidentiality agreements and receive training on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

Amniocentesis, prenatal ultrasounds and blood tests are able to determine the risk of certain birth defects prior to a child is even born. Women with higher-risk pregnancies may be given these more thorough screening options due to an extended family history or maternal age.

Many over-the-counter and prescription medicines can cause serious adverse effects when used by pregnant women. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who prescribe these drugs have the obligation to inform doctors of the potential risks and if they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for birth injuries.

Due to birth defects Due to birth defects, medical, hospital and pharmaceutical charges can quickly accumulate, especially when the defect is severe and requires lifelong treatment. It's important to gather any and all receipts, bills as well as credit card payment documents and other documentation of your damages and right to compensation.

Some birth defects can be corrected via surgery. Some may be permanent, affecting the affected individual throughout their life and causing significant limitations and disabilities. A knowledgeable, empathetic birth defect lawyer can help families receive the amount of compensation they deserve. If you suspect your child was born with a birth defect it is crucial to file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

Environmental Exposure

There are many environmental causes of birth defects. These include prescription or over-the counter drugs and chemical exposure at work or at home. These causes are often difficult to determine. However, birth defect lawyer when a large number of babies with the same defect are born during the same time and location, this is called a birth defect "cluster".

If there's any suspicion that the birth injury or defect was the result of medical malpractice A medical malpractice lawyer should be consulted. A medical malpractice attorney who is skilled and compassionate can assist families in obtaining the compensation they deserve so that their child's birth defect law firm defect or injury won't cause permanent negative effects.

Many states have laws that require tracking of birth defect. This includes the collection of data from the discharge record of a hospital. The information can be used to spot patterns and anomalies.

This data can also be gathered using other programs, for instance: