Five Killer Quora Answers On Birth Defect Attorneys

Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer

When you learn that your child was born with a birth defect, what should have been an exciting time can quickly turn into one of worry and anxiety. It is important to contact a medical malpractice or birth defect lawyer immediately.

In order to receive the full compensation you deserve, you will have to pay all your receipts, bills and credit card transactions. We have successfully represented families in cases against major electronics companies and agricultural pesticide companies as well as commercial growers.

Medical Malpractice

Many birth defects are caused by medical mistakes or malpractice that occurred during the pregnancy. Some of these issues are more severe than others, however all birth defects or injuries can be devastating for the baby and their loved ones. A medical malpractice lawyer can help determine if a doctor made an error that led to the injury or defect.

Certain birth defects can be easily detected through screening tests that doctors perform during pregnancy. When these tests are performed and correctly, parents will be aware of the likelihood that their child may have an abnormal birth. This information helps them decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or prepare for the birth and treatment of the child. Medical malpractice is a crime when the doctor is unable to interpret or conduct these tests, or when he or she fails to inform the parents of the results.

Treatments for birth defects can be costly. They can require procedures, specialists, medications, physical and speech therapy, as well as assistive devices. The compensation a lawsuit for wrongful birth can aid in easing the financial burden that is due to these expenses which will allow families to receive the treatment their child requires. Medical malpractice lawsuits can be a bit complicated and time-sensitive. It's therefore important to hire an experienced attorney as soon as you can.

Prescription Drugs

While modern technology and recent advancements in the medical field have greatly reduced the risk of birth defects and injuries but they are still a possibility. Birth defects that are severe or mild and injuries are often lifelong medical care. In some instances they can even lead to death. A Boston dangerous drug lawyer can assist parents obtain compensation for their child's current and future medical expenses, which include hospital procedures, doctor's visits rehabilitation services, assistive devices, and more.

If a doctor prescribes medication to an expecting mother that increases the chances of her child developing a birth defect, they could be guilty for medical malpractice. They have a responsibility to know which medications can negatively impact the growth of a fetus, and to avoid prescribing harmful medications to the fetus.

Teratogens are prescription medicines which increase the likelihood of a birth defect. They include anti-seizure medicines such as Dilantin, Lamictal, Tegretol and Topamax. The FDA has issued warnings against the use of these medicines in pregnancy. These medications increase the risk of developing cleft lips, cleft palates and lung, heart and other brain abnormalities. These medications also pose a risk of miscarriage in women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Parents can take action against doctors, drug manufacturers and pharmacists for failing to warn about the dangers.

Toxic Chemicals

Parents often ask what caused their child to be born with a birth defect. The truth is, there are a variety of factors that can cause birth defects, from side effects of medication or exposure to toxic chemicals in the uterus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. These issues can range from minor to major and can even be life-threatening. Most of the time birth defects are an unfortunate genetic anomaly that occurs due to no fault of the mother. However, a significant portion of birth defects are the result of environmental or chemical exposure that happens in the womb. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They increase the risk of irreparable functional or structural defects in offspring.

There are a myriad of industrial chemicals that have been associated with birth defects and other reproductive harm, and many people across the country are exposed these chemicals every day. From semiconductor factories and technology with clean rooms to pesticides that are used on nurseries and farms and plastics, automobiles and paint manufacturing facilities The list of harmful chemicals is long.

Most times, companies that manufacture these chemicals don't properly test them for potential human-related effects, attorneys and it's not unusual for them to not include adequate warnings on their products or services. The birth defect attorneys at LK can assist families in fighting against corporations that place profits ahead of the health and safety of their employees and children.

Environmental Exposure

The experience of having a child born with a birth defect can be extremely distressing for parents, since it will require medical treatment throughout the child's life. Based on the severity of the issue, some birth defects can result in lifelong mental and physical disabilities for attorneys the baby.

While some birth defects are not preventable due to genetics. Many others can be triggered due to exposure to chemicals or the environment during pregnancy. These include prescription drugs or toxic chemicals that can be consumed by the mother or from chemicals that have affected the air or groundwater in a community.

Birth defect lawsuits aren't only restricted to medical negligence. They may also be filed against individuals or companies who are responsible for the injury of the child. For instance, if a physician prescribes a drug that can increase the chance of the birth defect of your child the doctor could be found to be responsible.

The same goes for companies or individuals who expose employees to hazardous chemicals and other substances. Numerous studies have shown that exposures to pesticides or fungicides as well as paints, metals and lead may increase the chance of a child developing certain types of birth defects. To combat this issue there were lawsuits filed against beauty salons and metal cleaning companies as well as semiconductor manufacturing facilities and painting factories. Development of a Web-based Integrated Birth Defects Surveillance system in New York State. Wang, Y., Tao, Z., Steen, P.M., Cross, P.K., Druschel, C.M. and Hwang, S-A. Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. 14(6): E1-E10. 2008.