"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Birth Defect Compensation

Birth Defect Attorneys

One in 33 babies is born with birth defect or injury. A skilled and compassionate birth defect lawyer can help parents in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, therapy and other costs associated with their child's impairment.

Although doctors strive for perfection however, malpractice or negligence can increase the risk of birth defects and injuries. A Boston birth defect lawyer can assist parents obtain compensation for damages.

Medical Malpractice

A medical condition that a child has at birth can have devastating consequences for the entire family. While most of these issues are due to genetics, they can also be caused by medical negligence. A Rochester birth injury lawyer will determine if medical professionals involved in the birth of your child were guilty of medical malpractice.

Medical malpractice is a crime committed by doctors who fail to follow the professional standards of his or her profession. This includes taking basic steps to prevent complications during labor and birth. A birth injury attorney will scrutinize every detail related to your child's case, including medical records, and then work with experts in the field of medicine to determine if your doctors breached the standard of care.

Physical trauma can cause injuries that range from minor to life-threatening during the delivery process. However, many of these injuries could be prevented by doctors who follow appropriate medical procedures. These kinds of medical errors are often the result of negligence or a medical malpractice. Burton Law Group, a legal firm specializing in medical malpractice cases in Oklahoma has helped many parents who are devastated by the injuries suffered by their child to understand the cause and get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you. The laws of the state where you live will define deadlines (also called statutes) within which you can bring a lawsuit. The statutes differ based on the type of claim you're making (e.g., medical malpractice).

Defective Products

Parents want perfect babies and healthy children but medical negligence or carelessness can increase the possibility of birth defects. This could lead to fatal or irreparable injuries to the child. A lawyer that specializes in birth defects may be able to help you to file a lawsuit against those responsible.

Birth defect lawyers can also investigate and prosecute cases involving the unintentional exposure of women who are pregnant to harmful chemicals and substances at work or home. Research has shown that common industrial and household chemicals and products, like lead paint, fungicides and chemically treated water, can increase the risk of birth defects. An experienced attorney can challenge the companies that could have negligently exposed mothers to dangerous chemicals or toxins (teratogens) during pregnancy and seek out substantial financial compensation for the family of the victim.

Birth injury lawsuits involving medical negligence are similar in nature to other personal injury cases, such as car accident and defective product claims. However, doctors and other medical professionals are subject to a higher level of care due to their education level and the trust that is placed in them by patients. Many birth injury lawsuits can also be considered wrongful death suits if the child has been severely disabled and requires ongoing care.

Prescription Drugs

Birth defects are serious issues that affect the appearance or functionality of certain parts of the body. They can be severe and have an impact on the health of infants. They can cause serious emotional, medical and financial issues. In some cases they can be fatal.

Many birth issues are caused by genetic defects, either in the father's or mother's chromosomes. However, in some instances they are due to environmental factors. They could be caused by exposure to prescription drugs, toxins, or other substances that have what is referred to as a teratogenic effect.

Some commonly used medications, such as the morning sickness drug Zofran anti-seizure drugs, including Topiramate and Valproate, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) have been linked to specific birth defects. These include limb disorders heart defects, eye defects along with spinal cord and brain defects, as well as other issues. Seizure medicine has also been linked to miscarriages.

A birth defect lawyer can assist parents in determining if their child's birth defect was the result of an medication taken by the mother during her pregnancy. Doctors are required to only prescribe medications that are safe for pregnant women to use. They must also inform patients about the possible risks. If a physician fails to meet this duty, they could be held responsible for any birth injuries or birth defects that may arise.

Environmental Exposure

Birth defects are structural modifications in one or more parts an infant's anatomy. Other factors can affect the development of birth defects. Most are genetic and develop in the womb. Other causes include environmental toxins and medications taken during pregnancy by the mother as well as exposure to teratogenic substances or chemicals. These cases require the assistance of experienced and birth Defect lawsuits dedicated birth defect lawyers.

A birth defect lawyer can help the family to file a suit against a physician, drug maker or other business or individual accountable for the birth defect of an infant. If an medical procedure, medication, or exposure of toxic substances is the cause of birth defect, the doctor, the drug manufacturer or other entity can be held responsible.

Waters Kraus & Paul handles complex cases including birth defects resulting from exposure to environmental contaminants, chemicals, and industrial solvents and prescription drugs. David Strouss, a partner at the firm, has prosecuted the first birth defect lawsuits in the United States arising from parental exposures to industrial solvents like glycol-ethers. He also handled cases for agricultural workers and residents who live in the vicinity of pesticides and spraying. Other firm partners, Ilana Waxman and Evan Hoffman focus on environmental contamination, including cases which involve asbestos, toxic tort and whistleblower litigation.