Ten Birth Defect Case Myths That Aren t Always True

Birth Defect Lawyers

Parents can be overwhelmed with medical bills if their child is sick at birth. If your child has an anomaly in the birth that was caused through medical negligence or exposure to certain drugs, you may be eligible for compensation.

A Hudson, NY birth defects lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice.

Causes of Birth Defects

Some birth defects happen because of mutations in genes or the chromosomes. These issues may be passed down from parents with these problems, or they can result from a new mutation in the fertilized ovum. These issues may affect the way the body functions or develops. These genetic issues may be serious or minor.

There are also birth defects that are caused by environmental factors during the fetal stage. Chemicals and toxins (such as those in industrial solvents (such as benzene) or trichloroethylene, which is used in dry cleaning, and perchloroethylene used in the process of painting and degreasing metals) can cause birth defects. This can also include exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic or mercury used in the manufacture and power plants. These toxic substances, also called teratogens cause serious harm to a developing baby.

Medical professionals can cause birth defects through negligence. For instance they may fail to diagnose or treat a mother's condition during pregnancy or after the baby is born. A doctor may be negligent if she prescribes medication that can cause birth defects or incorrectly administers a medication. Medical malpractice claims can be brought against the doctor who committed the negligence. A birth injury lawsuit can also be brought against an employer who places a pregnant worker in a position where they are exposed to a harmful substance.

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects are changes in the structure of the body that can have negative effects on the way it functions or appears. According to the CDC the conditions could affect any body part.

Parents often want to understand the causes of birth defects. Medical negligence or exposure to teratogen-related chemicals are the most commonly cited causes. A skilled birth defect lawyer can assist families investigate these causes of birth defects and bring a lawsuit against the parties responsible.

In most cases, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases involving birth injuries is only one year. Parents must take action quickly when they identify a birth defect, and connect it to the injury. Collecting receipts, bills and credit card payment records, along with other evidence, will assist in supporting your claim for compensation.

Although it would be nice to have more time taking the shock of finding out that a child was born with a birth injury or defect however, this is not an option for filing an official case. This is why it is essential to work with a knowledgeable birth defect attorney and a birth injury attorney who will take care of all the previous actions in a timely manner.

Product Liability

Modern medicine and technology have greatly decreased the risks of childbirth. However, birth injuries and birth defects are possible. If your child sustained an injury as a result of the negligence or carelessness of an medical professional during labor, pregnancy and birth, you could be entitled to financial compensation to help cover your loss.

Levy Konigsberg's lawyers for birth defects can assist you in determining whether you are entitled to sue the doctor, hospital, and other parties involved. Our team has the expertise and resources to protect your rights. This includes the services of specialized medical and scientific experts who are able to identify and connect the health condition of your child with chemical exposure.

Birth defects can range in severity, and can impact the appearance of a child's face, quality of life, and expected life span. If your child's condition was caused by medical malpractice, or by exposure to prescription drugs, toxic chemicals, or environmental factors, our firm can offer you professional insight and guidance on the benefits of a claim. Contact us now to begin the process of getting compensation for your losses. We will review your case free of cost or obligation. We only receive a fee when we settle or win your case.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

As a result of their jobs or the environment they work in, birth defects many people are exposed to harmful substances every day. Unfortunately, some of these chemicals have been proven to cause birth defects (teratogens) and can harm babies. Parents who believe their child has an issue with birth due to exposure to chemicals could be eligible for compensation.

One of the most prevalent causes of birth defects is exposure to chemicals during pregnancy. Certain substances such as toxic solvents that are used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, are known to cause a variety of birth defects in children who are not yet born. Our firm has represented some of the biggest companies in this industry, and won billions in settlement agreements.

In in utero exposure to organic solvents, such as toluene and trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) along with benzene and vinyl chloride at Camp Lejeune, are known to increase the risk of acquiring childhood hematopoietic cancers and birth defects. In addition, prescription medications such as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to be associated with various birth defects.

Victoria Phillips is a partner at Phillips & Paolicelli, focusing on the complexities of product liability litigation and birth defect lawsuits against corporate defendants who cause the suffering and pain of families who's lives have been ruined due to their negligence. She graduated as a magna cum laude from Williams College and Columbia Law School and is licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey.