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

Birth Defect Attorneys

One out of every 33 babies is born with a birth defect or injury. A skilled and compassionate birth defect lawyer can help parents get compensation for therapy, medical and other costs related to a child's impairment.

While doctors are trying to be perfect, negligence or malpractice could increase the chance of birth defects and injuries. A Boston birth defect lawyer can help parents get compensation for their injuries.

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 could also be caused by medical negligence. A Rochester birth injury lawyer can determine if the medical professionals involved in the birth of your child exhibited medical negligence.

Medical malpractice can be committed by an individual doctor who fails to follow the professional standards of his or her field. This includes taking the necessary steps to avoid any complications during labor and delivery. A birth injury lawyer will review all the information regarding your child's case including medical records, and then work with experts in the medical field to determine if your doctors did not follow the standards of care.

Physical trauma can result in injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening in a difficult delivery. However, many of these injuries can be prevented by doctors who follow the proper medical procedures. In many cases, these types of medical errors are the result of negligence and malpractice. Burton Law Group, a legal firm specializing in medical malpractice cases in Oklahoma has helped many parents who are traumatized by the injuries of their child to uncover the truth and receive the compensation they deserve. To learn more about how we can help you, birth defect lawsuit contact us now. The laws in the state where you reside will establish deadlines (also called statutes) within which you can bring a lawsuit. These statutes differ depending on the type of claim you are making (e.g., medical malpractice).

Defective Products

Carelessness, medical negligence, or malpractice could lead to an increase in birth defects. Parents want healthy babies and perfect babies, however these factors can increase the risk. This could lead to wrongful death or permanent injury to the child. A specialist birth defect lawyer can help with a lawsuit against the responsible party or the parties.

Birth defect lawyers are also able to investigate and prosecute cases involving the negligent exposure of women who are pregnant to harmful chemicals and substances at work or home. Studies have shown that common household and industrial chemicals and products, such as lead paint, fungicides, and chemically treated wastewater can increase the risk of birth defects. An experienced attorney can fight companies that exposed a pregnant mother to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances during the course of pregnancy. They can also seek financial compensation for their family members.

Birth injury lawsuits that are based on medical negligence are similar in nature to other personal injury claims, such as car accident and defective product claims. However, doctors and other medical professionals are expected to meet a higher standard of care due to their level of education and the trust entrusted to them by patients. Many birth injury lawsuits can also be wrongful death suits if the child has been severely disabled and requires continuous care.

Prescription Drugs

Birth defects are serious problems that affect the appearance or functionality of specific areas of the body. They can be quite severe and can have a significant impact on the health of an infant. They can trigger serious emotional, medical, or financial issues. In some cases they may even be fatal.

Many birth defects are triggered by genetic defects, either in the father's or mother's chromosomes. In some instances they can be caused by environmental factors. These could be due to exposure to prescription drugs, toxic substances or other substances that possess what is referred to as a teratogenic impact.

Certain Birth Defect Lawsuit defects have been linked to certain commonly used medicines. This includes the morning sickness drug Zofran and anti-seizure medication such as Topiramate, Valproate, or non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs). These include limb disorders eye defects, heart defects along with spinal cord and brain defects, as well as other issues. Seizure medications have been linked with miscarriages.

A birth defect lawyer can help parents in determining if a birth defect in a child was due to a medication that was taken by the mother during her pregnancy. Doctors have a duty to only prescribe medications that are safe for pregnant women. They must also warn patients about the risks. If a doctor fails to do this can be held responsible for any birth injuries or defects.

Environmental Exposure

Birth defects are changes to the structure of one or more organs of a baby's body. While most birth defects are genetic and occur in the womb, other factors may influence their development. These include exposure to environmental toxins and medications that mothers take, and the exposure to teratogenic chemicals and drugs. These cases require the help of skilled dedicated birth defect lawyers.

A birth defect lawyer can help the family file an action against the doctor, drug manufacturer or other person or entity that is accountable for the birth defect. If a medical procedure, medication or exposure to a toxic substance is the reason for the birth defect, the doctor or drug manufacturer, as well as other entities responsible for the mother's exposure may be held liable.

Waters Kraus & Paul handles complex cases including birth defects caused by exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals and industrial solvents, as well as prescription drugs. David Strouss, a partner at the firm, has defended the first birth defect lawsuits in the United States arising due to exposures by parents to industrial solvents like glycol-ethers. He also has handled cases for agricultural workers and residents living near pesticides or spraying. Other partners of the firm, Ilana Waxman and Evan Hoffman focus on environmental contamination, including cases involving asbestos, toxic torts and whistleblower lawsuits.