15 Of The Best Pinterest Boards Of All Time About Birth Defect Law

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a scary 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 to do so as soon as you can.

A lawyer can explain to you the reasons for birth defects, and how to file a lawsuit to claim damages on behalf of your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural issues which affect the way that the body appears or functions. They can occur at any point during pregnancy, but most occur within the first three months. Some are visible, and others are only detected by a healthcare professional. They can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Most birth problems result from genetic disorders. These occur when a gene is altered (mutates) or is absent altogether. Some genes are inherited from parents, but other genes are acquired from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking cigarettes, drinking during pregnancy, birth defects or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the risk for a birth defect.

There is no cure for most birth defects, but there are treatments available to assist with certain problems. This can include surgery, medications and home care. Certain birth defects, like the cleft lip and palate as well as spina bifida, can be corrected through surgery. The use of medicine can treat other ailments, such as Tay-Sachs and patent ductus artery.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or both during pregnancy have the highest chance of having babies with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their family are also at a higher risk. It is essential to discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a baby with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many cases birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or during 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 instance, a doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother during her pregnancy that heightened the chances of the child being born with a certain defect. If the child is suffering from severe mental disabilities due to the medication, they could receive government-funded benefits to help with their needs.

A medical professional or birth defects hospital could also have missed a chance to identify an existing birth defect in the mother's body when screening for fetal defects was carried out. If the doctor didn't conduct tests or discuss the results with the parents or the hospital, they could be responsible for claims based on wrongful birth.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required to report and disclose medical records relating to birth defects. This information can be used for birth defects surveillance activities, as well as to identify patterns, clusters and possible causes. The information is not available to the public or any other people unless authorized by applicable laws and regulations, like HIPAA. These regulations can differ by region. The information is only used for approved purposes by the state department. Additionally, all employees involved in birth defects surveillance must sign a confidentiality agreement and be instructed on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The risk of certain birth defects can easily be detected prior to the birth of a baby via prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis and blood tests (obtaining an amniocentesis sample of the amniotic fluid of the fetus). These more precise screening methods are offered to women with higher-risk pregnancy due to an antecedent history with the mother or her mother's age.

A number of over-the-counter and prescription medications can have severe adverse effects when used by women who are pregnant. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who prescribe these medications are under an obligation to warn doctors of the dangers and, if they fail to do so, they could be held accountable for birth injuries.

Hospital, medical and pharmaceutical costs can add quickly as a result of birth defects, particularly serious ones that require lifetime treatment and treatment. It is essential to keep all receipts, bills and credit card records and other documents that show your damages and right to compensation.

Most birth defects are diagnosed before the infant is born or shortly thereafter, and some can be corrected through surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and can affect the person for the rest of their life leading to severe disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help families get the justice they deserve. If you suspect your child was born with a birth defect, it's important to start a claim prior to the statute of limitations runs out.

Environmental Exposure

There are numerous environmental causes of birth defects. They can be caused by prescription or over-the-counter medications to chemical exposure in the workplace or in homes. Sometimes, the cause is difficult to identify. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born during the same time frame and location, this is known as a birth defects "cluster".

A medical malpractice lawyer is recommended if there is any suspicion of a cause of birth defect or injury. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will assist families to receive the justice they deserve, so that their child's birth defect or injury doesn't have lifelong negative consequences.

A number of states have laws that require the recording of birth defect lawsuit defects. This includes the collection of data from hospital discharge record. This information can be used to find patterns, trends, and possible clusters.

This information can be collected and shared via various programs, such as: