The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Law

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

Being aware that your child is suffering from a birth defect is one of the most frightening and confusing experiences you'll ever be faced with. Contacting a legal team for birth defects with experience is vital in the earliest time possible.

A lawyer can explain the causes of a birth defect as well as how to file a lawsuit in order to recover damages for your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural changes within the body that impact how it looks or functions. They can happen at any time during pregnancy, but they typically happen in the first three months. Some are visible while others are only detected by a health professional. They can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Genetic disorders are the cause of most birth defect lawsuit defects. They happen when a particular gene changes (mutates) or disappears completely. Most genes are passed from parents to children but some come from the environment. The environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals could increase the risk of a birth defect.

There is no cure to the majority of birth defects, however there are treatments that can aid in the treatment of certain issues. These include surgery, medicines and special home care. Surgery can correct certain birth defects such as the cleft palate and lips, as well as spina-bifida. Other issues, such Tay-Sachs disease, can be treated with medication.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or both during pregnancy are at an increased chance of having children born with birth defects. Women who have a history birth defects in their family are also at greater risk. It is important to discuss with your physician the possibility of having a child who has a birth deformity.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or birth. A New York birth defects lawyer can help parents file an action for malpractice against the medical doctor or other experts who caused the child's condition.

For instance, a physician may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother during pregnancy that increased the chance of the baby being born with a specific defect. If the child suffers from a severe mental impairment due to the medication, they may receive government benefits to help those with disabilities.

A medical professional or a hospital could also have missed a chance to identify an existing birth defect during the fetal screening process was completed. If the doctor didn't conduct tests or discuss the results with the parents they could be liable for wrongful birth claims.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required to report and disclose medical records relating to birth defects. The information is used for monitoring birth defects activities as well as to detect trends, clusters, and possible causes. This information cannot be divulged to the general public or to other individuals unless permitted by applicable laws and regulations, like HIPAA. These regulations may vary by jurisdiction. The information is only used for purposes approved by the department of health for the state. Additionally, all employees involved in the surveillance of birth defects must sign confidentiality agreements and be trained on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The possibility of birth defects can be assessed prior to the birth of a child via prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis and blood tests (obtaining samples of amniotic fluid from the fetus). These more specific screening options can be provided to women who are at greater risk of having a pregnancies due to a history of the mother or her mother's age.

Many prescription or over-thecounter medicines can cause serious side effects for pregnant women. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and those prescribing these medications are obliged to warn doctors about the risks. If they fail to comply with this, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

Due to birth defects as a result of birth defects, medical, hospital and Birth pharmaceutical costs are often a quick way to accumulate, especially when the defect is serious and requires a lifetime of treatment. It is essential to keep any and all receipts, bills, credit card payment records, and other documentation regarding your injuries and rights to compensation.

Some birth defects can be corrected via surgery. Others can be forever, affecting the person throughout their life and causing significant disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and compassionate can help families receive the justice they deserve. You must make a claim as soon when you suspect your child has an anomaly in their birth.

Environmental Exposure

There are many environmental causes of birth defects. This can include prescription or over-the-counter drugs and chemical exposure at workplace or at home. These causes can be difficult to determine. When too many babies are born with the same condition in a specific time period or area, it is known as a "cluster".

If there is any doubt that an injury to a child's birth or defect was caused by medical malpractice and a medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out. A medical malpractice lawyer who is experienced and compassionate can help families get the money they deserve to ensure that their child's birth defect or injury will not result in permanent negative consequences.

Many states have laws that require the monitoring of birth defect. This includes the capture of data from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to identify patterns and anomalies.

This information is able to be gathered and shared via various programs including: