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 situations you could be faced with. It is crucial to contact an experienced birth defect legal team as soon as possible.

A lawyer can explain to you the causes of birth defects and how to file a suit in order to seek damages on behalf your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural changes in the body that affect how it looks or functions. They can occur at any time during pregnancy, but most occur in the first three month. Some are obvious, while others can only be identified by a doctor. They vary in severity from mild to severe.

Genetic disorders are the cause of most birth problems. They happen when a particular gene is altered (mutates) or is absent altogether. The majority of genes are passed on from parents to children, however, some are inherited from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the risk of a birth defect.

Certain birth defects can be treated, however most aren't. Some of treatments include surgery, medicines, and home care that is specifically tailored to the patient. Surgery can fix birth defects like lip and palate clefts and spina-bifida. Medicines can be used to treat other ailments, such as Tay-Sachs and patent ductus artery.

Women who consume alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy are at an increased risk of having children born with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their family are also more at risk. It is important to discuss with your physician the possibility of having a child born with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances birth defects can be caused by medical negligence during pregnancy and delivery. A New York birth defects lawyer can assist parents in filing an action for malpractice against the medical doctor or other professionals that caused the child's condition.

A doctor might have negligently prescribed medication during pregnancy to the mother that increased the risk of the baby being born with a particular defect. If the child suffers from an extreme mental impairment because of that medication, the child could be eligible for disability benefits through the government to meet their needs.

The medical professional or hospital might not have been able to spot an identifiable birth defect in the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor didn't conduct tests or discuss the results with parents they could be liable for wrongful birth claims.

Medical facilities, health professionals and midwives are required to report and disclose medical records relating to birth defect lawsuits defects. This information can be utilized for surveillance of birth defects activities and to identify patterns, clusters and potential causes. The information is not available to the public or any other individuals unless permitted by applicable laws and regulations, which includes HIPAA. These regulations may differ according to region. The information is used only for purposes that are approved by the department of health for the state. All employees involved in the program to monitor birth defects must also sign a confidentiality contract and receive training on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

Amniocentesis, prenatal ultrasounds and blood tests can help determine the possibility of certain birth defects before the child is even born. These more thorough screening options can be provided to women with higher-risk pregnancy due to the mother's history or her advanced maternal age.

Certain prescription or over-the-counter medications can cause serious side effects for pregnant women. The pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these drugs have obligations to inform physicians of the dangers and if they fail to comply, they could be held accountable for birth injuries.

Due to birth defects, medical, hospital, and pharmaceutical charges can quickly add up particularly when the defect is serious and requires lifelong treatment. It is crucial to keep track of all bills, receipts as well as credit card payment documents and other documentation of your damages and your right to compensation.

Certain birth defects can be corrected by surgery. Some birth defects are irreparable and may affect the affected person for the rest of their life that can result in significant disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is knowledgeable and understanding can help families receive the compensation they deserve. You must make a claim as soon as you suspect that your child is suffering from a birth defect.

Environmental Exposure

Birth defects can be caused by several environmental factors. They can be caused by prescription or over the counter medications as well as exposure to chemicals at work or at home. Sometimes, these causes are difficult to pinpoint. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born within the same time and place, it is known as a birth defects "cluster".

If there's any suspicion that an injury or birth defect was caused by medical malpractice or negligence, a medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out. A medical malpractice attorney who is knowledgeable and compassionate can assist families in obtaining the justice they deserve, so that their child's birth defect or injury doesn't be a permanent negative impact.

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

The information could also be gathered through other programs, such as: