Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

The discovery that your child has a birth defect is among the most frightening and confusing situations you could face. Contacting a legal team for birth defects with experience is vital to do so as soon as you can.

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

Birth Defects and Causes

Birth defects are structural issues which affect the way that the body looks or works. They can occur at any time during pregnancy, but most occur within the first three months. Some are obvious, while others are only detected by a health care provider. They can vary in severity from mild to severe.

The majority of birth defect Law Firms defects result from genetic disorders. These happen when a gene alters (mutates) or is missing completely. Some genes are inherited from parents, but others are inherited from the environment. Environmental factors can include drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemical substances can also increase the risk of developing a birth defect.

There is no cure for all birth defects, however there are treatments available to aid in the treatment of certain issues. Some of the treatments are surgery, medicine, and special home care. Some birth defects, such as Cleft lip and the palate and spina bifida, can be fixed with surgery. The use of medicines can treat other issues, such as Tay-Sachs or patent ductus artery.

Women who smoke, drink alcohol or both during pregnancy are at an increased risk of having babies with birth defects. Women who have a history of birth defects in their families are also at a higher risk. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a child who has a birth deformity.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances birth defect law firm defects are the result of 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 responsible for the child's condition.

A doctor could have mistakenly prescribed medication to the mother, which increased the likelihood of the baby having a particular defect. If the child has severe mental disabilities because of the medication, they could be eligible for government assistance to help with their needs.

The medical professional or Birth defect law firms hospital also may not have detected an identifiable birth defect in the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor failed to carry out the tests or discuss the results with parents, he could be held liable for untrue claims.

Medical facilities, midwives and health professionals are required to divulge and provide medical records related to birth defects. This information can also be used to detect trends and clusters, and possible causes. The information cannot be divulged to any other individual or to the general public unless it is authorized by applicable laws, regulations, and HIPAA. These regulations can differ by jurisdiction. The information is only used for authorized purposes by the department of state. In addition all employees involved in birth defects surveillance must sign confidentiality agreements and be instructed on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

Amniocentesis, prenatal ultrasounds and blood tests can reveal the risk of certain birth defects before a child is even born. These more precise screening methods are offered to women who are at greater risk of having a pregnancies due to the mother's history or her mother's age.

Many prescription or over-thecounter medicines can trigger serious adverse effects for pregnant women. The pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medicines have obligations to inform physicians of the risks, and when they fail to comply, they could be held accountable for birth injuries.

As a result of birth defects, medical, hospital, and pharmaceutical expenses are often a quick way to accumulate particularly if the defect is severe and requires a lifetime of treatment. It is essential to keep all bills, receipts, credit card payment documents and other documentation of your damages and right to claim compensation.

Certain birth defects can be corrected through surgery. Some may be permanent, affecting the individual throughout their life and leading to severe disabilities and limitations. A skilled, compassionate birth defect lawyer can assist families obtain the compensation they deserve. If you suspect your child was born with a birth defect it is important to submit a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

Environmental Exposure

There are a myriad of environmental causes of birth defects. These include prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as well as chemical exposure at work or at home. These causes are often difficult to determine. When a large number of infants are born with the same defect in some time or location, it is called a "cluster".

If there is any doubt that a birth injury or birth defect was the result of medical malpractice and a medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist families attain the amount of compensation they are entitled to so that their child's birth defect or birth injury does not be a permanent negative impact.

Many states have laws requiring the recording of birth defects. This includes the collection of data from hospital discharge records. This information can be utilized to identify trends, anomalies and possible clusters.

This data can also be collected through other programs, such as: