Birth Defect Lawsuits

Parents want their children perfect however sometimes it's impossible. When this happens, it's vital that parents who are stunned seek the assistance of experienced birth defects lawyers.

Medical negligence, dangerous drugs and environmental exposure can cause serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defect law firm (Related Web Page) can help you find answers.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is when a doctor is in violation of the accepted standard of care in his or her area of expertise. This could include failing to perform prenatal screening, prescribing medications which increase the chance of birth defects or committing an error during labor and delivery.

Birth defects and birth injuries are often caused by genetic or environmental causes, but sometimes they occur due to a doctor's negligence or malpractice. For example when a doctor fails to recognize an inborn disability and then fails to notify parents of the disability, the parents may file a wrongful birth claim seeking compensation for the lifetime expenses associated with the handicapped child.

A successful medical malpractice claim in birth defect cases requires that the doctor owed the patient a duty of care, that the doctor did not fulfill this duty, that the doctor's negligence or failure to act led directly to injuries and damages, and that the victim suffered economic and non-economic damage due to the injuries. These damages might include the expenses of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Prenatal visits are necessary to ensure that pregnant women are provided with the appropriate testing and monitoring. If you suspect that medical negligence caused the birth defect of your child, contact a medical malpractice and birth injury attorney immediately.

Toxic Chemicals

In the United States, thousands of babies are born each year with a birth defect. These defects can vary in severity and affect how a child appears and behaves in life. Some are minor, whereas others can cause serious problems and even be fatal.

Birth problems can be caused by genetic anomalies or a range of chemcial and environmental causes. Exposure to toxic chemicals, for example causes serious complications in the newborn. Our firm is committed to holding employers accountable for the exposure of pregnant women and unborn babies to harmful substances or medications.

It is well-established in the scientific research that certain toxins as well as chemicals can cross the placenta, affecting the unborn baby. These chemicals are referred to as teratogenic. Exposure to these teratogenic chemicals could cause birth defects such as the cleft lip and palate as well as spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy.

While working, many mothers are exposed to a variety of harmful chemicals. These chemicals can be ingested or inhaled, or absorbed by the skin. These chemicals comprise industrial solvents such as ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) employed in the manufacture of semiconductors. These toxins can also be ingested by parents while they are taking certain prescription and over-thecounter medicines. This is due to the fact that many drugs have not been adequately tested on pregnant women and have been proven to cause birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

While genetic disorders are among the most prevalent causes of birth defects, exposure to environmental factors can also play a role. The presence of various chemicals and toxins at the home, at work and in food can increase the risk of birth defects. Pesticides and fungicides are among the most frequent. Heavy metals, paints heavy pigments, certain chemicals are also included. Exposure to toxic substances is nearly always inevitable. But, when businesses fail to protect pregnant workers they are negligent and could be held accountable.

Researchers are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of a birth defect. It could be that an interaction between a variety of factors could cause the problem, but the issue is assessing the effects of these interactions in real time. The National Children's Study is important since it is currently in process in a number of states. The NCS will enroll 100 women from the representative population and follow them and their children for the long term. This study will provide the most complete information to date on how a variety of environmental factors impact fetal as well as child health.

Many parents who have a birth defect in their child feel guilt because they believe they were responsible for the defect. However, these birth defects are usually inevitable. Our birth defect lawyers understand this and are dedicated to families who seek justice for children suffering from birth defects.

Product Liability

Birth defects can be caused by a variety causes, ranging from drugs or alcohol consumption during pregnancy to genetic. Fortunately, the majority of these causes can be prevented. If your child was diagnosed with a medical issue that could have been avoided it is possible to seek compensation through a lawsuit for birth defects.

A New York birth defect attorney will be able to help you determine if the condition of your child is due to an illness, chemical or environmental exposure that is eligible for compensation. The legal team of your lawyer can estimate the total cost of medical expenses related to your child's condition according to the severity.

While the vast majority of birth defects are not caused by medical negligence, there are occasions in which a doctor or healthcare professional has been negligent prior to or during labor and delivery. A doctor may prescribe a medication that injures a baby before it is born, Birth Defect Law Firm or they may commit a mistake during surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully prosecuted claims where a mother's health care provider was exposed to toxic chemicals or prescription drugs which increased the chance that she will give birth to a baby with birth defects. We also have brought birth defect lawsuits against companies who expose workers to dangerous chemicals while working like a paint factory or semiconductor manufacturing companies.