Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a frightening and confusing process to discover that your child is born with a birth deformity. It is essential to speak with an experienced birth defect legal team as soon as 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.

Birth Defects and Causes

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

The majority of birth defects are caused by genetic defects. They occur when a gene alters (mutates) or is not present completely. Most genes are passed from parents to children, but some come from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy, or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemical substances can also increase the risk for a birth defect.

There is no cure for all birth defects, however there are treatments available to aid in the treatment of certain issues. This can include surgery, medicines, and special home care. Certain birth defects, like Cleft lip and palate, as well as spina bifida can be treated by surgery. The use of medicines can treat other ailments, such as Tay-Sachs and patent ductus artery.

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

Medical Malpractice

In many cases, birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or during delivery. A New York birth defect lawyer can assist parents to file a malpractice lawsuit against the doctor responsible for causing the child's condition.

A doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother, which increased the likelihood of the baby developing an inherited defect. If the child is suffering from a serious mental disorder because of that medication, the child can be eligible for government disability benefits to assist with their requirements.

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 perform testing or discuss the results with the parents they could be liable for claims based on wrongful birth.

Medical facilities, midwives and health professionals are required to disclose and provide medical records related to birth defects. This information can be used to monitor birth defects activities, as well as to identify patterns, clusters and possible causes. The information cannot be divulged to any other individual or the public unless this is authorized by the applicable laws, regulations and HIPAA. These regulations can differ by region. The information is only used for purposes approved by the department of health of the state. Additionally the employees who are involved in monitoring birth defects must sign a confidentiality agreement and be instructed on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The danger of certain birth defects can be identified before a child is born through prenatal ultrasounds and amniocentesis, and blood tests (obtaining a sample of fetal amniotic fluid). Women with higher-risk pregnancies may be offered these more in-depth screening options due to an extended family history or maternal age.

Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can have severe adverse effects when used by women who are pregnant. Pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications are under a duty to warn physicians of the dangers, and when they fail to take this step, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

Hospital, medical and pharmaceutical bills can add quickly because of an anomaly in the birth, particularly severe ones that require lifelong treatment and care. It is important to collect all receipts and bills and credit card records and other documentation that demonstrates your damage and entitlement to compensation.

Most birth defects are diagnosed before the infant is born or shortly thereafter, and some are able to be corrected with surgery. Others could be permanently affecting the person throughout their lifetime and leading to significant disabilities and limitations. A knowledgeable, sympathetic birth defect lawyer can help families obtain the compensation they deserve. If you suspect that your child was born with a birth defect it is important to make a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Environmental Exposure

Birth problems can be caused by a variety of environmental factors. They can be caused by prescription or over the counter drugs to exposure to chemicals at the workplace or in the home. The causes may be difficult to identify. If a large number of children with the same defect are born within the same time frame and place, it is known as a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice attorney should be consulted when there is a suspicion of a birth defect or birth injury. A knowledgeable and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer can help families receive the benefits they are entitled to so that the birth defect or birth injury won't be a permanent negative impact.

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

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