Birth Defect Lawsuits

While advances in medicine have lowered the risks of pregnancy but negligence is the cause of numerous birth injuries and birth defects. Parents who have lost their children due to exposure to chemicals at work, or incorrectly prescribed drugs are often able to seek compensation.

In many states, the statute of limitations for a case is only one year. It is therefore important to seek legal counsel early as possible. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide clients through the process and assist them to determine the value of their case.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice claims can arise at any point in the pregnancy, labor or delivery process. If a doctor fails adhere to the accepted standards of care and that failure leads to injury or birth defects and birth defects, they could be held responsible for a medical malpractice claim.

Doctors are responsible for evaluating an expectant mother's current medication and taking into consideration any health issues she might be suffering from, and also advising the mother of risks to her baby. If a doctor does not fulfill these responsibilities and causes harm, they could be held liable for medical malpractice.

A birth defect lawyer can help you determine whether a claim of medical malpractice is legitimate and help you through the legal proceedings. Due to the delicate nature of a medical malpractice claim, you need to find an experienced lawyer who you are confident in.

The sooner you start the earlier you begin, the better. A qualified birth defect lawyer can help you file your claim before the time limit in your state runs out. Most states only give you a single year to file a medical negligence lawsuit, and the process of settling such a tragic event takes time. You require an attorney who can act quickly to gather the evidence and records you need for your case. This is true, especially when you believe that your baby was injured as a result of medical negligence. The sooner you file a lawsuit, the more evidence you will have to back up your claim.

Environmental Causes

Environmental factors also contribute to birth defects, despite the fact that genetics are the main cause of cases. These factors are often unknown to science and can include exposure to toxic chemicals or substances at home or at work. These chemicals, such as solvents paint thinners, solvents, engraving processing fluids, cleaning fluids and certain metal alloys may increase the risk of the child developing birth defects. These kinds of exposures have been the basis of birth defect lawsuits filed by LK's attorneys on behalf clients who work in beauty salons, paint factories, and semiconductor manufacturing plants, in addition to other industries.

Sadly, most cases of severe birth defects are a result from environmental or genetic causes that cannot be prevented through lifestyle choices or medical treatment. Doctors and scientists have difficulties determining the cause of the specific birth defect. Only by educating women and encouraging them to be more cautious about their choices about food, medications and lifestyle can we lower the number of birth defects.

A medical malpractice case with a birth defect distinct from a typical personal injury lawsuit in that a birth defect case requires a thorough understanding of both medical and legal issues. Our birth defect lawyers are experienced with the complexities of these cases and will fight to secure the justice you deserve.

Drugs

The use of medications during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. These include facial and limb abnormalities as well as eye disorders and spinal cord issues, among other issues. If the medication causes a birth defect, the family could sue the drug maker in a suit for product liability.

Birth defects can also be caused from exposure to prescription drugs and toxic chemicals or other environmental factors in the first three months, which is an important time for the development of. A birth defect lawyer can assist you in determining your legal options in the event that your child's birth defect could be due to medication.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly prior making them available to the public. They also must give warnings regarding potential negative side effects. If a manufacturer is identified as selling drugs that cause grave birth defects, parents may seek compensation through lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.

Several types of medications can cause birth defects, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as lithium, angiotensin II antagonists, and cancer treatments such as thalidomide and diethylstilbestrol. The medical negligence lawyers at LK have recovered billions of dollars for families whose children were injured by these and other drugs. The firm has also fought cases where children suffered from exposure to toxic chemicals at work, or from environmental pollutants.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and stressful times in a woman's life. If something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. Birth defects can cause serious damage to the limbs of a child, their the brain, heart, or general body functioning. This can affect the child's lifespan and cause a lot of pain for their parents.

While some birth defects are genetic, others are caused by negligent actions of medical practitioners and hospital staff. This could include prescribing a medication that could cause birth defects, or administering the wrong dosage. It could also be as simple as failing to monitor the fetus's health or exposing the mother's body to harmful chemicals during her pregnancy.

A New York birth injury attorney should be immediately contacted by any parent who believes that the birth defect or injury suffered by the child is due to medical negligence. A lawyer will be able to assist parents in determining the best course of action and how much they may be entitled to.

Birth defects are a tragic consequence of medical malpractice, environmental exposure, drug exposure or a combination of these. The experienced New York birth defect lawyers at Finz & Finz on Long Island and in New York City can help if you believe that your child's illness was caused by the negligence of someone else. Contact us toll-free for an obligation-free case strategy session.