Birth Defect Law

Birth injuries and birth defects can result from a range of causes. In many cases, these problems are preventable.

They are often result of medical malpractice in pregnancy. Other causes include chemical exposure. Those who work in beauty salons or paint factories, as well as metal cleaning operations are at an increased risk of developing these types of defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that cause a problem in one or more areas. They can vary in severity from minor to life-threatening. About 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth defect every year.

When a baby is born with a birth defect, it can be extremely distressing for parents and other family members. Some birth defects are passed down by a parent's genetic make-up, while others are caused by a range of causes including obstetrical problems, medication side effects, infections or toxins.

Studies and birth defect attorneys have shown that some of birth defects can be traced back to environmental causes, including drugs that are not prescribed by physicians, toxic chemicals in the workplace and at home, and toxic substances that can contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War mothers were exposed the herbicide Agent Orange which caused birth defects in their children. Sadly, many of these birth defects could be prevented with the right care.

Signs and symptoms

Birth defects can alter the way your body appears and performs. It could be a structural issue like a lip or palate cleft, or it can involve changes in genes. A chromosome extra is the reason for the Down syndrome. Certain medical and environmental factors can cause this condition, as well.

Certain birth defects are evident, such as the cleft palate or lips however others are more subtle. They may be caused by a slow response to sound or an inability to meet developmental milestones like standing up and crawling.

Birth injuries can be caused by birth defects, or they can occur during labor and birth. For instance the caput sucedaneum can be a swelling of the newborn's head due to pressure from head first delivery. These injuries are difficult to spot, especially when they manifest as a slow heart rate, low oxygen levels, or excessive drooling.

Treatment

If your child was born with birth defect there are options for treatment that can help improve his or her condition. These include surgery, medications, and specialized therapies.

Birth issues can affect any aspect or function of the body, according to the CDC. They can also affect the life span of your child.

Many health care specialists can treat a baby with a birth defect including pediatricians, family medicine doctors and neonatologists. If your baby has a severe birth defect like club foot, it is possible to require a limb specialist or orthopedic surgeon.

If your doctor breached the duty of care to you during pregnancy and the breach resulted in your child's birth defect you may be able to file an action for medical malpractice. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies who prescribe certain drugs are required to inform women of childbearing ages of the risk of birth defects, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are linked with numerous health problems, including birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must be vigilant to ensure that infants aren't born with birth injuries or defects. Parents could be eligible for compensation if doctors do not take the proper precautions.

There are various types of damages, based on the severity of the birth defect or injury. An attorney can help you decide which damages to seek.

The CDC says that each year one in 33 babies is born with a birth defect. These issues vary from lips clefts to missing limbs and can have serious and lasting consequences.

You must act quickly to make a claim if your child suffers from a birth defect as a result of medical malpractice. The statute of limitations will expire soon. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can help you. A legal consultation will assist you in determining how much your case may be worth.

Statute of Limitations

If your child has an injury or defect in the birth process which could have been prevented by medical negligence, then you could have a legal claim. There are strict deadlines, also known as statutes or limits, which you must meet in order to prevent your claim being dismissed.

Birth defects are abnormalities that affect babies. They can lead to mental or physical disabilities and even death. These cases are categorized into different areas of law like medical malpractice as well as products liability and employment law. For instance Thalidomide, a prescription drug, caused fetal defects a few years ago and led to class actions against its manufacturer.

Birth defects are a sad aspect of life, but they can often be prevented. This is the reason medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors are necessary to protect patients.

Find an Attorney

Despite the fact that modern technology and medical advancements have drastically reduced risks of birth and pregnancy, certain birth defects can still occur. Parents who are shocked discover that their child suffered from birth defect or injury can be entitled to compensation.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any part of the infant's body, and can have an impact on their appearance and function. Some of these disorders are undetectable until the baby is born, or later in the course of. Many of these disorders are related to medical negligence.

A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and experienced can assist your family receive the compensation you're owed. These damages include emergency surgeries and long-term treatment and care. They also include medication, physical therapy, and special education costs.