Don't Be Enticed By These "Trends" About Birth Defect Law

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a terrifying and confusing moment to discover that your child was born with a birth defect. Contacting a legal team for birth defects with experience is vital as soon as you can.

A lawyer can inform you the reasons for birth defects, and how to file a suit in order to seek damages on behalf your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural changes that affect the way the body looks and functions. They can occur at any time during pregnancy, but they typically occur within the first three months. Some are visible, and others can only be identified by a medical professional. They can range in severity from mild to severe.

Most birth defect law firms problems are caused by genetic abnormalities. These are caused when genes are altered (mutated) or missing. Certain genes are passed down from parents, but other genes are inherited from the environment. Environment-related factors include smoking, drinking alcohol or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemicals may increase the risk of a birth defect.

There is no cure to the majority of birth defects, but there are treatments available to aid with certain problems. Some of these treatments include surgery, medicines, and home care that is specifically tailored to the patient. Certain birth defects, like cleft lip and palate and spina bifida can be fixed with surgery. Other issues, such as patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs's disease, are treated with medication.

Women who consume alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy have an increased chance of having children born with birth defects. Women who have a history of birth defects in their family are also at greater risk. It is important to discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a child with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many cases birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or the birth. A New York birth defects lawyer can help parents file an action for malpractice against the medical doctor or other experts who caused the child's condition.

A doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother that increased the likelihood of the baby developing a particular defect. If the child is suffering from a severe mental disability because of the medication, they may receive government-funded benefits to help those with disabilities.

The medical professional or hospital might not have been able to spot a known birth defect in the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor did not carry out the tests or discuss the results with parents, he could be held responsible for wrongful claims.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required to report and disclose medical records relating to birth defects. This information can be used for birth defects surveillance activities as well as to detect patterns, clusters and potential causes. This information is not to be disclosed to other individuals or the public unless this is authorized by the applicable laws, regulations and HIPAA. These regulations may vary by the jurisdiction. The information is used only for purposes approved by the state department of health. Additionally all employees who are involved in birth defects surveillance must sign a confidentiality agreement and be instructed on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The risk of certain birth defects can be assessed before a child is born through prenatal ultrasounds and blood tests and amniocentesis (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid from the fetus). Women with higher risk pregnancies might be offered more in-depth screening options due to an ancestral history or advanced maternal age.

A variety of prescription and over-the counter medications can cause serious side effects in pregnant women. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who prescribe these drugs have obligations to inform physicians of the potential risks, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for birth injuries.

Medical, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses can pile quickly because of birth defects, particularly those that are severe and require ongoing treatment and treatment. It is crucial to keep track of any and all bills, receipts, credit card payment records and other documentation of your losses and rights to compensation.

Most birth defects are diagnosed before the baby is born or shortly thereafter and can be treated with surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and can affect the person for the rest of their lives that can result in severe disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and sympathetic can help families receive the justice they deserve. If you suspect your child was born with a birth defect it is crucial to start a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires.

Environmental Exposure

There are a myriad of environmental causes of birth defects. These range from prescription or over-the counter medications to exposure to chemicals at the workplace or at home. The causes of these can be difficult to pinpoint. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born in the same time frame and place, it is known as a birth defects "cluster".

A medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out if there is a suspicion of a birth defect or injury. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and caring can assist families in obtaining the justice they deserve, so that their child’s birth defect or injury will not cause permanent negative effects.

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

This information can also be gathered using other programs, such as: