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Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team
Being aware that your child has a birth defect is one of the most terrifying and confusing experiences you can confront. Contacting a legal team for birth defects with experience is vital in the earliest time possible.
A lawyer can explain to you the reasons for birth defects, and how you can file a lawsuit to seek damages on behalf your child.
Causes of Birth Defects
Birth defects are structural changes that alter the way the body looks or performs. They can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but the majority occur in the first 3 month. Some are visible, while others can be detected only by a healthcare provider. They can vary in severity from mild to severe.
The majority of birth problems are caused by genetic abnormalities. These happen when a gene changes (mutates) or is absent completely. The majority of genes are passed on from parents to children, however some are passed down through the environment. The environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals may increase the risk of having a birth defect.
There is no cure for most birth defects, however there are treatments available to aid in the treatment of certain issues. These can include surgery, medicines and special home care. Some birth defects, like Cleft lip and palate, as well as spina Bifida, can be treated with surgery. The use of medicine can treat other ailments, such as Tay-Sachs as well as patent ductus.
Women who drink alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy are at an increased chance of having children born with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their family are also at risk. It is essential to speak with a doctor about the risk of having a baby with a birth defect.
Medical Malpractice
In many instances birth defects result from medical negligence during pregnancy or the birth. A New York birth defects lawyer can assist parents in filing an action for malpractice against the medical doctor or other professionals who caused the child's condition.
For instance, a doctor might have erroneously prescribed medication to the mother during her pregnancy, which increased the risk of the baby being born with a particular defect. If the child is suffering from a mental disorder that is severe due to the medication, the child can receive government disability benefits to help with their requirements.
A medical professional or hospital may also have missed a chance to identify an birth defect that was present in the mother's uterus when screening for fetal defects was carried out. If the doctor didn't conduct the test or discuss the results with parents and the parents, they could be held accountable for claims based on wrongful birth.
Medical facilities, health professionals and midwives are required provide and share medical records relating to birth defects. The information is used for birth defects surveillance activities as well as to detect patterns, clusters and potential causes. This information cannot be divulged to the general public or other individuals unless allowed by applicable laws and regulations, like HIPAA. These regulations may differ according to the state of. The information is only used for approved purposes by the state department. Additionally all employees who are involved in birth defects surveillance must sign confidentiality agreements and be trained on the appropriate handling of confidential information.
Prescription Drugs
The risks of certain birth defects can be detected before the birth of a child via prenatal ultrasounds, blood tests and amniocentesis (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid in the fetus). These more thorough screening options may be offered to women who are at greater risk of having a pregnancies due to the history of the mother or her mother's age.
Many over-the counter and prescription medications can have serious side effects when taken by pregnant women. Pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these drugs are required to inform doctors about the dangers. If they fail to do this they could be held responsible for birth injuries.
Medical, hospital and pharmaceutical bills can add quickly as a result of birth defects, particularly severe ones that require continuous treatment and care. It is essential to keep all bills, receipts and credit card payment documents and other documentation of your injuries and rights to compensation.
Most birth defects are diagnosed before the baby is born or shortly thereafter and can be fixed with surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and can affect the affected person for the rest of their life leading to severe disabilities and limitations. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and compassionate can help families receive the justice they deserve. If you suspect your child was born with an anomaly in the birth it is crucial to file a claim before 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 drugs to exposure to chemicals in the workplace or at home. Sometimes these causes are hard to identify. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born in a specific time period and location, this is known as a birth defects "cluster".
A medical malpractice lawyer should be consulted if there is a suspicion of an anomaly in the birth or birth injury. A knowledgeable and empathetic medical malpractice lawyer can help families receive the benefits they are entitled to so that their child's birth defect or birth injury will not cause permanent negative effects.
A number of states have laws that require the recording of birth defects. This includes the recording of information from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to spot anomalies and trends.
The information could also be gathered through other programs, such as: