5 Killer Quora Answers On Birth Defect Attorneys

Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer

Learning that your child has a birth defect can turn what was supposed to be an exciting time into a stressful and unsure experience. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer and birth defect lawyer as soon as you can.

To receive the full amount you deserve, you will have to pay all your receipts, bills and credit card transactions. We have successfully represented families in lawsuits against large electronics companies and agricultural pesticide companies as well as commercial growers.

Medical Malpractice

Many birth defects are caused by medical mistakes or malpractice that occurred during the pregnancy. Some of these problems are more serious than others however, they can all be devastating for the child and loved ones. A medical malpractice lawyer can help determine if the doctor committed an error that caused the injury or defect.

Some birth defects are detectable through screening tests that doctors carry out during pregnancy. These tests can be performed and interpret correctly to inform parents of the possibility that their child might have a birth deformity. This information can help them decide if they wish to terminate the pregnancy or prepare for the birth and treatment of the child. Medical malpractice can be committed in the event that a doctor fails to interpret or perform these tests or failing to inform parents of the results.

Medical treatments for birth defects are typically expensive. These treatments include surgeries, specialists, medication therapy, physical and speech, and assistive equipment. The compensation awarded by a wrongful birth lawsuit can assist in easing the financial burden that is related to these costs making it easier for birth defect families to receive the treatment their child requires. Medical malpractice lawsuits are extremely complex and time-sensitive, hence it's crucial to engage a reputable attorney as soon as possible.

Prescription Drugs

Despite recent advances in medicine and the advancement of technology, birth injuries and defects are possible. Birth defects that are severe or mild and injuries typically require a lifetime of medical care. In some instances they can cause death. A Boston lawyer who is knowledgeable about dangerous drugs can assist parents in obtaining compensation to cover medical expenses for the moment and in the future, including hospitalizations and doctor's appointments, rehabilitation services, assistive equipment, and much more.

A doctor could be guilty of medical malpractice if they recommend a medication to a pregnant woman who increases the likelihood of her child developing a birth deformity. They are required to know what medications can affect the development of a fetus and not prescribe medications that are harmful to the baby's fetus.

Teratogens are prescription medications that can increase the chance of a birth defect. These include anti-seizure medication such as Dilantin and Tegretol. The FDA has warned against the use of these medications during pregnancy. They can increase the risk of developing cleft lips and cleft palates as well as the brain, lung and heart abnormalities. These drugs can also lead to miscarriage for women who are pregnant, or nursing. Parents can sue doctors, drug manufacturers and birth defect pharmacists for failing to warn about the dangers.

Toxic Chemicals

When a baby is born with a birth defect parents often wonder what the cause is. Birth defects can be caused by a variety of factors, such as medication side effects and toxic chemical exposure during pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth deformity. These conditions can be anything from minor to severe and can even be life-threatening. Most of the time a birth defect is a result of genetic abnormalities. Birth defects are often caused by chemical or environmental exposure in the womb. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens and they increase the risk of structural or functional abnormalities that are not reverseable in offspring.

There are a myriad of industrial chemicals that have been associated with birth defects and other reproductive harms and many people across the world are exposed to these chemicals every day. From semiconductor and technology factories with clean rooms to pesticides that are used on nurseries and farms, and automobile, plastics and paint manufacturing facilities, the list of potentially harmful chemicals is extensive.

A lot of the time, companies that make these chemicals fail to properly test them for their potential effects on humans, and it's not uncommon for them to not include adequate warnings in their products or services. The team of birth defect lawyers at LK can assist families to fight back against large corporations that put profits ahead of the health and safety of their workers and their children.

Environmental Exposure

Parents can be extremely disturbed due to a birth defect in a child because they will need to provide medical attention for the entire existence of their infant. Certain birth defects can result in mental and physical disabilities in the child for life depending on the severity.

Some birth defects can't be prevented because of genetics. However, environmental or chemical exposure can cause many others. This could be due to prescription drugs or toxic chemicals that may be ingested by the mother, or even from chemical substances that have contaminated the air or groundwater in the community.

In addition to medical malpractice, birth defect lawsuits can be filed against companies or individuals who are responsible for the injuries suffered by the child. If a physician prescribes a medication that increases the risk of birth defect, they could be held accountable.

This is also the case for people or businesses who expose their workers to harmful chemicals and other substances. Numerous studies have revealed that exposures to pesticides or fungicides, as well as paints, metals and lead may increase the chance of a child developing certain kinds of birth defects. Because of this, lawsuits have been filed against beauty salons as well as metal cleaning operations semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and paint factories for their role in the development of serious birth defects in children. Development of a Web-based Integrated Birth Defects Surveillance System in New York State. Wang, Y., Tao, Z., Steen, P.M., Cross, P.K., Druschel, C.M. and Hwang, S-A. Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. 14(6): E1-E10. 2008.