The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Law

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

Finding out that your child is suffering from a birth defect is one of the most frightening and confusing experiences you'll ever face. Contacting a birth defect legal team that has experience is essential immediately.

A lawyer can inform you the reasons for birth defects, and how to file a lawsuit to claim damages on behalf of your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural modifications in the body that affect the way it appears or performs. They can occur anytime during pregnancy, but the majority occur in the first three months. Some are obvious, while others can only be identified by a healthcare provider. They can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Genetic abnormalities are responsible for most birth problems. These happen when a gene changes (mutates) or disappears altogether. The majority of genes are passed on from parents to children, but some come from the environment. Some environmental triggers include smoking, drinking during pregnancy, or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the risk of having a birth defect.

Some birth defects can be corrected, however most aren't. Some of these treatments include surgery medicine and special home care. Some birth defects, like cleft lip and palate and birth defect spina Bifida, can be fixed with surgery. Medicines can be used to treat other issues, such as Tay-Sachs and patent ductus artery.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or both during pregnancy have a higher risk of having children born with birth defects. Women with a history of birth defects in their family are also at a higher risk. It is important to talk with a doctor about the chances of having a child with birth defect lawsuits defect.

Medical Malpractice

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

A doctor could have mistakenly prescribed medication during pregnancy to the mother that increased the likelihood of the child developing a certain defect. If the child suffers from severe mental disabilities due to the medication, they could receive government benefits to help with their needs.

The medical professional or hospital also may not have detected a birth defect that was known to the mother during the fetal screening. If the doctor didn't perform testing or discuss the results with parents or the hospital, they could be responsible for claims based on wrongful birth.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required to provide and share medical records relating to birth defects. This information can be used for birth defects surveillance activities, as well as to identify patterns, clusters and possible causes. This information should not be made available to the general public or other individuals unless permitted by applicable laws and regulations, which includes HIPAA. These regulations could differ based on jurisdiction. The information is used only for purposes approved by the state department of health. All employees involved in the program to monitor birth defects must also sign confidentiality agreements and receive training on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The possibility of birth defects can be identified before the birth of a child through prenatal ultrasounds and amniocentesis and blood tests (obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid from the fetus). Women with higher-risk pregnancies may be offered more in-depth screening options due to the family history or maternal age.

A variety of prescription and over-the counter medications can trigger serious adverse effects in pregnant women. Pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications are required to warn doctors about the dangers. If they fail to do this, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

As a result of birth defects Due to birth defects, medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs are often a quick way to accumulate particularly when the defect is serious and requires continuous treatment. It is crucial to keep all receipts as well as bills, credit card records, and other documentation that proves your damage and entitlement to compensation.

Some birth defects can be corrected through surgery. Certain birth defects are permanent and can affect the person for the rest of their lives which can cause severe disabilities and limitations. A compassionate, knowledgeable birth defect lawyer can help families obtain the justice they deserve. If you suspect that your child was born with a birth defect it is important to make a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Environmental Exposure

Birth defects can be caused by several environmental causes. These can range from prescription or over-the-counter drugs to chemical exposure in the workplace or in the home. The causes of these can be difficult to identify. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born in an exact time frame and location, this is known as a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice lawyer should be consulted when there is suspicion of a birth defect or injury. A medical malpractice lawyer who is skilled and compassionate will assist families to receive the amount they are due so that their child’s birth defect or injury doesn't cause permanent negative effects.

Many states have laws that require the monitoring of birth defect. This includes the capture of information from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to find patterns and anomalies.

The information could also be gathered through other programs, including: