The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Law

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

The discovery that your child has a birth defect is one of the most frightening and confusing experiences you'll ever confront. Contacting a birth defect legal team who has experience is crucial immediately.

A lawyer can explain to you the causes of birth defect attorneys defects and how to file a lawsuit to seek damages on behalf your child.

The causes of birth defects

Birth defects are structural issues that affect the way the body looks or performs. They can occur anytime during pregnancy, however they tend to occur within the first three months. Some are obvious, while others can only be detected by a health care provider. They can be severe or mild from mild to severe.

Genetic problems are the cause of most birth defects. These are caused by an individual gene is altered (mutated) or missing. The majority of genes are passed on from parents to children, but some come from the environment. The environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy, or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can also increase the risk for a birth defect.

There is no cure for the majority of birth defects, however there are treatments available to aid in the treatment of certain issues. Some of the treatments are surgery, medicine, and special home care. Some birth defects, such as the cleft lip and palate as well as spina bifida can be treated with surgery. Other problems, such as patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs disease, can be treated using medications.

Women who smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy are at a greater likelihood of having a child with birth defect. Women who have a family history of birth defect are at a higher risk of having a child with a birth defect as well. It is essential to speak with a doctor about your chances of having a child with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many cases birth defects can be caused by medical negligence during pregnancy and birth. A New York birth defect lawyer can assist parents in filing an action for malpractice against the doctor who caused the child's condition.

A doctor may have mistakenly prescribed medication to the mother, which increased the chance of the baby having an inherited defect. If the child suffers from a serious mental disorder due to the medication, the child may receive government disability benefits to help meet their requirements.

A medical professional or hospital may be unable to recognize an birth defect that was present during the fetal screening process was completed. If the doctor did not perform testing or did not discuss the results with parents, he may be held liable for wrongful claims.

Medical facilities, midwives and health professionals are required to disclose medical records that relate to birth defects. This information can be used to monitor birth defects activities as well as to detect trends, clusters and possible causes. This information cannot be divulged to the general public or other people unless authorized by applicable laws and regulations, such as HIPAA. These regulations can vary depending on the jurisdiction. The information is only used for approved purposes by the department of the state. All employees who are part of the birth defect surveillance program must sign a confidentiality agreement and receive instruction on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The danger of certain birth defects can be identified before a child is born through prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis and blood tests (obtaining an amniocentesis sample of the amniotic fluid from the fetus). Women with higher-risk pregnancies may be given these more thorough screening options due to an extended family history or maternal age.

Several over-the-counter or prescription medications can cause serious side effects for pregnant women. The pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these medications are under obligations to inform physicians of the potential risks and, if they fail to comply, they could be held responsible for any resulting birth injuries.

As a result of birth defects, medical, hospital, and pharmaceutical costs are often a quick way to accumulate particularly if the defect is severe and requires a lifetime of treatment. It is important to collect all receipts, bills and credit card records and other documentation that demonstrates your damages and right to compensation.

Most birth defects are identified when the baby is born or shortly after, and some are able to be corrected with surgery. Some may be permanent, affecting the affected person throughout their lifetime and leading to significant limitations and disabilities. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and compassionate can help families receive the compensation they deserve. If you suspect that your child was born with a birth defect attorneys defect it is crucial to start a claim prior to the statute of limitations runs out.

Environmental Exposure

There are numerous environmental causes of birth defects. This can include prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as well as exposure to chemicals at workplace or at home. The causes of these can be difficult to pinpoint. But when too many babies with the same defect are born within a specific time period and location, this is known as a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out if there is any suspicion of a cause of a birth defect or injury. A knowledgeable and sympathetic medical malpractice lawyer can help families get the amount of compensation they are entitled to so that the birth defect or birth injury doesn't have lasting negative effects.

Many states have laws that require the tracking of birth defect. This involves the collection of information from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to find anomalies and trends.

This information can also be gathered through other programs, like: