A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A birth defect in a child can change the course of your family's life. You must act swiftly should a medical professional committed malpractice during your pregnancy, which resulted in your child's illness.

A birth injury lawyer with expertise can assist you in filing a claim against the responsible parties. In the meantime, you can begin collecting receipts, bills, and credit card statements.

Causes of Birth Defects

The causes of birth defects aren't always understood. Some birth defects result from genetic problems. Genes that are not functioning properly or missing completely (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) can cause these. They may also be caused by chromosomal problems, where chromosomes are too many or there are too few cells.

These problems are usually diagnosed in utero through ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic liquid is collected and tested to find genetic and chromosomal variations. In some instances doctors may not find the birth defect until a child is born or has symptoms, like having an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

In addition to genetic and chromosomal issues birth defects are caused by problems with the brain or nervous system and musculoskeletal problems that affect joints, muscles, and bones. They can be mild to severe, and affect how a person looks or functions, including physical strength, learning capabilities and mobility.

Some birth defects are unavoidable, but others can be avoided. Couples who have an history of certain inherited diseases should consider genetic screening before trying for a baby. Additionally avoidance of certain chemicals such as drugs, infections, and other environmental triggers can reduce the risk of some birth defects. Medical errors and negligence in care of pregnant women can also result in birth defects. It is crucial to speak with a birth defect attorney if you suspect the medical error could have caused your child's condition.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are typically complex and require expert medical testimony. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and skilled can help you and your family obtain the compensation required to ensure your child's normal life.

Your attorney will first identify the birth defect of your child and connect it to the medical professionals who were involved in the birth. Your attorney should also know the date at which the birth defect of your child was diagnosed. This is crucial because it will help you know how long you'll need to make a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Your attorney should also have access to any documents you might have regarding the birth defect of your child, such as receipts, bills, as well as credit card payments. This evidence will allow your attorney to prove the extent of your child's injuries as well as determine what types of compensation y products.

Toxic Exposure

While many birth defects are a result of a genetic disorder that could not be prevented, a few of them result from exposure to toxic chemicals while in utero. These chemicals may be present in medications that pregnant mothers are prescribed or in environmental pollutants at home or work as well as in toxic chemical agents in a workplace. These chemicals, also known as teratogens can cause serious birth defects such as spina bifida. They can also cause the development of skeletal disorders, delays in development, brain damage and muscular dystrophy.

Some toxins such as arsenic or cadmium can be present in drinking water and soil. Lead is a frequent contaminant that is found on house paint, art supplies, plastics, cosmetics, and many other products. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) which have been proven to cause an increase in birth defects.

A lawyer who specializes in birth defect cases can assist parents to determine if chemicals or drugs were the main cause of the birth injury suffered by their child. In these instances our lawyers could make a claim under the product liability law against a drug or chemical manufacturer who developed and manufactured dangerous chemical or medication. We can also make a claim to sue doctors who prescribe drugs which are known to cause adverse side effects in pregnant women.