The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Law

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

The discovery that your child has an abnormal birth defect is one of the most terrifying and confusing situations you could face. Contacting a birth defect legal team with experience is important immediately.

A lawyer can inform you the reasons for birth defects and the best way you can file a lawsuit to get compensation on behalf of your child.

Birth Defects and Causes

san rafael birth defect law firm defects are structural changes within the body that affect the way it looks or functions. They can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but they typically occur within the first three months. Some are visible, whereas others can only be identified by a healthcare professional. They can range in severity from mild to severe.

Most birth defects result from genetic disorders. These are caused when genes are altered (mutated) or is missing. Most genes are passed from parents to children but some come from the environment. Environment-related factors include drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemicals can also increase the risk of developing a birth defect.

Some birth defects can be treated however most aren't. This can include surgery, medicines and special home care. Surgery can fix birth defects such as cleft lips and palates and spina-bifida. Other problems, such as Tay-Sachs disease, can be treated with medicines.

Women who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or both during pregnancy have the highest chance of having babies with birth defects. Women with a family history of birth defect are at higher risk, too. It is crucial to speak with a doctor about your possibility of having a child with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many cases 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 doctor or other medical professionals responsible for defect the child's condition.

For instance, a doctor could have misjudgedly prescribed medication to the mother during pregnancy that heightened the chances of the baby being born with a certain defect. If the child is suffering from an extreme mental impairment due to that medication, the child may receive disability benefits from the government to assist with their needs.

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

Medical facilities, health professionals and midwives are required to reveal and report medical records relating to birth defects. This information can be used for birth defects surveillance activities and to identify trends, clusters and possible causes. This information cannot be disclosed to the public or any other individuals unless allowed by applicable laws and regulations, which includes HIPAA. These regulations may differ according to the jurisdiction. The information is only used for purposes that are approved by the department of health for the state. All employees participating in the birth defect surveillance program must sign a confidentiality agreement and receive training on how to handle confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

The danger of certain birth defects can be assessed prior to the birth of a child through prenatal ultrasounds and amniocentesis, and blood tests (obtaining a sample of fetal amniotic fluid). Women who have higher risk of pregnancies could be given more detailed screening options due to a family history or advanced maternal age.

Many over-the counter and prescription medicines can cause serious side effects when taken by women who are pregnant. The pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who prescribe these medications have an obligation to warn doctors of the risks. If they fail to comply with this they could be held responsible for upper arlington birth defect attorney injuries.

Medical, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses can pile up quickly as a result of a birth defect, and especially severe ones that require lifelong treatment and treatment. It is important to collect all receipts, bills and credit card records and other documentation that proves your losses and your right to compensation.

Most birth defects are identified before the baby is born or shortly after, and some are able to be corrected with surgery. Others could be permanent, affecting the person throughout their lifetime and leading to significant limitations and disabilities. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and compassionate can assist families get the amount of compensation they are due. If you suspect your child was born with an anomaly in the birth, it's important to submit a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Environmental Exposure

There are many environmental causes of birth defects. They can be caused by prescription or over-the-counter drugs to chemical exposure in the workplace or in homes. Sometimes, these causes are difficult to pinpoint. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born within a specific time period and place, it is called a birth defect "cluster".

A medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out if there is suspicion of a birth defect or injury. A medical malpractice attorney who is knowledgeable and compassionate will assist families to receive the amount they are due so that their child’s birth defect or injury will not cause permanent negative effects.

Many states have laws that require the recording of birth defects. This includes the gathering of information from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to identify anomalies and trends.

This information can also be gathered using other programs, such as: