Birth Defect Lawsuits

Parents want their children to be perfect but sometimes it's not always possible. When that happens, it is essential that stunned parents seek the assistance of experienced birth defect lawyers.

Medical malpractice, dangerous drugs, and exposure to environmental hazards can lead to serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defects law firm can help.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence occurs when a doctor does not adhere to the accepted standards of care in his or her area of expertise. This could include failing to conduct routine prenatal tests or prescribing medication that increases the chance of having a birth defect or committing a lapse during labor and delivery.

Birth birth defects and birth injuries are typically the result of genetic and environmental causes, however sometimes they occur due to medical negligence or malpractice. For example when a doctor fails to recognize a congenital disorder in the uterus and fails to inform parents of this condition, parents may file a wrongful birth claim seeking compensation for all the lifetime costs associated with the disabled child.

In order to prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit in birth defect cases the plaintiff has to prove that the doctor owed a breach of duty to the patient, that he failed to fulfill the duty, and that his actions or inaction action directly triggered injuries and damages and that he was a victim of economic and non-economic damages from the injuries. These damages might include the cost of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Prenatal visits are necessary to ensure that pregnant women are provided with the appropriate testing and monitoring. If you suspect that the birth defect of your child is due to medical malpractice, contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer and birth injury lawyer immediately.

Toxic Chemicals

In the United States, thousands of babies are born each year with a birth defect. These defects can vary in severity and affect the manner in which a child looks, acts and functions in life. Some are minor, but others can cause serious problems and can even be fatal.

Birth defects can be caused by genetic abnormalities or a variety of environmental and chemcial factors. Exposure to toxic chemicals, for example could cause serious problems in a newborn. Our firm is committed to bringing employers to account when they expose pregnant women or their unborn children to harmful chemicals or medications.

It is well-established in the scientific literature that certain toxins and chemicals can cross the placenta and harm an unborn baby. These toxins are teratogenic. The exposure to these teratogenic chemicals can cause birth defects like the cleft palate and lips as well as spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy.

Many mothers are exposed many toxic chemicals while at work. They can be ingested or inhaled, or absorbed by the body's skin. These chemicals include industrial solvents such as ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) employed in the manufacture of semiconductors. These toxic substances can also be consumed by parents when they take certain prescription or over-the-counter medications. This is because a lot of pharmaceuticals have not been adequately tested on pregnant women and have been demonstrated to cause birth defects.

Environmental Exposure

While genetic disorders are among the most common causes of birth defects, exposure to environmental factors can also be a significant factor. Many different toxins and chemicals that are found in the home, workplace and food could increase the chances of having a birth defect. Pesticides and fungicides are among the most common. Heavy metals, paints, heavy pigments, and certain chemicals are also included. Exposure to these toxins is often inevitable. However, if companies fail to protect pregnant workers they're negligent and may be held responsible.

Researchers are still unable determine exactly what causes the specific birth defect. It could be that a combination of factors can cause the condition. The next step is to analyze the interactions in real-time. The National Children's Study is important because it is in progress in a variety of states. The NCS will enroll 100,000 women from representative population and track them over time and their children. This study will provide the most comprehensive information about how environmental factors impact the health of a child's fetus and.

Many parents who have a birth defect in their child feel guilt and believe that they contributed to it. However, these issues are not always preventable. Our birth defect lawyers recognize this and are committed to helping families seek justice for children suffering from birth defects.

Product Liability

Many birth defects are caused by a range of factors that range from drug and alcohol consumption during pregnancy to genetics. Fortunately, the majority of these causes can be cured. If your child was diagnosed with a medical condition that could have been avoided, you may be able to recover damages in an action for birth defects.

A New York birth defect attorney can help you determine if your child's condition is due to an illness, chemical or environmental exposure that qualifies for compensation. Depending on the degree of your child's illness your legal counsel will also be able to calculate the full cost of the associated medical expenses that are eligible for compensation.

Although the majority of birth defects aren't caused by medical negligence, there are occasions when a healthcare professional has been negligent before or during labor and birth. A doctor might prescribe a medicine incorrectly, which can harm a baby before birth, or may make an error during surgery.

Our birth defect lawyers have successfully defended claims against drug manufacturers in which a mother's health care provider has been exposed to prescription medication or toxic chemicals that increase the likelihood of her child developing a birth defect. We also have brought birth defect lawsuits against companies that expose their workers to hazardous substances while working in a paint factory or semiconductor manufacturing companies.