Birth Defect Law

Birth problems and injuries can be caused by a variety of causes. In many instances, these issues are avoidable.

They are often the result of medical negligence during pregnancy. Other causes include exposure to chemicals. Workers in beauty salons and paint factories as well as cleaning operations for metal are at risk of developing these types of defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural anomalies that cause a problem in one or more areas. The severity of these problems can range from mild to life-threatening. Around 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth defect every year.

It can be very difficult for parents and other family members when a baby is born without a birth defect. Some birth defect lawsuit defects are inherited through genetic inheritance and others are caused by a variety of causes including obstetrical problems and medication side effects, infections or toxins.

Birth defect attorneys and research have found that a number of birth defects can be attributed to environmental factors, such as medications that are negligently prescribed by physicians, toxic chemicals in the workplace and at home, and pollutants that affect the environment. During the Vietnam War mothers were exposed the herbicide Agent Orange which caused birth defects in their children. Unfortunately, many of these birth defects could have been prevented by the right medical attention.

Symptoms

Birth defects can alter the way your body looks and functions. It could be a structural issue like a lip or palate cleft, or it could be caused by changes in genes. A chromosome additional is responsible for Down syndrome. Environmental factors and medications may contribute to the condition.

Some birth defects, such as Cleft lips and palates are obvious, whereas other birth defects can be less obvious. They include a slow reaction to sound or the inability to meet milestones in development, like crawling and sitting up.

Birth injuries can be caused by birth defects or can happen during birth and during labor. For instance the caput sucedaneum, which is a swelling of the newborn's head as a result of pressure from head first delivery. Sometimes, these injuries are difficult to discern, particularly when they are manifested as decreased heart rate, lower oxygen levels, and drooling.

Treatment

If your child was born with a birth defect there are options for treatment which can improve the condition of your child. This includes surgery, medication and specialized therapy.

According to the CDC, birth defects can affect any body part and influence how that part appears or performs. They may also affect the life expectancy of your child.

A baby born with a birth defect is treated by a variety of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and family practice doctors. If your baby has a serious birth defect, like club foot, you could require an orthopedic or limb specialist surgeon.

You could file a malpractice lawsuit if the doctor violated the duty of your care during pregnancy, and the breach resulted in your child's birth defects. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies who prescribe certain drugs must be aware of women who are of childbearing age about the possibility of birth defects, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are linked with many health issues, including birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all necessary precautions to ensure that infants aren't suffering from birth defects or injuries. Parents could be eligible for compensation if doctors fail to take the necessary precautions.

There are a variety of damages based upon the severity of an injury or birth defect. A lawyer can assist you decide which damages to be seeking.

The CDC publishes each year that one in 33 babies is born with a defect. The defects can vary from cleft lips to missing limbs and can have serious and long-lasting consequences.

It is imperative to act fast to file a claim if your child has a birth defect as a result of medical malpractice. The time for filing a claim is coming up in the near future. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A consultation with a lawyer will help you determine the worth of your case.

Statute of Limitations

If your child is suffering from an injury or birth defect that could have been avoided by medical negligence, then you may be entitled to a legal remedy. However, there are strict deadlines referred to as statutes of limitations - that you must adhere to otherwise your case will be dismissed.

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that affect infants. They can lead to physical or mental impairments and even death. These cases are categorized into different areas of law, such as medical malpractice as well as products liability and employment law. For instance Thalidomide was a drug that caused fetal problems decades ago, which led to class lawsuits against its maker.

Birth defects are a tragic aspect of life, however they are often preventable. This is why medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors are important to safeguard patients.

Find an Attorney

Despite the fact that medical technology and technological advancements have drastically reduced the risks of birth and pregnancy, certain birth defects can still occur. Parents who are shocked to discover that their child suffered from a birth defect or injury may be entitled to compensation.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any area of the body of an infant and affect their appearance and function. Some of these issues are not recognized until after the baby's birth or even later. Many of these disorders can be due to medical malpractice.

An empathetic and skilled medical malpractice lawyer can help your family to recover the damages you are owed due to your child's injuries. These damages include emergency surgery and long-term care and treatment. They also include medical expenses as well as physical therapy and education costs.