Birth Defect Law

Birth injuries and birth defects can result from a variety of causes. These problems can be prevented in many cases.

Usually, they are result of medical malpractice in pregnancy. Chemical exposure is a further cause. Those who work in beauty salons, paint factories and metal cleaning operations are at an increased chance of developing these defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural issues that impact the body in one or more areas of the body. They can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Every year, one in 33 babies is born with a birth deformity.

If a child is born with a birth defect it can be heart-wrenching for parents and family members. Some birth defects are inherited through the genes of a parent, while others are caused by a number of factors, such as obstetrical problems, medication side-effects as well as toxins and infections.

Birth defect lawyers and studies have revealed that a portion of birth defects can be traced back to environmental causes, including medications that are negligently prescribed by doctors, toxic chemicals in the workplace and at home, birth defect as well as toxic substances that can contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, birth defect which resulted in birth defects in children. Unfortunately, many of these birth deformities could have been prevented by the right treatment.

Signs and symptoms

A birth defect can alter the way that a person looks or performs. It could be structural (such as a cleft palate or lip) or be caused by genetic changes. A chromosome extra is responsible for Down syndrome. Certain medication and environmental factors can contribute to this condition, as well.

Some birth defects, like Cleft lips and palates are easily identifiable, while other birth defects can be less obvious. These include a slow response to sound or an inability to reach developmental milestones, such as climbing up and sitting.

A birth injury can be caused by a birth defect or it could occur during birth like the caput succedaneum (a swelling on the scalp of a newborn due to pressure during a head-first birth). Sometimes, these injuries can be difficult to identify, especially when they show up as lower heart rate, low oxygen levels, or excessive drooling.

Treatment

If your child was born with a birth defect, there are treatment options that can help improve the condition of your child. These include medication, surgery as well as specialized therapy.

According to the CDC Birth defects can affect any body part and influence how that part appears or functions. They can also affect the life span of your child.

A baby born with a birth deformity can be treated by various health professionals, including pediatricians as well as family practice doctors. If your baby is born with a severe birth deformity, such as club foot, you might need to consult an orthopedic surgeon or limb doctor.

If your doctor violated the duty of care owed to you during your pregnancy and that breach caused your child's birth defect, you could pursue an action for medical malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies and doctors who prescribe certain medications have a duty to inform women who are pregnant of the dangers of birth defects, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications have been linked to a number of health problems such as birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that infants aren't suffering from birth defects or injuries. When doctors fail to take these precautions parents may be entitled to compensation for their expenses.

There are a variety of damages based on the extent of the birth defect or injury. A lawyer can help you determine which damages you should be seeking.

The CDC states that each year one in 33 infants is born with a birth defect. These birth defects be anything from cleft lip to missing limbs. They may have long-lasting and serious consequences.

You must act swiftly to make a claim if your child has a birth defect due to medical malpractice. The statute of limitations will expire soon. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A legal consultation can help you determine the amount your case could be worth.

Statute of limitations

If your child is suffering from an illness or defect that is a result of birth that could have been avoided by medical negligence, then you could have a legal claim. There are strict deadlines, known as statutes or limits, that you must comply with in order to avoid having your claim being dismissed.

A birth defect is an anomaly affecting a newborn infant and can cause physical or mental impairments, including death. These cases fall under different legal areas, such as medical malpractice, products liability and employment law. For instance Thalidomide, a prescription drug, caused fetal defects decades ago, and led to class action lawsuits against its manufacturer.

Birth defects are a tragic aspect of life, however they are often preventable. Medical malpractice lawsuits are essential for protecting patients.

Locating an attorney

Despite the fact that medical technology and technological advances have significantly reduced the risks of pregnancy and birth some birth defects still occur. Parents who are shocked to discover that their child suffered from a birth defect or injury are entitled to compensation.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any part of the infant's body, and can have an enormous impact on their function and appearance. Some of these issues might not be discovered until after the birth of the baby or even after. Many of these disorders could be caused by medical malpractice.

An experienced and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer can assist your family get the compensation that you are due for your child's injuries. These damages include emergency surgeries and long-term treatment and care. They also cover medication, physical therapy, and special education costs.