Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer

When you discover that your child was born with a birth defect what should be an exciting moment can quickly turn into a time of anxiety and uncertainty. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer and a birth defect lawyer as soon as is possible.

To receive the full compensation you are entitled to, you'll have to pay all your receipts, bills and credit card payment. We have successfully represented family members in lawsuits against large electronics companies, producers of agricultural pesticides and commercial growers.

Medical Malpractice

Many birth defects are caused by medical errors or malpractice that occurred during pregnancy. Some of these problems are more serious than others, but they can all be detrimental to the child and loved ones. A medical malpractice attorney can assist in determining if the doctor committed an error that caused the defect or injury.

Certain birth defects are capable of being detected through screening tests that doctors perform during pregnancy. These tests can be conducted and interpreted correctly to inform parents about the possibility that their child may be born with a birth defect. This information may permit them to terminate the pregnancy or at the very least plan for the child's birth and treatment. If the doctor fails to conduct or interpret these tests, or if they fail to notify the parents of the results, this may be considered medical malpractice.

Birth defects and medical treatments are usually expensive. They can require surgery, specialists, medications, physical and speech therapy, and assistive devices. The money awarded in a lawsuit for wrongful birth can assist in easing the financial burden associated with these costs making it easier for families to access the care their child needs. Medical malpractice lawsuits can be a bit complicated and time-sensitive. Therefore, it's important to seek out an experienced attorney as soon as you can.

Prescription Drugs

Although modern technology and recent advancements in the medical field have drastically reduced the chance of birth injuries and defects however, they're still a possibility. Mild or severe birth defects and injuries typically require a lifetime of medical attention. In some cases they can cause death. A Boston dangerous drug lawyer can assist parents obtain compensation for their child's present and future medical costs, including hospital procedures and doctor's appointments, rehabilitation services, assistive devices, and more.

If a physician prescribes medication to an expectant mother that increases the risk of her child developing a birth defect they may be guilty of medical malpractice. They must be aware of the effects of medications on the development of the fetus, and not prescribe drugs that could be harmful to the foetus.

Prescription drugs that increase the risk of a birth defect are referred to as Teratogens. They include anti-seizure drugs like Dilantin and Tegretol. The FDA has issued warnings about the use of these medicines in pregnancy. These medications can increase the risk for Cleft palates, cleft lips and heart, lung and other brain disorders. These drugs also carry a risk of miscarriage for women who are nursing or pregnant. Parents can sue the doctors, the makers of the drugs, and the pharmacists who dispensed them for failing to warn about the risks.

Toxic Chemicals

When a baby is born with a birth defect the parents often wonder what caused it. Birth defects can be caused by a variety of factors, such as medication side effects and toxic chemical exposure during pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 out of 33 babies are born with a birth deformity. These issues may be mild or severe or even life-threatening. Most of the time birth defects are an unfortunate genetic anomaly that occurs without fault of the mother. However, a significant number of birth problems are the result of exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors that occurs during the womb. These chemicals are known as teratogens. They increase the chance of irreversible structural or functional abnormalities in offspring.

A lot of people in the United States are exposed to industrial chemicals every single day. From semiconductor and technology factories with clean rooms, to pesticides on farms and nurseries, and automobile, plastics and paint manufacturing facilities the list of harmful chemicals is a long one.

It's not common for companies to fail to warn their customers about the potential dangers of these chemicals. The team of birth defect attorneys at LK can help families fight against corporations that place profits over the safety and health of their workers and their children.

Environmental Exposure

A child born with an anomaly in the birth process can be extremely stressful for parents, since it will require medical treatment throughout the lifetime of their infant. Based on the severity of the condition, certain birth defects can cause life-long mental and physical disabilities for the baby.

While some birth defects are not preventable due to genetics, many others can be caused by environmental or chemical exposure during pregnancy. These include prescription drugs and toxic chemicals that the mother can ingest or chemical substances that have been found to be contaminated in groundwater or air.

Aside from medical malpractice, birth defect lawsuits can also be filed against individuals or businesses who are responsible for the child's injuries. If a physician prescribes a medication that increases the risk of developing a birth defect, then they could be held accountable.

The same goes for individuals or businesses that expose workers to dangerous chemicals and other substances. Numerous studies have revealed that exposure to pesticides, fungicides or lead, as well metals and paints could increase the chances of having a child suffering from certain types of birth defects. For this reason, lawsuits have been filed against beauty salons and metal cleaning facilities, semiconductor manufacturing facilities and paint factories due to their role in the development of serious birth defects in children. Web-based Integrated Birth Defects Surveillance in New York State. Wang, Y., Tao, Z., Steen, P.M., Cross, P.K., Druschel, C.M. and Hwang, S-A. Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. 14(6): E1-E10. 2008.