Birth Defect Law

Birth injuries and defects are caused by a variety of factors. In many instances, these issues are avoidable.

They are often the result of medical malpractice while pregnant. Other causes include chemical exposure. Workers working in beauty salons and paint factories and also metal cleaning operations, are at risk of developing these types of defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that affect one or more of the parts. They can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. About 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year.

If a child is born with a birth defect it can be heart-wrenching for parents and relatives. Some birth defects can be inherited by a parent's genetic make-up, while others are caused by a variety of factors, including obstetrical complications and medication side effects, infections or toxins.

Birth defect lawyers and studies have proven that some of birth defects can be traced back to environmental factors, such as medications that are not properly prescribed by doctors as well as toxic chemicals found in the workplace and at home, as well as toxins that contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which resulted in birth defects in children. Sadly, a majority of these birth defects could be prevented by the proper care.

Symptoms

A birth defect can alter how the body looks or works. It can be structural (such as a cleft palate or lip) or involve genetic changes. For instance, Down syndrome, is caused by an extra chromosome. Certain drugs and environmental factors may contribute to this condition, as well.

Some birth defects are very noticeable, such as the cleft palate or lips and others are more subtle. Some of these include a delayed response to sound, or an inability to meet developmental goals such as crawling and sitting up.

A birth injury can be the result of an abnormality in the birth or it can occur during labor and birth, such as a caput succedaneum (a swelling on the newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first birth). These injuries are difficult to identify, particularly when they manifest in the form of a low heart rate, low oxygen levels, or crying.

Treatment

If your child was born with an abnormal birth defect there are treatment options which can improve his or her condition. These include surgery, medication, and specialized therapy.

Birth defects can affect any part or function of the body, as per the CDC. They may also affect the life expectancy of your child.

A baby born with a birth defect can be treated by several health professionals, including pediatricians and family practice doctors. If your baby is born with a major birth defect lawyers defect, such as club foot, you may need to speak with a limb surgeon or orthopedic specialist.

If your doctor failed to fulfill the obligation to care due you during pregnancy and the breach resulted in the birth defect of your child you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Pharmaceutical companies and doctors who prescribe certain drugs are required to inform women of childbearing ages of the dangers of birth defects, for example selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications have been linked to a range of health issues such as birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must be vigilant to ensure that babies are not born with birth defects or injuries. Parents may be eligible for compensation if doctors are not taking the necessary precautions.

Based on the severity of the birth defect or injury There are a variety of types of damages that could result. A lawyer can help decide which damages to seek.

The CDC each year reports that one baby in 33 is born with a defect. The defects can range from cleft lip to missing limbs. They can have serious and long-lasting consequences.

You must act quickly to submit a claim if you suspect that your child is born with an birth defect lawyer defect that is the result of medical malpractice. The time for filing a claim is coming up in the near future. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorney can assist you. A legal consultation will assist you in determining how much your case may be worth.

Statute of Limitations

If your child suffers from an injury or birth defect that could have been prevented by medical negligence, you could have a legal claim. However, there are strict deadlines - referred to as statutes of limitation which you must meet or your case will be dismissed.

Birth defects are abnormalities that affect infants. They can lead to physical or mental disabilities and even death. These cases fall under different areas of the law like medical malpractice, products liability and employment law. Thalidomide, for example, caused fetal defects in the past, and resulted in class-action lawsuits against its maker.

Although birth defects are a sad part of life, they are often avoidable. This is why medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors are crucial to protect patients.

Finding an Attorney

While advances in technology and advancements in the medical field have drastically reduced the risks associated with pregnancy and birth however, birth defects remain. Parents who are shocked to discover that their child has suffered an injury or birth defect can be entitled to compensation.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any aspect of an infant's anatomy and have a significant impact on their appearance and functionality. Certain of these conditions may not be detected until after the baby's birth or even after. Many of these conditions are linked to medical malpractice.

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