Birth Defect Litigation

Parents want perfect children However, some accidents happen outside their control. If these injuries require special medical attention and expensive procedures, it could cause families to incur huge costs.

A New York birth defect lawyer can help stunned parents file a claim and get compensation to cover future costs. The law has strict time limitations on when claims can be filed.

Statute of limitations

Modern technology and medical advances have helped to reduce the risks that come with childbirth and pregnancy. However birth defects and injuries continue to occur. When they are preventable, families need to explore their legal options.

Many birth defect lawsuits are based on allegations that medical malpractice occurred. These cases can involve mistakes made by nurses or doctors staff at any stage of labor, pregnancy and birth. In addition medical professionals could be guilty of medical malpractice following the birth of a child, in the event that they fail to provide proper care.

In general, the statutes of limitations in these cases is 2.5 years after the date of the medical error. This time frame is extended for infants. It is essential to talk with a lawyer whenever you can to ensure that all evidence is gathered and that a timely complaint can be filed.

In addition to medical malpractice, a suit can also be brought on behalf of an infant for birth defects caused by improper toxic and chemical exposures that occur during a mother's pregnancy. Specially trained birth defect lawyers can investigate and bring these cases on behalf of the family.

When choosing an attorney to represent them in a birth defect or birth injury lawsuit parents should look for the following characteristics:

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects can cause many mental or physical issues. Some birth defects can cause death. Some of these issues are caused by genetics, while others are caused by exposure to environmental factors or the use of prescription drugs during pregnancy.

A medical professional or doctor may be accused of negligence in the event of causing birth defects due to their actions or inaction. Most cases involve medical negligence during labor or delivery. They also encompass any act of failure to be in compliance with a standard of medical care, for example the failure to diagnose an illness or prescribing the wrong medication during pregnancy.

One example involves Teratogens. These drugs can result in birth defects that are serious. Doctors usually advise women not to take this medication during pregnancy. It is used to treat seizures. If a woman who is pregnant is exposed to this drug, she should submit a claim.

It is crucial to select an attorney who has experience in handling these types of cases. You should choose a firm with years of experience in this field and works on contingency, so you don't pay any fees until you win. Also, look for an attorney with excellent communication and negotiation abilities. This will help to ensure that you submit your claim before the statute of limitation expires.

Prescription Drugs

A lot of birth defects can cause mental or physical disabilities, which require costly medical care and accommodations for the child. These issues are often genetic, but can also be caused by chemical or environmental exposure, or by medications taken by the mother during pregnancy.

Drug manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly and inform the public about the potential dangers. Unfortunately some pharmaceutical companies are not keeping up with the latest research or fail to anticipate possible side effects. Additionally, doctors can prescribe dangerous drugs to their patients and some women do not receive adequate information on the dangers of taking certain drugs during pregnancy. These drugs are known as teratogens. They can cause birth defect lawyers defects within the fetus including spina Bifida.

Other substances that can cause birth defects are chemicals used in the agricultural and manufacturing industries, and heavy metals such as mercury that pollute groundwater and air. Diane Paolicelli's legal profession has been focused on fighting powerful corporations who expose women to harmful chemicals and substances that can damage their reproductive health or cause birth defects.

If you are filing a lawsuit against the parties who are responsible for your child's illness it is essential to gather the most evidence you can. This includes any blood tests, ultrasound images and medical bills that arise because of the birth defect. This information will help the attorney to determine the worth of the case.

Product Liability

Pregnancy is among the most exciting, but stressful experiences in a woman's lifetime. It's also a time when many medical professionals can make mistakes that can lead to birth defects. An experienced attorney can help parents in submitting claims and getting the amount they deserve from the people responsible for the disabilities of their child.

Medical professionals aren't always able to determine the root of birth defects, however a large number can be caused by environmental or chemical exposure. This can include parental exposure to harmful chemicals at work, such as solvents and glycol ethers in semiconductor manufacturing, as well as agricultural chemicals used for spraying crops and pesticides.

Additionally, the manufacturers and those who prescribe prescription drugs must inform people about the risks. A majority of these drugs are offered to pregnant women without warnings about the possibility of birth defect. This is particularly the case with antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft.

Christian Uehlein is a partner with Thornton Law Firm. He represents plaintiffs in birth defect lawsuits against chemical and pharmaceutical companies. He focuses his practice on cases involving the occurrence of birth defects due to parental exposure to toxic chemicals, such as those used in semiconductor manufacturing as well as agriculture. He graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. and Suffolk University Law School.