Birth Defect Law

Birth issues and injuries can be caused by a variety of factors. In many cases, these conditions are easily prevented.

Often, they are caused by medical malpractice during pregnancy. Other causes include exposure to chemicals. Workers in beauty salons, paint factories and metal cleaning operations face an increased risk of developing such defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural issues that affect one or more of the body. They can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Every year, approximately 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth defect.

It can be very difficult for parents and other family members when a baby is born without a birth defect. Some birth defects are inherited by a parent's genetic make-up and others are caused by a variety of factors including obstetrical complications, medication side effects, contaminations, or toxins.

Birth defect attorneys and studies have proven that some of birth defects are attributable to environmental causes, including medications that are not properly prescribed by physicians, toxic chemicals in the workplace and at home, and toxins that contaminate the environment. During the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which resulted in birth defects in children. Unfortunately, a lot of these birth defects could have been avoided with the right treatment.

Symptoms

Birth defects can affect the way your body appears and functions. It can be structural (such as lips or a cleft palate) or result from genetic changes. A chromosome extra is the reason for Down syndrome. Environmental factors and medications may be a contributing factor to this condition.

Some birth defects are very noticeable, like lips or palates that are cleft, while others are more subtle. These include a slow response to sound, or birth defect attorneys the inability to reach milestones in development, like sitting up and crawling.

Birth injuries can result from a birth defect or they may occur during birth and during labor. For instance the caput sucedaneum, which is swelling of the infant's head due to pressure from head first delivery. Sometimes, these injuries are difficult to detect, especially when they are manifested as lower heart rate, low oxygen levels, and crying.

Treatment

If your child was born with a birth defect there are treatment options that can improve his or her condition. These include surgery, medication, and specialized treatments.

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

A variety of health specialists can treat a baby with a birth defect, including pediatricians, family practice doctors, and neonatologists. If your baby is born with a deformity that is severe at birth, such as club foot, you may need to speak with an orthopedic surgeon or limb surgeon.

You can file a medical malpractice lawsuit if the doctor violated the duty of your care during pregnancy and this breach resulted in your child's birth defects. It is the duty of both the pharmaceutical industry and doctors prescribing certain medicines to inform women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant about the dangers of birth defects. This includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications have been linked to a variety of health problems including birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take every precaution to ensure that babies aren't born with birth injuries or defects. If doctors fail to take these precautions, parents may be legally entitled to compensation to pay for their expenses.

There are various types of damages based upon the degree of birth defect or injury. An attorney can help decide which damages to be seeking.

The CDC declares that every year one in 33 infants is born with a birth defect. These conditions range from lips clefts to missing limbs, and they could have long-lasting and severe effects.

If your child has suffered a birth defect because of medical malpractice, it's imperative that you act swiftly to make a claim before the statute of limitations runs out. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorney can help you. A legal consultation will help you determine the amount your case could be worth.

Statute of limitations

If your child has an injury or birth defect that could have been avoided through medical negligence, you may have a legal claim. However there are strict deadlines referred to as statutes of limitation which you must adhere to or your case will be dismissed.

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that affect newborn babies. They can lead to mental or physical disabilities and even death. These cases fall under different areas of law, such as medical malpractice, products liability, and employment law. Thalidomide, as an instance, has caused fetal defects in the past and led to class action lawsuits against its manufacturer.

Birth defects are a sad part of life, but they can often be prevented. This is why medical malpractice claims against doctors are necessary to protect patients.

Find an attorney

While modern technology and advances in medicine have significantly reduced the risks that come with pregnancy and birth, some birth defects remain. Parents who are shocked discover that their child was afflicted by a birth defect or injury are entitled to compensation.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any region of the baby's anatomy. They can have a significant impact on their appearance and performance. Some of these disorders may not be recognized until after the birth of the baby or even later. Many of these disorders can be due to medical malpractice.

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