Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer

Being aware that your child has a birth defect can turn what was supposed to be an exciting time into an uneasy and uncertain experience. It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice and birth defect lawyer as soon as you can.

To receive the full compensation you deserve, you will need to collect all your bills, receipts as well as credit card payments. We have represented family members in claims against large electronics firms, agricultural pesticide producers and commercial growers.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice or mistakes that occur during pregnancy are the reason for many birth defects. Some of these issues are more serious than others, but they can all be devastating for the child and loved ones. A medical malpractice lawyer can help determine if the doctor committed an error that caused the defect or injury.

Some birth defects are detectable through screening tests that doctors conduct during pregnancy. If these tests are done and interpreted correctly, the parents will be aware of the likelihood of their child developing birth defect. This information can help them decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or prepare for the birth and treatment of the child. If the physician fails to carry out or interpret these tests, or if they fail to inform parents of the results, it could be deemed medical malpractice.

Treatments for birth defects are usually expensive. These treatments can include procedures, specialists, medications physical and speech therapies, and assistive equipment. The compensation awarded by an untimely birth lawsuit can assist in easing the financial burden caused by these expenses, making it easier for families to access the care their child needs. Medical malpractice lawsuits can be a bit complicated and time-sensitive. It is therefore essential to find a reputable attorney as soon as you can.

Prescription Drugs

Despite the advances in medical science and the advancement of technology birth injuries and defects are possible. Birth defects that are severe or mild and injuries usually require lifetime medical attention. In some cases they can even lead to death. A Boston dangerous drug lawyer can help parents get compensation for their child's current and future medical expenses, including procedures in the hospital or doctor's office rehabilitation services, assistive devices, and more.

A physician could be committing medical error if they prescribe medication to a woman who is pregnant that increases the likelihood of her child being born with a birth defect. They have a duty to be aware of which medications may negatively affect the growth of the fetus and to avoid prescribing harmful medications to the baby's fetus.

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

Toxic Chemicals

When a child is born with a birth defect parents often ask themselves what the cause is. Birth defects can be caused by a range of factors, including the effects of medications and exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. These ailments can range from minor to major and can even be life-threatening. In the majority of cases, a birth defect is an unfortunate genetic defect that occurs through no fault of the mother. Birth defects can be caused by environmental or chemical exposure during the womb. These are known as teratogens. They increase the risk of functional or structural defects that cannot be reversed in offspring.

There are a myriad of industrial chemicals that have been associated with birth defects as well as other reproductive harms and many people across the country are exposed to these chemicals every day. From technology and semiconductor factories with clean rooms to pesticides that are used on nurseries and farms, and automobile, plastics and paint manufacturing facilities, the list of potentially harmful chemicals is lengthy.

A lot of the time, the corporations that produce these chemicals do not properly test them for potential adverse effects on humans, and it's not uncommon for them to fail to include adequate warnings in their products and services. The birth defect lawyers at LK can assist families fight big corporations that put profits over the safety and health of their employees and children.

Environmental Exposure

Parents can be extremely distressed due to a birth defect in a child because they will need to provide medical treatment for the entire existence of their infant. Depending on the severity of the condition, some birth defects can cause life-long mental and physical disabilities for the infant.

While certain birth defects are inevitable due to genetics, many others are caused by environmental or chemical exposure during pregnancy. These could include prescription medications or toxic chemicals which could be consumed by the mother, or even from chemical substances that have contaminated the air or groundwater in the community.

Birth defect lawsuits are not limited to medical malpractice. They may also be filed against businesses or individuals who are responsible for the injury of the child. If a physician prescribes a medication that increases your child's likelihood of developing a birth defect they could be held responsible.

The same applies to companies or individuals who expose employees to hazardous chemicals and other substances. Many studies have shown that exposure to fungicides, pesticides and lead, as well as metals and paints can increase the likelihood of having a child with certain birth defects. This is why lawsuits have been filed against beauty salons as well as metal cleaning operations semiconductor manufacturing facilities and paint factories because of their role in the development of serious birth defects in children. The development of a Web-based integrated Birth Defects Surveillance System in New York State. Wang, Y., Tao, Z., Steen, P.M., Cross, P.K., Druschel, C.M. Hwang, S.-A. Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. 14(6): E1-E10. 2008.