Birth Defect Law

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

They are often the result of medical malpractice during pregnancy. Chemical exposure is another cause. Workers in beauty salons or paint factories, as well as metal cleaning operations are at the risk of developing defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that affect one or more parts of the body. The severity of these defects may range from mild to life-threatening. About 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth defect every year.

If a baby is born with a birth defect it can be extremely distressing for parents and relatives. Certain birth defects are passed down by a parent's genes while others are caused by a variety of causes, including issues with obstetrics, medication side effects or toxins, as well as infections.

Birth defect lawyers and studies have proven that some of the causes of birth defects are due to environmental causes, including drugs that are not prescribed by physicians, toxic chemicals in the workplace and at home, and contaminants that pollute the environment. In the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which resulted in birth defects in children. Unfortunately, many of these birth defects could have been prevented by the right medical attention.

Symptoms

A birth defect can alter the way that a person looks or performs. It could be structural (such as the lip or cleft palate) or cause genetic changes. Down syndrome, for example is caused by an extra chromosome. Certain medical and environmental factors can contribute to this condition, as well.

Some birth defects, such as cleft lips and palates are obvious, whereas others are more subtle. Some of these include the delayed response to sound, or a failure to achieve developmental goals, like crawling or sitting up.

A birth injury can be the result of birth defect or could occur during birth or during labor, for example, a caput succedaneum (a swelling on the scalp of a newborn due to pressure during a head-first delivery). These injuries are difficult to detect, especially when they show up as a low heart rate or low oxygen levels or 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 other specialized treatments.

According to the CDC, birth defect lawsuit defects can affect any body part and affect how the body appears or functions. They can also affect the life span of your child.

A variety of health professionals can help a newborn with a birth defect including pediatricians, family practitioners, and neonatologists. If your baby is suffering from an extremely serious birth defect, such as club foot, it is possible to require an orthopedic or limb specialist surgeon.

You can file a medical malpractice lawsuit if your doctor did not fulfill the obligation of care you gave during pregnancy, and the breach led to your child's birth defects. Medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies that prescribe certain medications must be aware of women who are pregnant of the risk of birth defects, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are linked with many health issues, including birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must be vigilant to ensure that babies do not have birth injuries or defects. If doctors fail to take these precautions parents may be entitled to compensation for their expenses.

There are various types of damages based upon the extent of the birth defect or injury. A lawyer can help you decide which damages to seek.

The CDC annually reports that one in 33 babies is born with a defect. These conditions range from cleft lips to missing limbs and can have severe and long-lasting effects.

If your child has suffered a birth defect because of medical malpractice, it is imperative that you act swiftly to file a claim prior to the statute of limitations expires. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A consultation with a lawyer can help you determine what your case might be worth.

Statute of limitations

If your child is suffering from an injury or defect in the birth process that could have been prevented by medical negligence, then you may be entitled to a legal remedy. There are strict deadlines, also known as statutes and limitations which you must follow so that you don't risk your claim being dismissed.

Birth defects are the result of abnormalities that affect a newborn infant. They can cause physical or mental disabilities, and even death. These cases fall within different legal areas like medical malpractice as well as products liability and employment law. For instance Thalidomide, a prescription drug, caused fetal defects decades ago and led to class lawsuits against its maker.

Birth defects are a tragic aspect of life, however they can be avoided. This is the reason medical malpractice claims against doctors are crucial to safeguard patients.

Finding an Attorney

While modern technology and advances in medical technology have significantly reduced the risks associated with birth and pregnancy but some birth defects are still a possibility. Parents who are traumatized could be entitled to compensation if they discover that their child has suffered from a preventable birth defect or injury.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any region of the infant's anatomy and affect their appearance and function. Some of these diseases are not visible until the baby is born, or later in the course of. Many of these disorders are related to medical malpractice.

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