Birth Defect Law

Birth injuries and birth defects may result from a variety of causes. They can be avoided in many cases.

They are often result of medical malpractice in pregnancy. Other causes include chemical exposure. Workers working in beauty salons and paint factories, as well as metal cleaning operations, are at a higher risk of developing these types of defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that affect one or more of the parts. The severity of the defects can range from mild to life-threatening. Each year, about 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth deformity.

It can be very difficult for parents and other family members when a child is born without an anomaly in the birth. Some birth defects are inherited through genetic inheritance and others are caused by a variety of factors including obstetrical complications and medication side effects, infections, or toxins.

Studies and birth defect attorneys have found that a number of the causes of birth defects can be attributed to environmental factors, such as medication that is not properly prescribed by physicians as well as toxic chemicals found in the home and workplace, and toxins that contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange which caused birth defects in their children. Sadly, many of these birth defects could be avoided with the appropriate care.

Signs and symptoms

Birth defects can alter the way your body appears and functions. It could be structural, such as a mouth or lip cleft, or it may be due to changes in genes. A chromosome extra is the reason for the Down syndrome. The environment and medications can contribute to the condition.

Certain birth defects are evident, such as cleft lips or palates however others are more subtle. Some of them include delayed responses to sound, or a failure to reach developmental goals like crawling or sitting up.

A birth injury could be caused by birth defect or can occur during birth or during labor, for example, the caput succedaneum (a swelling on the newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first birth). Sometimes these injuries may be difficult to discern, particularly when they show up as decreased heart rate, lower oxygen levels, and the drooling.

Treatment

If your child has an abnormal birth defect, there are many options for treatment to improve the condition. These include medication, surgery, and specialized therapy.

Birth issues can affect any aspect or function of the body, as per the CDC. They can also affect the expected lifespan 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 was born with a serious birth defect like club foot, you may need to consult an orthopedic surgeon or limb surgeon.

If your doctor violated the duty of care to you during pregnancy and that breach led to your child's birth defect, you could pursue a medical malpractice claim. It is the duty of both the pharmaceutical industry and doctors prescribing certain drugs to warn women who are expecting or planning to be pregnant about the dangers of birth defect. This includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications have been linked to a range of health issues that include birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that babies aren't suffering from birth defects and injuries. When doctors fail to follow this procedure, parents may be entitled to compensation for their expenses.

Based on the degree of the birth defect or injury, there are many different kinds of damages that could result. An attorney can help decide which damages to seek.

The CDC reports that every year one in 33 infants is born with a birth defect lawyer defect. These issues vary from lips that are cleft to missing limbs and can have serious and lasting consequences.

You must act quickly to submit a claim if you suspect that your child has a birth defect as a result of medical malpractice. The statute of limitations will expire soon. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A consultation with a lawyer will help you determine the worth of your case.

Statute of limitations

You may be able to pursue a lawsuit if you believe your child has a birth defect, or an injury that could have been easily prevented by medical negligence. However, there are strict deadlines, also known as statutes of limitation that you must follow otherwise your case will be dismissed.

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

Birth defects are a tragic aspect of life, however they are usually preventable. Medical malpractice claims are important to safeguard patients.

Locating an attorney

While modern technology and advances in medical technology have greatly reduced the risks of pregnancy and birth, some birth defects are still a possibility. Stunned parents could be entitled to compensation if they find that their child suffers from a preventable birth defect or injury.

According to the CDC birth defects can affect any part of an infant's body and have a a profound effect on their function and appearance. Some of these disorders are not recognized until after the birth of the baby or even later. Many of these disorders could be linked to medical malpractice.

An experienced and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer can assist your family 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 medical expenses, physical therapy, and special education costs.