Birth Defect Law

Birth injuries and birth defects can result from a variety of causes. These problems can be prevented in many cases.

They are often caused by medical malpractice during pregnancy. Other causes include exposure to chemicals. Workers in beauty salons and paint factories and cleaning operations for metal are at a high risk of developing these defects.

Causes

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that cause a problem in one or more areas. They can range in severity ranging from minor to life-threatening. Approximately 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year.

If a child is born with a birth defect it can be devastating for parents and family members. Some birth defects are inherited by a parent's genetic make-up, while others are caused by a variety of factors including obstetrical complications, medication side effects, infections or toxins.

Birth defect lawyers and studies have revealed that environmental factors are the main cause of certain birth defects. This includes medications that were negligently prescribed by doctors, toxic chemicals used at the workplace and at home, and toxic substances that contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange which caused birth defects in their children. Sadly, a lot of these birth defects could be avoided with the appropriate care.

Signs and symptoms

A birth defect can alter how the body looks or works. It could be structural, such as a cleft lip or palate, or it could be caused by genetic changes. Down syndrome, for instance, is caused by an extra chromosome. Certain medical and environmental factors can cause this condition, too.

Some birth defects are noticeable, such as cleft lips or palates, while others are less obvious. They may be caused by a slow response to sound or inability to reach developmental milestones, like sitting up and crawling.

A birth injury can be the result of an abnormality in the birth or it could happen during birth or during labor, for example, the caput succedaneum (a swelling on a newborn's scalp due to pressure during a head-first delivery). These injuries are difficult to detect, especially when they manifest themselves as a slow heart rate, low oxygen levels, or excessive drooling.

Treatment

If your child is suffering from a birth defect there are many options for treatment to correct the issue. This includes surgery, medication and specialized therapies.

Birth issues can affect any aspect or function of the body, as per the CDC. They can also affect the lifespan of your child.

A baby born with a birth deformity can be treated by various healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and family practice doctors. If your baby is born with a severe birth deformity like club foot, you may need to speak with a limb surgeon or orthopedic surgeon.

If your doctor violated the obligation of care owed to you during pregnancy and the breach resulted in your child's birth defect and you are able to pursue a medical malpractice claim. Pharmaceutical companies and doctors who prescribe certain medications have a duty to inform women who are pregnant of the dangers of birth defects, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications have been linked to a variety of health issues that include birth defects.

Damages

Medical professionals must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that infants do not suffer from birth defects or injuries. Parents could be legally entitled to compensation in the event that doctors fail to take the appropriate precautions.

Depending on the severity of the injury or birth defect, there are many different kinds of damages that could result. An attorney can help decide on the damages you should seek.

The CDC publishes each year that one baby in 33 is born with a defect. These conditions range from cleft lips to missing limbs, and they can have serious and lasting effects.

It is imperative to act fast to file a claim if your child suffers from a birth defect due to medical malpractice. The statute of limitations will expire in the near future. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A consultation with a lawyer will assist you in determining the value of your case.

Statute of limitations

You could be eligible to make a claim if your child is born with a defect, or an injury which could have been easily prevented through medical negligence. However, there are strict deadlines - known as statutes or limitations that you must follow or your claim will be dismissed.

A birth defect is an anomaly affecting a newborn infant and can result in physical or mental disabilities including death. These cases fall under several different areas of law, including medical negligence, products liability, and employment law. For instance Thalidomide, a prescription drug, caused fetal birth defects decades ago and led to mass lawsuits against its maker.

Birth defects are a tragic part of life, but they can often be prevented. Medical malpractice claims are important to safeguard patients.

Find an Attorney

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

According to the CDC, birth defects can affect any part of an infant's body and often have an enormous impact on their appearance and function. Some of these disorders are not evident until the child is born or even later in the life of the baby. Many of these disorders are related to medical negligence.

An experienced and compassionate medical malpractice attorney can help your family recover the damages that you are due for your child's injuries. These damages can include emergency surgeries as well as long-term care and treatment for physical therapy, medications as well as special education costs, among other expenses associated with the child's disability.