9 Signs That You re A Birth Defect Legal Expert

Birth Defect Litigation

Some injuries are beyond the parents' control. Families may be left with a huge bill when injuries require costly procedures and special attention.

A New York birth defect lawyer can help stunned parents file an appeal and obtain compensation to cover future expenses. However, the law has strict deadlines when a claim must be filed.

Statute of Limitations

Modern technology and medical advances have helped to reduce the risks that come with childbirth and pregnancy. However, birth defects and injuries still occur. Families should consider their legal options when they are preventable.

Many birth defect suits are stemming from claims of medical malpractice. These cases can involve mistakes committed by nurses or doctors staff at any stage of pregnancy, labor and birth. Additionally, medical professionals can commit medical malpractice following a child's birth when they fail to provide proper care.

In general, the statutes of limitations for these cases are 2.5 years after the date of the medical error. For infants, the time period can be extended. It is essential to speak with a lawyer early enough to ensure that all evidence is gathered, and that a timely complaint be filed.

In addition to medical malpractice, a suit may also be filed on behalf of a baby for birth defects caused by wrongful exposure to chemicals and toxic substances that occur during the mother's pregnancy. Lawyers specially trained in birth defects can investigate and pursue these claims on behalf of the family.

When selecting an attorney for a birth defect law firms defect or birth defect law firms birth injury lawsuit parents should be looking for the following qualities:

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects can lead to a variety of mental and physical ailments. Some birth defects may cause death. Certain of these problems could be caused by genetics and others may be caused by environmental exposures or prescription drugs used during pregnancy.

A medical professional or doctor may be accused of negligence when they cause a birth defect through their actions or inaction. These cases usually involve medical negligence during the birth or labor process. They may also involve any act which falls below a standard of medical care, like failing to recognize an illness or prescribing the wrong medication during pregnancy.

One example involves teratogens. These drugs can cause birth defects that are serious. Doctors usually advise women not to take this medication during pregnancy. It is used to treat seizures. If a pregnant woman is exposed to this medication, she must make a claim.

It is essential to select an attorney who is experienced in handling these kinds of cases. Look for a law firm that has a specialization in this area, and works on an on a contingency basis, meaning you won't have to pay a dime unless you get the case won. Also, search for a lawyer who has excellent communication and negotiation abilities. This will help ensure that you make your claim in time before the statute of limitations expires.

Prescription Drugs

A lot of Birth defect law firms defects can cause physical or mental disabilities, that require expensive medical treatment and accommodations for the child. These issues are often genetic, but they may also be caused by chemical or environmental exposure or medication taken by the mother during pregnancy.

Drug manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products and warn consumers about any potential risks. Unfortunately many pharmaceutical companies fail to keep up with research or foresee potential side consequences. Additionally, doctors can prescribe dangerous drugs to their patients and some women do not receive the correct information regarding the dangers of taking certain drugs during pregnancy. These drugs, referred to as teratogens may cause birth defect lawsuit defects such as spina-bifida in the fetus.

Other substances that could cause birth defects are chemicals used in the agricultural and manufacturing industries, and heavy metals like mercury which affect groundwater or the air. Diane Paolicelli has dedicated her legal career to fighting powerful corporations which expose women to harmful chemicals and other substances that harm their reproductive health and cause birth defects.

If you decide to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your child's condition it is crucial to gather as much evidence as you can. Included in this are any ultrasound images as well as blood tests and medical bills incurred as a result. This will help the attorney determine the financial value of the case.

Product Liability

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting, yet stressful experiences in women's lives. It's also a time where medical professionals make mistakes that can lead to birth defects. A reputable attorney can assist parents in filing an appeal and gaining the money they deserve from those responsible for the handicap of their child.

Medical experts aren't always able determine the root of birth defects, however many of them can be due to environmental or chemical exposure. This could include exposure of parents to harmful chemicals at work, such as glycol ethers and solvents in semiconductor manufacturing, birth defect law firms as well as agricultural chemicals used for spraying crops and pesticides.

Furthermore, manufacturers and those who prescribe prescription drugs have a responsibility to warn consumers of the dangers. A large number of these drugs are marketed to women who are pregnant without warnings of the possibility of birth defect. This is particularly relevant for antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft.

Christian Uehlein is a partner with Thornton Law Firm. He represents plaintiffs in birth defect lawsuits against pharmaceutical and chemical companies. He focuses his practice on cases where birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals by parents like those used in the manufacture of semiconductors or in agriculture. He graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. and Suffolk University Law School.