Birth Defect Law Explained In Less Than 140 Characters

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team

It can be a frightening and confusing experience to learn that your child is born with a birth defect. It is essential to speak with an experienced legal team as soon as possible.

A lawyer can explain the cause of a birth defect as well as how to file a lawsuit in order to get compensation for your child.

Causes of Birth Defects

gilbert birth defect lawyer defects are structural changes to the body that impact the way it looks or functions. They can happen anytime during pregnancy, but most occur during the first three months. Some are obvious, while others are only detected by a doctor. They can be severe or mild, from mild to severe.

The majority of birth defects are caused by genetic abnormalities. They occur when a gene alters (mutates) or is not present completely. Some genes are inherited from parents, but other genes are acquired from the environment. Environment-related factors include drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemical substances can also increase the risk of developing a birth defect.

Some birth defects can be treated, but most cannot. Some of these treatments include surgery medicine, and special home care. Surgery can correct some birth defects, such as lip and palate clefts and birth defect lawyer spina-bifida. Other issues, such Tay-Sachs ' disease, can be treated using medications.

Women who consume alcohol, smoke or both during pregnancy have an increased chance of having babies with birth defects. Women who have an ancestral history of birth defect are at a higher risk of having a child with a birth defect as well. It is essential to discuss with your physician the possibility of having a baby with a birth defect.

Medical Malpractice

In many instances birth defects arise from medical negligence during pregnancy or the birth. A New York birth defect lawyer can help parents file a malpractice suit against the doctor who caused the child's condition.

For example, a doctor might have prescribed a medication to the mother during her pregnancy that increased the likelihood of the child being born with a specific defect. If the child suffers from a severe mental impairment because of the medication, they can be eligible for government assistance to help with their needs.

The medical professional or hospital also could not have detected an identifiable birth defect in the mother during fetal screening. If the doctor did not perform testing or discuss the results with parents or the hospital, they could be responsible for claims based on wrongful birth.

Health professionals, medical facilities and midwives are required reveal and report medical records related to birth defects. This information can be used for birth defects surveillance actions and to determine trends, clusters and possible causes. The information cannot be divulged to any other individual or the public unless it is allowed by the applicable laws, regulations and HIPAA. These regulations could differ based on region. The information is only used for approved purposes by the department of the state. In addition all employees who are involved in the monitoring of birth defects must sign confidentiality agreements and be educated on the appropriate handling of confidential information.

Prescription Drugs

Amniocentesis, ultrasounds for prenatal birth and blood tests can identify the possibility of certain birth defects prior to a child is even born. These more detailed screening methods are offered to women who are at greater risk of having a pregnancies due to an antecedent history with the mother or her advanced maternal age.

A number of over-the-counter and prescription medicines can cause serious side effects when taken by women who are pregnant. The pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who prescribe these medications are obliged to inform doctors of the dangers. If they fail to do this, they may be held accountable for birth injuries.

Medical, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses can pile quickly because of birth defects, particularly severe ones that require lifelong treatment and treatment. It is essential to gather all receipts as well as bills, credit card records, and other documents that show your losses and your right to compensation.

The majority of birth defects are discovered when the baby is born or shortly thereafter and are able to be corrected with surgery. Others could be forever, affecting the individual throughout his or her life and causing significant limitations and disabilities. A knowledgeable, sympathetic birth defect lawyer can help families get the justice they deserve. You should file a claim as soon you realize that your child has an abnormal birth.

Environmental Exposure

There are a myriad of environmental causes of birth defects. They can be caused by prescription or over the counter drugs to exposure to chemicals in the workplace or in homes. Sometimes these causes are hard to identify. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born within an exact time frame and location, this is known as a birth defects "cluster".

If there is any reason to believe that an injury or birth defect was the result of medical malpractice or negligence, a medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out. A medical malpractice attorney who is knowledgeable and caring will assist families to receive the money they deserve to ensure that their child's birth defect or injury won't be a permanent negative impact.

Many states have laws that require the monitoring of birth defects. This involves the collection of information from the hospital discharge records. The data can be used to detect patterns and anomalies.

This information may be collected by other programs, including: