Birth Defect Law Isn't As Difficult As You Think

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team Being aware that your child is suffering from an abnormal birth defect is one of the most frightening and confusing situations you could confront. Contacting a legal team for birth defects with experience is important in the earliest time possible. A lawyer can explain to you the reasons for birth defects and the best way you can file a lawsuit to recover damages on behalf of your child. Causes of Birth Defects Birth defects are structural changes to the body that impact the way it appears or functions. They can happen at any time during pregnancy, but the majority occur during the first three month. Some are visible, while others are detected only by a healthcare provider. They can range in severity from mild to severe. The majority of birth defects are caused by genetic anomalies. These happen when a gene alters (mutates) or disappears completely. Some genes are inherited from parents, but other genes originate from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy, or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can also increase the risk of developing a birth defect. There is no cure for all birth defects, however there are treatments available to assist with certain problems. Some of treatments include surgery, medicine and special home care. Some birth defects, like the cleft lip and palate as well as spina bifida can be fixed through surgery. The use of medicines can treat other problems, like Tay-Sachs as well as patent ductus. Women who smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy are at a greater chance of having a child with a birth defect. Women who have a history birth defects in their family are also at greater risk. It is important to talk to a doctor regarding your chances of having a child with a birth defect. Medical Malpractice In many instances birth defects arise from medical negligence during pregnancy or birth. A New York birth defect lawyer can assist parents in filing a malpractice suit against the doctor who caused the child's condition. For example, a doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother during pregnancy that heightened the chances of the child being born with a specific defect. If the child suffers from a severe mental disability because of the medication, they could receive government assistance to assist those with disabilities. The medical professional or hospital could have failed to detect an identified birth defect in the mother during the fetal screening. If the doctor was unable to do the test or discuss the results with parents, they could be held responsible for wrongful claims. Medical facilities, midwives and health professionals are required to divulge and provide medical records related to birth defects. This information can be used to monitor birth defects actions and to determine patterns, clusters and potential causes. This information should not be shared with other individuals or the general public unless it is permitted by the applicable laws, regulations and HIPAA. These regulations can differ depending on the jurisdiction. The information is only used for approved purposes by the department of the state. All employees involved in the program to monitor birth defects must sign confidentiality agreements and undergo training on how to handle confidential information. Prescription Drugs The risks of certain birth defects can be assessed prior to the birth of a baby via prenatal ultrasounds, amniocentesis and blood tests (obtaining an amniocentesis sample of the amniotic fluid from the fetus). These more specific screening options may be offered to women who are at greater risk of having a pregnancies due to an antecedent history with the mother or her age at which she became a mother. A variety of prescription and over-the counter medications can trigger serious adverse effects for pregnant women. Pharmaceutical companies and the doctors who prescribe these medicines have obligations to inform physicians about the risks and if they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for any resulting birth injuries. Due to birth defects as a result of birth defects, medical, hospital and pharmaceutical charges are often a quick way to accumulate particularly when the defect is serious and requires lifelong treatment. birth defect attorney lakeland is crucial to keep all receipts, bills and credit card information, and other documentation that demonstrates your injuries and rights to compensation. Most birth defects are diagnosed when the baby is born or shortly after and can be corrected through surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and can affect the person for the rest of their life which can cause significant disabilities and limitations. A skilled, compassionate birth defect lawyer can assist families receive the compensation they deserve. You should file a claim as soon you realize that your child is suffering from a birth defect. Environmental Exposure Birth problems can be caused by many environmental causes. These include prescription or over-the-counter medications in addition to chemical exposure at workplace or at home. Sometimes these causes are hard to pinpoint. When a lot of babies are born with the same defect in a specific time period or area, it is known as a “cluster”. A medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out if there is a suspected cause of a birth defect or injury. A medical malpractice attorney who is experienced and compassionate can help families get the amount they are due so that their child’s birth defect or injury doesn't cause permanent negative effects. Many states have laws that require the recording of birth defects. This includes the collection of information from hospital discharge record. The information can be used to spot patterns and anomalies. This data can also be collected through other programs, for instance: