The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Law

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team Finding out that your child has an abnormal birth defect is one of the most terrifying and confusing experiences you'll ever confront. It's important to contact an experienced legal team as soon as you can. A lawyer can explain to you the causes of birth defects and how to file a suit to recover damages on behalf of your child. Causes of Birth Defects Birth defects are structural issues which affect the way that the body appears or functions. They can happen anytime during pregnancy, however they tend to occur during the first three months. Some are visible, while others are only detected by a doctor. They can vary in severity from mild to severe. Genetic defects are the reason for the majority of birth defects. They occur when a gene alters (mutates) or is absent altogether. The majority of genes are passed on from parents to children but some come from the environment. Environmental factors include smoking, drinking during pregnancy, or taking certain medications. Exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the risk of a birth defect. Some birth defects can be corrected, however most aren't. Some of these treatments include surgery, medication, and specialized home care. Some birth defects, such as Cleft lip and the palate and spina Bifida, can be fixed through surgery. Medicines can be used to treat other conditions, such as Tay-Sachs or patent ductus artery. Women who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or both during pregnancy are at an increased risk of having children with birth defects. Women who have a family history of birth defect are at a higher risk, too. It is important to discuss to a doctor regarding your risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Medical Malpractice In many cases birth defects are the result of medical mistakes during pregnancy and delivery. A New York birth defect lawyer can help parents file a malpractice suit against the doctor responsible for causing the child's condition. A doctor could have mistakenly prescribed medication to the mother that increased the chance of the baby developing a certain defect. If birth defect law firm schaumburg suffers from a severe mental deficiency because of that medication, the child could receive government disability benefits to help meet their requirements. The medical professional or hospital could not have detected a birth defect that was known to the mother during the fetal screening. If the doctor did not perform testing or did not discuss the results with parents, he could be held accountable for wrongful claims. Midwives, medical facilities and health professionals are required to disclose and report medical records relating to birth defects. The information is used for monitoring birth defects activities, as well as to identify trends, clusters, and possible causes. The information cannot be divulged to any other individual or the public unless it is authorized by applicable laws, regulations, and HIPAA. These regulations may vary by the state of. The information is used only for purposes that are approved by the department of health for the state. All employees involved in the birth defect surveillance program must sign confidentiality agreements and receive training on how to handle confidential information. Prescription Drugs Amniocentesis as well as prenatal ultrasounds and blood tests can reveal the possibility of certain birth defects prior to the baby is born. Women with higher-risk pregnancies can be offered these more in-depth screening options due to the family history or maternal age. A number of over-the-counter and prescription medicines can cause serious adverse effects when used by women who are pregnant. The pharmaceutical companies and those who prescribe these drugs have an obligation to warn doctors about the risks and, if they fail to take this step, they may be held responsible for any resulting birth injuries. As a result of birth defects, medical, hospital, and pharmaceutical costs can quickly add up particularly in cases where the defect is significant and requires lifelong treatment. It is important to collect all receipts and bills and credit card information, and other documents that show your injuries and rights to compensation. Most birth defects are diagnosed before the baby is born or shortly thereafter and can be corrected through surgery. Certain birth defects are permanent and can affect the affected person for the rest of their lives, causing significant limitations and disabilities. A compassionate, knowledgeable birth defect lawyer can assist families get the proper compensation they are entitled to. If you suspect your child was born with a birth defect it is important to make a claim before the statute of limitations expires. Environmental Exposure Birth problems can be caused by many environmental causes. They can be caused by prescription or over-the-counter medications in addition to chemical exposure at workplace or at home. Sometimes, the causes are difficult to pinpoint. However, when a large number of babies with the same defect are born in the same time and location, this is known as a birth defects “cluster”. A medical malpractice lawyer should be consulted if there is a suspicion of a birth defect or injury. A medical malpractice lawyer who is skilled and compassionate will assist families to receive the money they deserve to ensure that their child’s birth defect or injury doesn't result in permanent negative consequences. Many states have laws requiring the recording of birth defects. This includes the collection of data from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to identify patterns and anomalies. The information could also be gathered using other programs, like: