It's Time To Forget Birth Defect Litigation: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer If your child was born with a birth deformity it could be devastating for your family as well as you. The cost of therapy, medical bills and other losses can quickly accumulate. A Hyattsville birth defect lawyer could help you file an appeal to receive compensation for the cost of caring for your disabled child. A legal claim for birth defects can be complicated, which is why you should seek legal advice as soon as you can. Medical Malpractice Medical professionals must follow an appropriate standard of care when treating pregnant women and their infants. When a doctor's actions fall below this standard and cause an injury or birth defect and/or death, they may be held liable for the damages sustained by their patient. A DC lawyer with expertise in lawsuits involving birth defects can help determine whether your child's condition was caused by a medical error during the pregnancy or delivery. A doctor could also be held responsible for birth injuries if they fail to detect fetal distress or do not respond appropriately. This can result in many serious problems like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy as well as brain injuries like cerebral palsy. The distinction between birth defects and birth injury is that defects are part of a person's genetic makeup however, injuries are caused by an event that occurs during pregnancy, labor, or the birth. The causes of injuries include issues like Erb's syndrome which is caused when the nerves that stimulate and control an infant's arms are stretched or torn during the birth process as well as caput succedaneum which is a swelling of the scalp. Both can result in a lifelong disability, and ongoing treatment will cost a lot of money. A Washington, DC lawyer who is specialized in birth defects will offer a free consultation in order to review your case, and determine the best course for you and your baby. birth defect attorney illinois may be able to help parents determine the reason behind a child's birth defect. While many birth defects are due to the genetics of the pregnancy of a mother however, they may also occur because of medications. A number of common medications can have a negative impact on foetuses. This is particularly relevant in the first three months of pregnancy. These include anti-nausea drugs, NSAIDs, chemotherapy drugs including certain antibiotics, and more. These medications have been linked to a higher risk of limb defects and heart defects, brain deformities and craniosynostois. It is the duty of a doctor to take into consideration these risks when prescribing medications for pregnant women. If doctors do not meet this standard of care, they may be liable for medical malpractice. Pharmaceutical companies can be held liable as well for failing to adequately warn mothers of the risks associated with their products. For example, Zofran, a medication used to treat nausea in cancer patients, has been shown to significantly increase the risk of congenital defects that are major in first trimester pregnancies. A birth defect lawyer can assist a family to obtain compensation for medical expenses, income loss and quality of living. This could include hospital, doctor's pharmaceutical, and other costs, as well as assistive devices and treatments. Chemical Exposure A birth defect lawyer can file an action on behalf of the families of children suffering from congenital disabilities that result from the negligence of companies who expose pregnant women chemicals or drugs that cause birth defects. These lawyers are specially-trained to determine the reason for birth defects so they can bring a case against companies who expose pregnant women to teratogens at work or in their home. Metals, fungicides and herbicides as well as pesticides are some of the chemicals that can cause birth defects. These chemicals are referred to as Teratogens because they influence the healthy development of a fetus through chemical changes that lead to abnormal organs or hinder normal cell function. These chemicals are found in many different settings, including manufacturing of semiconductors, cleaning of metals and paint production. Other chemicals that can cause birth defects include hydrocarbons with aliphatic properties, like dichloroethane or trichloroethylene perchloroethylene. These chemicals are known to cause heart defects in babies born to mothers exposed in the womb. Parents have filed lawsuits in order to expose companies to liability for the families of soldiers in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina exposed to harmful chemicals. Some of these birth defect lawyers have won substantial settlements for families that had children born with severe defects resulting from the exposure to toxic chemicals at the base. Environmental Exposure Some birth defects can be caused by a combination of medical negligence and environmental conditions or chemical. If a family believes that the birth defect of their child may be the result of medical malpractice, prescription drug overdose or exposure to harmful chemicals, they should consult an DC birth injury lawyer to discuss the issue. Chemicals and other substances in the environment can cause serious birth defects if they are ingested or taken in by pregnant women. These substances are referred to as Teratogens. Over 4 million chemicals are found in our food, air and water and some can be harmful if they come into contact with a woman who is pregnant. For instance, arsenic found in drinking water and cadmium in contaminated coal can cause a variety of birth defects and other health problems. Certain birth defects can also be related to industrial solvents, such as benzene (a metal degreaser) as well as toluene (a solvent for plastics) and trichloroethylene. Glycol-ethers, which are used in the production of semiconductors, silicon chips and video displays are known to increase a woman's chance of having birth defects. LK's experienced attorneys for birth defects have filed many lawsuits on behalf of children who suffered from a variety of birth defects as a result of accidental exposure to toxic chemicals or chemicals at their workplace or home. These lawsuits typically require complicated scientific analysis and expert witnesses, including toxicologists or epidemiologists, geneticists embryologists and occupational medicine experts.