14 Common Misconceptions About Birth Defect Attorneys

Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer

Being aware that your child has an abnormal birth defect can transform what was supposed to be an exciting time into a stressful and unsure experience. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer and birth defect lawyer as soon as you can.

To get the full amount of compensation you deserve, you will have to keep all of your bills, receipts and credit card transactions. We have successfully represented families in cases against big electronics companies, agricultural pesticide makers and commercial growers.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice or mistakes that occurred during pregnancy are responsible for many birth defects. Some of these problems are more serious than others however, they can all be devastating for the child as well as loved ones. A medical malpractice lawyer can determine if the doctor made an error that caused the injury or defect.

Certain birth defects are capable of being detected through screening tests performed by doctors during pregnancy. These tests can be conducted and correctly to inform parents of the possibility that their child may have a birth defect. This information could allow them to choose to terminate the pregnancy, or at the very least plan for the birth of the child and treatment. If the doctor does not carry out or interpret these tests or fails to notify the parents of the results, birth defect this may be deemed medical malpractice.

Medical treatments for birth defect are often expensive. They can include surgeries, specialists, medication physical and speech therapies and assistive devices. The amount of compensation awarded by a lawsuit for wrongful birth can assist in easing the financial burden related to these costs making it easier for families to receive the help their child requires. Medical malpractice claims are often complex and time-sensitive. It is therefore essential to find a reputable attorney early enough.

Prescription Drugs

Although modern technology and recent developments in the field of medicine have drastically reduced the risk of birth injuries and defects but they are still a possibility. Birth defects and injuries can be severe or mild and often require life-long medical care. In some cases they can cause death. A Boston lawyer for dangerous drugs will help parents obtain compensation to cover medical expenses for the moment and in the future, including hospitalizations and doctor's appointments, rehabilitation services, assistive equipment and more.

If a doctor prescribes a medication to an expectant mother that increases the chance of her child developing a birth defect, they may be guilty of medical malpractice. They must be aware of what medications affect the development of a fetus and not prescribe drugs harmful to the baby's fetus.

Teratogens are prescription medications that can increase the chance of having a birth defect. They include anti-seizure drugs such as Dilantin, Lamictal, Tegretol and Topamax. The FDA has issued warnings regarding the use of these medicines during pregnancy. These medications can increase the risk of cleft palates, cleft lips and lung, heart and other brain disorders. They can also cause miscarriage for women who are pregnant or nursing. Parents may be able to sue doctors, drug companies and pharmacists for failing to warn about the risks.

Toxic Chemicals

If a child is born with a birth defect parents often wonder about what the cause is. Birth defects can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the effects of medications and exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. These conditions can be serious or minor, and sometimes even life-threatening. Most often, a birth defect occurs as a result of genetic defects. Birth defects can be caused by chemical or environmental exposure during the womb. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens. They increase the risk of structural or functional abnormalities that cannot be reversed in offspring.

Many Americans are exposed to industrial chemicals on a daily basis. From semiconductor and technology factories with clean rooms, to pesticides on farms and nurseries and plastics, automobiles and paint manufacturing plants The list of harmful chemicals is long.

It's not unusual for companies to fail to warn their customers about the potential dangers of these chemicals. Our birth defect lawyers can assist families fight big corporations that place profits before the health and safety their workers and children.

Environmental Exposure

Being a parent of a child who has a birth defect can be incredibly distressing for parents as they will require medical attention throughout the life of their child. Depending on the severity of the condition, some birth defects could cause physical and mental disabilities for the infant.

Some birth defects can't be prevented due to genetics. However, environmental or chemical exposure can cause many others. This includes prescription drugs as well as toxic chemicals that the mother could ingest, or chemicals that have been contaminated by groundwater or air.

Birth defect lawsuits aren't limited to medical malpractice. They can also be filed against individuals or companies who are accountable for the harm of the child. For instance, if a doctor prescribes a drug that increases the likelihood of the birth defect of your child, they may be found to be responsible.

It's also the case for individuals or businesses who expose their employees to harmful chemicals and substances. Numerous studies have proven that exposure to fungicides, pesticides or lead, as well metals and paints can increase the likelihood of having a child who has certain birth defects. For this reason, lawsuits have been filed against beauty salons and metal cleaning operations, semiconductor manufacturing facilities as well as paint factories due to their role in the development of serious birth defects in children. Web-based integrated birth defect surveillance in New York State. Wang, Y., Tao, Z., Steen, P.M., Cross, P.K., Druschel, C.M. and Hwang, S-A. Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. 14(6): E1-E10. 2008.