Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer
If you discover that your child is born with a birth defect what should be a joyful time could quickly become one of anxiety and uncertainty. It is important to contact a medical malpractice or birth defect lawyer right away.
In order to receive the full compensation you deserve, you’ll be required to keep track of all your receipts, bills and credit card payment. We have successfully represented families in lawsuits against major electronics companies and agricultural pesticide companies as well as commercial growers.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice or mistakes that occurred during pregnancy can be the cause of many birth defects. Certain of these problems are more serious than others, but they can all be devastating to the child and loved ones. An attorney for medical malpractice can help determine whether the doctor committed an error that led to the defect or injury.
Doctors can detect some birth defects by performing screening tests during pregnancy. These tests can be carried out and correctly to inform parents of the possibility that their child might be born with a birth defect. This information helps them decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or prepare for the birth and treatment of the child. Medical malpractice can be a problem in the event that a doctor fails to interpret or conduct these tests, or failing to inform parents of the results.
Medical treatments for birth defects are typically expensive. They can involve surgeries, specialists, medication, physical and speech therapy, and assistive devices. A lawsuit for wrongful birth could assist in easing the financial burden of these costs. This will enable families to provide the care their child requires. Medical malpractice lawsuits are extremely complex and time-sensitive, hence it is crucial to find a reputable attorney as soon as possible.
Prescription Drugs
Although modern technology and recent developments in the medical field have significantly reduced the risk of birth defects and injuries but they are still a possibility. Birth defects of a mild or severe nature and injuries usually require lifetime medical attention. In some instances they can cause death. A Boston lawyer who is knowledgeable about dangerous drugs can help parents recover compensation to cover their child’s medical expenses now and in the near future, which includes hospitalizations, doctor’s appointments rehabilitation services, assistive equipment and much more.
A physician could be committing medical error if they prescribe medication to a pregnant woman who increases her child’s risk of developing a birth deformity. They must know which medications could negatively affect the growth of the fetus and to avoid prescribing harmful medications to the fetus.
Teratogens are prescription medication that can increase the chance of having a birth defect. They include anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin, Lamictal, Tegretol and Topamax. The FDA has warned against the use of these medications during pregnancy. These medications can increase the risk of having cleft lips, cleft palates and lung, heart and other brain abnormalities. These drugs also carry a chance of miscarriage in women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Parents may sue doctors, drug makers and pharmacists for failing warn about the risks.
Toxic Chemicals
When a child is born with a birth defect law firm defect, parents often wonder about what was the cause. The truth is that there are a variety of factors that can lead to the birth defect, ranging from drug-related side effects to toxic chemical exposure in the uterus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. These issues can be serious or minor, and sometimes even life-threatening. Most of the time a birth defect is a result of faulty genetics. However, a substantial portion of birth defects are caused by exposure to chemicals or environmental factors which occurs during the womb. These chemicals are referred to as teratogens and increase the likelihood of irreparable functional or structural defects in offspring.
Many people in the United States are exposed to industrial chemicals every single day. From semiconductor and technology factories with clean rooms, to pesticides that are used on nurseries and farms and plastics, automobiles and paint manufacturing facilities, the list of potentially harmful chemicals is long.
It’s not typical for companies not to warn their customers about the potential dangers of these chemicals. LK’s birth defect attorneys can help families fight against big corporations that put profits before the safety and health of their employees and children.
Environmental Exposure
Having a child with an anomaly in the birth process can be extremely stressful for parents, as it requires medical attention throughout the life of their child. Some birth defects can lead to mental and physical disabilities for the infant dependent on the degree of the defect.
While some birth defects are unavoidable due to genetics, many others can be caused through exposure to chemicals or environmental factors during pregnancy. These could include prescription medications or toxic chemicals which could be consumed by the mother or from chemicals that have affected the air or groundwater in a community.
In addition to medical malpractice birth defect lawsuits are brought against businesses or individuals who are accountable for the injuries suffered by the child. If a physician prescribes a medication that increases the risk of developing a birth defect, then they could be held accountable.
The same goes for individuals or businesses that expose workers to dangerous chemicals and other substances. Numerous studies have revealed that exposure to fungicides, pesticides or lead, as well metals and paints could increase the chances of having a child with certain birth defects. In order to combat this issue there were lawsuits filed against beauty salons as well as metal cleaning facilities as well as semiconductor manufacturing facilities and painting factories. The development of a Web-based, integrated Birth Defects Surveillance system in New York State. Wang, Y., Tao, Z., Steen, P.M., Cross, P.K., Druschel, C.M. Hwang, S.-A. Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. 14(6): E1-E10. 2008.