Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer
Being aware that your child has a birth defect can turn what should have been a joyous time into a stressful and uncertain one. It is crucial to contact an attorney for medical malpractice and
birth defect lawyer as soon as you can.
You'll need to gather bills, receipts, credit card payments, and other evidence of your losses to receive full settlement for your losses. We have successfully represented families in court cases against big electronics companies, agricultural pesticide makers and commercial growers.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice or mistakes that occur during pregnancy can be the cause of numerous birth defects. Certain of these problems are more severe than others, however all birth injuries or defects can be devastating for the baby and their loved ones. A medical malpractice lawyer can determine if the doctor erred which led to the injury or defect.
Doctors can identify birth defects through screening tests during pregnancy. These tests can be conducted and interpret correctly to inform parents of the possibility that their child could have a
birth defect. This information allows them to decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or prepare for the birth and treatment of the child. If the doctor is unable to take or interpret the results of these tests, or if they fail to notify the parents of the results, this may be deemed medical negligence.
Birth defects and medical treatments are usually expensive. The treatments may include surgeries, specialists, medication physical and speech therapies, and assistive equipment. A lawsuit based on wrongful birth can aid in easing the cost of these expenses. This will allow families to provide the medical care their child requires. Medical malpractice claims are highly complex and time-sensitive, hence it's important to hire a reputable attorney as soon as you can.
Prescription Drugs
Although modern technology and recent advancements in the medical field have drastically reduced the chance of birth injuries and defects however, they're still a possibility. Birth defects and injuries can be severe or mild and require ongoing medical attention. In some cases, they could even lead to death. A Boston lawyer who is knowledgeable about dangerous drugs can assist parents in obtaining compensation to cover medical expenses in the near and in the near future, which includes hospitalizations, doctor's appointments rehabilitation services, assistive equipment, and much more.
If a doctor prescribes a medication to a pregnant mother that increases the likelihood of her child developing a birth defect they could be guilty of medical malpractice. They have a duty to be aware of the medications that can affect the development of the fetus and to not prescribe drugs that are harmful to the foetus.
Prescription drugs that increase the risk of having a birth defect are referred to as Teratogens. They include anti-seizure medications like Dilantin, Lamictal, Tegretol and Topamax. The FDA has warned against the use of these drugs during pregnancy. These medications increase the risk of having Cleft lips, cleft palates and heart, lung and other brain disorders. These medications can also cause miscarriage for women who are pregnant or nursing. Parents may sue doctors, drug makers and pharmacists for failing to warn of the dangers.
Toxic Chemicals
Parents often wonder what caused their child to be born with a birth deformity. The truth is that many different factors can lead to birth defects, ranging from drug-related side effects to toxic chemical exposure in utero.
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, in some cases, life-threatening. Most often, a birth defect occurs as a result of genetic defects. Birth defects are often caused by environmental or chemical exposure in the womb. These chemicals are called Teratogens and increase the chance of developing structural or functional abnormalities which are not reversible in offspring.
There is a wide range of industrial chemicals that have been associated with birth defects and other reproductive harm, and many people around the country are exposed to these chemicals every day. The list of potentially harmful chemical is long, covering semiconductor and technology factories with clean rooms, to pesticides used on nurseries and farms as well as automobile, paint, plastics, and paint manufacturing facilities.
Most of the time, the companies that make these chemicals do not properly test them for their possible effects on humans and it's not uncommon for them to fail to include adequate warnings in their products and services. The birth defect lawyers at LK can help families fight against big corporations that put profits before the health and safety their workers and children.
Environmental Exposure
Parents can be extremely distressed due to a birth defect in a child, as they will need to provide medical treatment throughout the existence of their infant. Certain birth defects can lead to physical and mental disabilities in the infant dependent on the severity.
While some birth defects are unavoidable due to genetics, many others can be triggered by exposure to chemicals or environmental elements during pregnancy. These could include prescription medications or toxic chemicals that can be consumed by the mother, or even from chemicals that have contaminated the air or groundwater in a community.
Birth defect lawsuits aren't only limited to medical malpractice. They can also be filed against businesses or individuals who are responsible for the injury of the child. For instance, if a physician prescribes a medicine that increases the likelihood of the birth defect of your child, they may be held responsible.
It's also the case for people or businesses who expose their workers to harmful chemicals and other substances. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to fungicides, pesticides or lead, as well metals and paints can increase the likelihood of having a child suffering from certain types of birth defects. In this regard, lawsuits have been filed against beauty salons as well as metal cleaning operations semiconductor manufacturing facilities as well as paint factories for their role in the development of serious
birth defect attorney defects in children. Web-based Integrated Birth Defects 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.