Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Methods To Say Birth Defect Legal

Birth Defect Litigation

Some injuries are out of the parents or their control. When these injuries require special medical attention and expensive procedures, it could result in huge costs for families.

A New York birth defect attorney can help parents in shock to file an action to receive compensation for future expenses. However, the law places strict deadlines the time a claim has to be filed.

Statute of limitations

Modern technology and medical advances have aided in reducing the risks associated with childbirth, pregnancy and birth. Birth defects and injuries do remain a possibility. If they can be prevented, families need to explore their legal options.

Many birth defect lawsuits are based upon allegations of medical malpractice. These lawsuits can be based on mistakes made by nurses or doctors at any time during labor and delivery processes. Medical professionals can also be guilty of malpractice following the birth of a child in the event that they fail to provide appropriate treatment.

In general the statute of limitation for these cases are 2.5 years after the date of the medical error. For infants, this time period can be extended. It is essential to speak with an attorney whenever you can to ensure that all evidence is gathered and that a timely complaint can be filed.

In addition to medical malpractice, a suit may also be filed on behalf of a baby for birth defects resulting from improper toxic and chemical exposures that take place during the mother's pregnancy. Specially trained birth defect lawyers are able to investigate these claims and bring them to trial on behalf of the family.

Parents should be aware of the following characteristics when choosing an attorney to represent their interests in a lawsuit filed for birth defect or injury:

Medical Malpractice

Birth defects can lead to a variety of mental and physical problems. Some birth defects can cause death. Some of these issues are inherited, whereas others are due to exposure to environmental factors or the use of prescription drugs during pregnancy.

A doctor or medical professional could be accused of malpractice when they cause birth defects as a result of their actions or inaction. Most cases involve medical negligence during the birth or labor process. However, they could also include any act or failure to act that falls short of the medical standard of care, such as failing to recognize a medical issue or prescribing the wrong medicine during pregnancy.

One such case involves teratogens. These drugs can result in serious birth defects. During pregnancy, doctors typically advise women to avoid taking this medication, which is used to treat seizures. If a pregnant woman is exposed to this drug, she should submit a claim.

It is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. You should look for a firm with extensive experience in this field. It also is on contingency, which means you won't be charged anything until you win. Choose an attorney with outstanding negotiation and communication skills. This will help ensure that you file your claim before the time limit expires.

Prescription Drugs

A lot of birth defects can cause mental or physical disabilities, that require expensive medical treatment and accommodations for the child. Most often, these disorders are genetically inherited, but some of them may be caused by chemical or environmental exposure, or the medications the mother consumed during pregnancy.

Drug makers are required to adequately test their products and warn consumers about any risks. Unfortunately certain pharmaceutical companies fail to keep up with research or foresee potential side effects. In addition, doctors can prescribe dangerous medications to their patients as well as some women do not get proper information about the risks associated with taking certain medications during pregnancy. These drugs are known as teratogens, and they can cause birth defects within the fetus, including spina bifida.

Other substances that could cause birth defects are chemicals employed in the production and agricultural industries, as well as heavy metals, like mercury that are contaminating groundwater or the air. Diane Paolicelli's legal career is focused on fighting powerful corporations who expose women to toxic chemicals and substances that can harm their reproductive health or lead to birth defect attorneys defects.

If you decide to file lawsuits against the parties responsible for your child's condition it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes ultrasound scans, blood tests and medical bills that arise as a result of the birth defect. This will help the attorney determine the financial worth of the case.

Product Liability

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting, but anxiety-inducing experiences in a woman's lifetime. It's also the time that medical professionals can make mistakes that result in birth defects. An experienced attorney can help parents file a claim against those who are responsible for their child's disabilities and receive the proper compensation they're entitled to.

Medical experts are not always able determine the causes of birth defects, but a large number can be attributable to environmental or chemical exposure. This may include contact by parents with toxic chemicals at the workplace, like glycol ethers and solvents that are used in semiconductor manufacturing and chemical pesticides used in agriculture and spraying crops.

Manufacturers and those who prescribe medication must also inform the public about the risks. However, a lot of these medications are sold off-label to women of childbearing age, without warnings about the potential for birth defects. This is especially true for antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft.

Christian Uehlein, a partner at Thornton Law Firm, represents plaintiffs in birth defect lawsuits against pharmaceutical and chemical companies. He focuses his practice on cases where birth defects are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in the home by parents like those employed in semiconductor manufacturing or agriculture. He is a graduate from the American University in Washington, D.C. and Suffolk University Law School.