The Most Common Birth Defect Settlement Mistake Every Beginner Makes
Birth Defect Law
Birth issues and injuries can be caused by a variety of causes. In many cases, these conditions are easily prevented.
They are usually caused by medical malpractice while pregnant. Other causes include chemical exposure. Workers in beauty salons and paint factories as well, as those who work in metal cleaning operations are at an increased risk of developing defects.
Causes
Birth defects are structural abnormalities that affect one or more parts. The severity of these defects may range from mild to life-threatening. Around 1 out of 33 babies is born with a birth defect every year.
When a baby is born with a birth defect, it can be a heartbreaking experience for parents and other family members. Certain birth defects are passed down by a parent's genes while others can be caused by a number of factors, such as problems with obstetrics and pregnancy, side-effects of medications as well as toxins and infections.
Birth defect lawyers and studies have shown that some of birth defects can be attributed to environmental causes, including medications that are not properly prescribed by doctors as well as toxic chemicals found in the home and workplace, and toxins that contaminate the environment. In the Vietnam War, mothers were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which resulted in birth defects in children. Unfortunately, many of these birth defects could be prevented with the appropriate care.
Signs and symptoms
Birth defects can alter the way your body looks and performs. It can be structural (such as a cleft palate or lip) or result from genetic changes. A chromosome extra is the reason for Down syndrome. Certain medications and environmental factors could be the cause of this condition.
Some birth defects are extremely noticeable, such as lips or palates that are cleft and others are more subtle. Some of these include an inability to respond to sounds, or a lack of ability to meet developmental goals such as crawling and sitting up.
Birth injuries can result from an anomaly in the birth process or they may occur during labor and birth. For instance a caput sucedaneum is swelling of the infant's head as a result of pressure from a head first delivery. Sometimes, these injuries are difficult to detect, especially when they show up as reduced heart rate, lowered oxygen levels, or excessive drooling.
Treatment
If your child was born with a birth defect there are treatment options that can help improve the condition of your child. These include surgery, medication and other specialized treatments.
Birth defects can affect any area or function of the body, according to the CDC. They can also impact the life expectancy of your child.
Many health care specialists can treat a baby with a birth defect including pediatricians, family practitioners and neonatologists. If your baby was born with a serious birth defect like club foot, you may need to consult a limb surgeon or orthopedic specialist.
If your doctor failed to fulfill the duty of care owed to you during your pregnancy and that breach caused the birth defect of your child you may be able to file an action for medical malpractice. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies who prescribe certain medications have a responsibility to warn women who are of childbearing age about the dangers of birth defects, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs are associated with various health issues, including birth defects.
Damages
Medical professionals must take all precautions to ensure that infants do not suffer from birth defects or injuries. Parents could be entitled to compensation if medical professionals fail to take the necessary precautions.
There are many types of damages, based on the severity of an birth defect or injury. A lawyer can help you determine the damages you should pursue.
The CDC says that each year one in 33 infants is born with an anomaly in the birth. These birth defects can vary from cleft lip defects to missing limbs, and can be serious and have long-lasting effects.
If your child suffered a birth defect because of medical malpractice, it's imperative that you act swiftly to file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out. A Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer can assist you. A legal consultation can assist you in determining the value of your case.
Statute of Limitations
If your child is suffering from an illness or defect that is a result of birth that could have been avoided by medical negligence, then you may have a legal claim. However there are strict deadlines referred to as statutes of limitations which you must adhere to or your case will be dismissed.
Birth defects are abnormalities that affect infants. They can lead to physical or mental disabilities, and even death. These cases fall within different legal areas, including medical negligence, products liability and employment law. For instance Thalidomide, a prescription drug, caused fetal birth defect lawyers defects decades ago and led to mass action suits against its manufacturer.
Although birth defects are an unfortunate aspect of life, they're usually prevented. This is the reason medical malpractice claims against doctors are important to safeguard patients.
Finding an Attorney
Despite the fact that medical and technological advancements have greatly reduced the risks of pregnancy and birth some birth defects still occur. Parents who are shocked to discover that their child was affected by a birth defect or injury could be legally entitled to compensation.
According to the CDC birth defects can affect any part of the infant's body and often have an impact on their appearance and function. Some of these diseases are not recognized until after the baby's birth or even after. Many of these disorders could be caused by medical malpractice.
A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and skilled can help your family get the damages you're owed. These injuries include emergency surgery as well as long-term care and treatment. They also include medication, physical therapy, and special education costs.