Birth Defect Lawsuits Parents want their children perfect but sometimes it's impossible. If that happens it is vital for parents to seek out the assistance of skilled birth defect lawyers. Medical negligence, dangerous medications, and environmental exposure can cause serious birth defects and injuries. A New York birth defects law firm can assist. Medical Malpractice When a doctor fails to adhere to the accepted standard of practice in their area, it is deemed medical malpractice. This could include failing to perform routine prenatal tests, prescribing medication that increases the likelihood of a birth defect or committing a lapse during labor and birth. Birth birth defects and birth injuries are typically the result of genetic and environmental causes, however sometimes they are the result of an error or negligence of a physician. For example in the event that a physician does not recognize a congenital disorder in the uterus and then fails to notify the parents of this condition, parents may pursue a wrongful birth lawsuit seeking compensation for all the lifetime expenses incurred by the disabled child. To prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit in birth defect cases, the plaintiff must prove that the doctor was in breach of a duty of care to the patient, that he failed to fulfill this duty, that his actions or lack of action directly triggered injuries and damages and that the patient suffered economic and non-economic losses as a result of the injuries. These damages could include medical bills as well as lost wages and emotional distress. Prenatal visits are crucial to ensure that pregnant women receive the necessary testing and monitoring. If you suspect that your child's birth defect is the result of medical malpractice, speak to an experienced medical malpractice and birth injury lawyer right away. Toxic Chemicals In the United States, thousands of babies are born every year with birth defects. These defects can vary in severity and impact way that a child appears, behaves and performs in life. Some are minor, but others can cause serious issues and even lead to death. Birth defects can result from genetic disorders or a variety of environmental and chemcial factors. Exposure to harmful chemicals, for instance, can cause serious complications in the infant. Our firm is committed in ensuring that employers are held accountable when they expose pregnant mothers or their unborn babies to harmful substances or medications. In the scientific literature, it is well-established that certain chemicals and toxins can traverse the placenta and affect the unborn child. These toxins are known as teratogenic. The exposure to these teratogenic chemicals can cause birth defects, such as Cleft lips and palates spina bifida, spina bifida and muscle dystrophy. While working, mothers are exposed a variety of toxic chemicals. These chemicals can be ingested or inhaled, or absorbed by the body's skin. These chemicals comprise industrial solvents such as EGE, ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) employed in the production of semiconductors. These chemicals can also be consumed by parents who take certain over-the counter and prescription drugs. This is due to the fact that many drugs are not adequately tested on pregnant women and have been shown to cause birth defects. Environmental Exposure While genetic disorders are one of the most frequently cited causes of birth defects, exposure to environmental factors can also be a significant factor. The presence of numerous chemicals and toxins in the workplace, at home and in food can increase the risk of developing birth defects. These include fungicides, pesticides and lead, as well as heavy metals, some paints and other chemical substances. Exposure to these toxins is usually unavoidable. However, if companies fail to safeguard pregnant employees, they are negligent and can be held responsible. Researchers are still unable determine exactly what causes the birth defect in a specific way. It is possible that an interaction with multiple factors could trigger the condition, but the difficulty is evaluating these interactions in real-time. This is why the National Children's Study, now beginning to be conducted in various states, is so crucial. The NCS will enroll 100,000 women from a variety of populations as well as follow them and their children over the long-term. This study will provide the most complete data to date about how various environmental factors affect fetal and child health. Many parents who are suffering from a child's birth defect feel guilty that they somehow contributed to the condition, but it's usually the case that these kinds of problems are not a choice. Our birth defect lawyers understand this and are dedicated in helping families with children with birth defects. Product Liability Many birth defects are caused by a range of factors that range from drug and alcohol consumption during pregnancy to genetics. Fortunately, the majority of these causes are preventable. If your child was born with a medical issue that could have been prevented or prevented, you could be entitled to compensation through an action for birth defects. A New York birth defect attorney will be able to help you determine if the condition of your child is due to an underlying chemical, medication or environmental exposure that is eligible for compensation. Your legal team can calculate the total cost of medical expenses related to your child's condition according to the severity. Although the vast majority of birth injuries are not the result of medical negligence, there have been cases where a doctor has been negligent during or prior to labor and delivery. A doctor may prescribe a medication in a way that harms a baby even before birth, or even make an error during surgery. Our birth defect lawyers have successfully defended lawsuits against drug companies where a mother's health healthcare provider has been exposed to prescription medication or toxic chemicals that can increase the risk of her having a child with birth defects. We also have brought birth defect lawsuits against companies who expose workers to dangerous substances while working like a paint factory or semiconductor manufacturing company.