Why It Is Important to Hire a Birth Defect Lawyer Finding out that your child has a birth defect can turn what should have been a joyous time into an anxious and uncertain one. It is crucial to contact an experienced medical malpractice and birth defect lawyer as soon as you can. In order to receive the full compensation you are entitled to, you'll need to collect all your receipts, bills, and credit card payments. We have successfully represented families in lawsuits against major electronics companies, agricultural pesticide makers and commercial growers. Medical Malpractice Medical malpractice or mistakes that occur during pregnancy are responsible for numerous birth defects. Some of these issues are more severe than others, but all birth injuries or defects can be devastating for the child and their loved ones. A medical malpractice lawyer can determine if a doctor made an error that led to the defect or injury. Certain birth defects are easily detected through screening tests that doctors carry out during pregnancy. These tests can be conducted and correctly to inform parents of the possibility that their child might have a birth deformity. This information allows them to decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or prepare for the birth and treatment of the child. If the doctor fails to take or interpret the results of these tests or fails to notify the parents of the results, it could be deemed medical malpractice. Treatments for birth defects are often expensive. These treatments include surgeries, specialists, medication physical and speech therapies as well as assistive equipment. The money awarded in an untimely birth lawsuit can help ease the financial burden that is related to these costs, making it easier for families to access the care their child requires. Medical malpractice lawsuits are often complex and time-sensitive. Therefore, it's important to seek out an experienced attorney as soon as you can. Prescription Drugs Although the advancement of technology and advancements in the medical field have drastically reduced the chance of birth injuries and defects however, they're still a possibility. Birth injuries and defects can be severe or mild and often require ongoing medical attention. In some cases they can cause death. A Boston dangerous drugs lawyer will help parents obtain compensation to cover medical expenses now and in the future, including hospitalizations, doctor's appointments, rehabilitation services, assistive equipment, and more. If a doctor prescribes a medication to an expecting mother that increases the risk of her child having a birth defect, they could be guilty for medical malpractice. They must be aware of the effects of medications on the development of the fetus, and not prescribe medications that are harmful to the embryo. Prescription medications that increase the risk of having a birth defect are known as teratogens. They include anti-seizure medications like Dilantin, Lamictal, Tegretol and Topamax. The FDA has warned against using these medications during pregnancy. They could increase the risk of cleft lips and cleft palates, as well as brain, lung and heart abnormalities. These medications can also cause miscarriage in women who are pregnant, or nursing. Parents can take action against doctors, drug manufacturers and pharmacists for failing to warn of the dangers. Toxic Chemicals When a child is born with a birth defect, parents often ask themselves what the cause is. Birth defects can be caused by a range of causes, such as medication side effects and exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect. These conditions could be minor or serious and can be life-threatening. Most often, a birth defect is a result of genetic abnormalities. However, a significant portion of birth defects are the result of exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors that happens during the womb. These chemicals are referred to as Teratogens and increase the chance of developing functional or structural problems which are not reversible in offspring. There are a huge variety of industrial chemicals that have been associated with birth defects and other reproductive harms and a lot of people across the country are exposed these chemicals every day. From semiconductor and technology factories with clean rooms to pesticides in nurseries and farms, and automobile, plastics and paint manufacturing facilities the list of harmful chemicals is extensive. Most times, companies that manufacture these chemicals do not properly test them for potential effects on humans, and it's not unusual to see them fail to include adequate warnings in their products and services. The team of birth defect attorneys at LK can assist families to fight against corporations that put profits over the health and safety of their employees and their children. Environmental Exposure Parents can be extremely distressed due to a birth defect in a child because they will need to provide medical treatment for the entire duration of their baby's. Some birth defects can result in mental and physical disabilities for the baby for life dependent on the severity. Some birth defects cannot be cured due to genetics. However exposure to chemicals or environmental factors can cause a myriad of other. These include prescription drugs as well as toxic chemicals that the mother can ingest or chemicals that have been contaminated by groundwater or air. Apart from medical malpractice, birth defect lawsuits can be filed against companies or individuals that are liable for the injuries suffered by the child. For instance, if a doctor prescribes a drug that can increase the chance of the birth defect of your child, they may be held liable. This is also the case for businesses or individuals who expose their employees to harmful chemicals and other substances. Numerous studies have proven that exposure to pesticides, fungicides, lead, metals and paints could increase the chances of having a child who has certain 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 because of their role in the development of serious birth defects in children. Web-based integrated birth defect surveillance 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.