Why You Should Hire a Birth Defect Legal Team Discovering that your child has an abnormal birth defect is among the most frightening and confusing situations you'll face. It is essential to speak with an experienced legal team as soon as you can. A lawyer can help you understand the causes of a birth defect as well as how to file a lawsuit to recover damages for your child. Causes of Birth Defects Birth defects are structural changes within the body that affect the way it looks or functions. They can happen at any point during pregnancy, but they typically happen in the first three months. Some are visible while others can be detected only by a healthcare provider. They can vary in severity from mild to severe. Genetic problems are the cause of most birth problems. These occur when a gene is altered (mutated) or missing. Most genes are passed from parents to children but some originate from the environment. Environment-related factors include smoking, drinking alcohol or taking certain medications during pregnancy. Exposure to harmful chemicals can also increase the risk of a birth defect. Certain birth defects can be treated however, the majority of birth defects cannot be treated. These can include surgery, medicines and special home care. Surgery can fix birth defects such as the cleft palate and lips, as well as spina-bifida. Other issues, such as patent ductus arteriosus and Tay-Sachs ' disease, can be treated with medications. Women who drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy are at a higher risk of having a child with a birth defect. Women with a history of birth defects in their families are also at risk. It is important to discuss with your physician the possibility of having a child with a birth deformity. Medical Malpractice In many instances birth defects are the result of medical mistakes during pregnancy and delivery. A New York birth defects lawyer can help parents file a malpractice lawsuit against the medical doctor or other professionals that caused the child's condition. A doctor may have negligently prescribed medication to the mother, which increased the chances of the baby having a certain defect. If the child has a severe mental deficiency because of that medication, the child may receive disability benefits from the government to assist with their needs. A medical professional or a hospital could also have missed a chance to identify an birth defect that was present in the mother's uterus when screening for fetal defects was carried out. If the doctor failed to do the testing or discuss the results with parents and the parents, they could be held accountable for wrongful birth claims. Medical facilities, midwives and health professionals are required to disclose and provide medical records related to birth defects. The information could also be used to determine patterns and clusters, as well as possible causes. This information cannot be divulged to the public or any other individuals unless allowed by applicable laws and regulations, such as HIPAA. These regulations may vary by region. The information is only used for purposes that are approved by the department of health in the state. All employees involved in the program to monitor birth defects must also sign a confidentiality contract and receive training on how to handle confidential information. Prescription Drugs Amniocentesis as well as prenatal ultrasounds and blood tests are able to determine the risk of certain birth defects before a child is even born. These more precise screening options are available to women who are at greater risk of having a pregnancies due to the history of the mother or her advancing age. Many prescription or over-thecounter medicines can cause serious side effects in pregnant women. The pharmaceutical companies and the doctors who prescribe these medications are obliged to warn doctors about the dangers. If they fail to comply with this they could be held responsible for birth injuries. As a result of birth defects as a result of birth defects, medical, hospital and pharmaceutical bills can quickly mount up, especially when the defect is severe and requires ongoing treatment. It is essential to keep all receipts as well as bills and credit card records and other documentation that demonstrates your injuries and rights to compensation. Certain birth defects can be corrected by surgery. Some birth defects are permanent and affect the person for the rest of their life leading to significant limitations and disabilities. A birth defect lawyer who is experienced and sympathetic can help families get the compensation they deserve. You must make a claim as soon you discover that your child is suffering from an anomaly in their birth. Environmental Exposure Birth defects can be caused by many environmental factors. They can be caused by prescription or over the counter drugs as well as exposure to chemicals in the workplace or at home. Sometimes, the causes are difficult to pinpoint. But when too many babies with the same defect are born within an exact time frame and place, it is known as a birth defect "cluster". If there's any suspicion that an injury or birth defect was caused by medical malpractice or negligence, a medical malpractice lawyer should be sought out. A knowledgeable and sympathetic medical malpractice lawyer can assist families obtain the settlement they're entitled to, so that their child's birth defect or birth injury does not have lifelong negative effects. Many states have laws requiring the tracking of birth defects. This includes the capture of data from hospital discharge records. The information can be used to identify anomalies and trends. This information can be collected and shared via different programs like: