Birth defects of any kind can be extremely painful to work through. Not only are they psychologically hard for the parents and loved ones of the child, but they can also result in a horde of medical bills that are both unplanned and extremely expensive.
Though most causes of birth defects are unknown — 70%, in fact, according to the March of Dimes — in some cases, they can be the direct result of environmental situations or even medical neglect. If you think you and your child have been the victim of medical malpractice, it's best to call a birth defect attorney immediately to understand your rights.
How Can Medical Neglect Affect Your Child?
Some causes of birth defects are well known. They include drinking or using drugs while pregnant and exposure to certain toxic agents, such as pesticides or insecticides. When it comes to medical malpractice, the responsibility lays with the attending physician to determine the appropriate drugs to be prescribed for situations, as well as monitoring the health of the baby and the mother. For example, failure to treat an infection or treating it improperly can lead to birth defects.
Medical malpractice can also be more broad and include failing to perform certain tests (within reason), not informing the patient of the dangers associated with certain treatments, performing tests such as ultrasounds incorrectly, or even failing to read an ultrasound correctly. All of these represent errors on the part of the medical professional, and if they've affected the health of the child, the medical provider should be held responsible.
Furthermore, the medical professional is responsible for a healthy delivery of the child as well. If an anesthesiologist fails to deliver the drugs appropriately, or if the OB/GYN conducts a C-section too late, it can be unhealthy for the child. If you feel like you've been the victim of medical malpractice that resulted in a birth defect, call a birth injury lawyer today to learn about your rights.
What Are Your Rights?
The conditions associated with birth defects are as varied as the children that have them. Everything from a cleft palate to Down syndrome, heart issues, and limb deformities can be diagnosed early enough, so it's imperative that the medical professional choose the appropriate course of treatment. If they haven't, you may be entitled to compensation that can help take care of the issues that result from their errors.
There is usually a time limit on how long someone has to file a lawsuit, so contact a birth defect attorney today to learn what options are available to help you take care of your child.
